March 5, 2023

The Boatyard: The Perfect Spot to Enjoy Carlisle Bay

Any trip to Barbados is going to involve some beach time. With the crystal clear waters and white sands surrounding the island, you’d be mad not to get the most out of them. While I saw a few beaches during my time in Barbados, none matched the breathtakingly picturesque sands around Carlisle Bay. The tourism industry tends to agree, with the beaches in this part of the island being the most popular among travellers. While in the area, I stopped by The Boatyard, a beachfront club that offers plenty for all kinds of beachgoers. Read along to find out more.

Spending time at Carlisle Bay is just one of the many things you can do in Barbados. If you’re planning a trip, check out my guide to the island HERE.

This is a photo taken at the entrance of the Boatyard's pier that reaches out in Carlisle Bay and ends with a swing out into its waters.

The Boatyard – Basics

Where? Bay Street, Bridgetown.
When? 9.00am – 7.00pm Sunday to Thursday, 9.00am – 8.00pm Friday and Saturday.
How much? Admission to the Boatyard Club is $35.00 USD or $70.00 BBD for adults and $20.00 USD/$40.00 BBD for children 3 to 12 years old. Your admission to the club comes with $45.00 BBD food and drink credit.
How to get there: The Boatyard is located at the northern end of Carlisle Bay, around Brownes Beach. If you follow the Bay Road south from Bridgetown its a brief 10 minute walk.
Website: https://www.theboatyard.com/

All You Need to Know About Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay was actually named after the first Earl of Carlisle, James Hay, who claimed Barbados for the English Crown in 1627. It is is a wide harbour on the southern side of Bridgetown, and is the most popular swimming spots in Barbados (many cruise guests won’t leave the Bay during their time on the island). The Bay is lined by the smooth, white sands of a number of beaches. It can get very crowded in peak season. The waters of the bay are calm and shallow, making them perfect for all age and ability levels, particularly as some of Barbados’ beaches further afield have a reputation for rougher currents. The Bay is also renowned as a snorkelling and scuba destination, with a number of shipwrecks further out in its waters.

Its extremely easy to get to Carlisle Bay. If you’re in Bridgetown, you’re basically already there – just head south until you reach the sandy shores. If you’re coming from further along the south coast of the island, you can either get on a bus or take a leisurely stroll along the main road. I was staying near St Lawrence Gap and was able to walk to Carlisle Bay in just under an hour – just stay hydrated if you plan on doing the same.

This is a photo looking south along Carlisle Bay from the Boatyard's pier.

What to You Get at the Boatyard?

Lets be clear: you don’t have to come to the Boatyard to enjoy Carlisle Bay. All of Barbados’ beaches are open to the public, and the waters are just as pristine and warm around the rest of the bay as they are in the area forming this beach club’s zone. If you’re on a budget in an already expensive country, you’ll have a great time at Carlisle Bay without paying to enter the Boatyard. With that said, by signing up for a day pass (you can come and go as you please), you’ll get a bunch of perks.

Your wristband admission grants you complimentary access to the club’s beach chairs and umbrellas, inflatable beach trampolines and ball games. You can also line up to ride a really fun swing at the end of the club’s pier, which launches you out over the water. Its a guaranteed fun day in the sun. The Boatyard also runs free snorkelling tours further out into the Bay, giving you the chance to swim with turtles. Spots fill up quickly, so you should reserve a time slot as soon as you arrive if you’re interested. I didn’t do this as I had actually been swimming with turtles earlier in the day, but if you haven’t had the chance during your stay in Barbados, I highly recommend it.

Speaking of, check out my post in which I cover my experience swimming with turtles in Barbados HERE.

This is a photo taken from the Boatyard's sands looking out into the clear waters of Carlisle Bay. You can see the club's swing and water trampolines in the distance.

Eating and Drinking at the Boatyard

I actually came to the Boatyard looking for something to eat. Therefore, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Sharkey’s Bar and Restaurant. With ample sheltered seating overlooking the Bay, you can dine on sandwiches, fish, pasta and more. In fact, this was actually the place I first tried flying fish – the national dish of Barbados! Prices off the menu range between $20 to $60 BBD, while drinks (rum punch much?) go between $6 to $20 BBD each. As I mentioned, you get credit to use at the bar with your admission, and I found that it was affordable enough for a few rounds of beverages here.

This is a photo of the meal I had at the Boatyard - my first time eating flying fish.

Is the Boatyard Worth It?

It was a matter of pure chance that I came across the Boatyard during my stay in Barbados. I was hungry after coming back from my turtle experience and was keen to spend some time on the beach. It just so happened that the Boatyard, with all its bright colours and fun music caught my attention and I investigated further. Spending a few hours at the Boatyard won’t be for everyone – its definitely tourist central, but sometimes tourists go to these places because they offer a good time. I had a wonderful time at the Boatyard. I would have experienced Carlisle Bay’s beaches whether I came here or not, but I think overall this club is worthwhile, especially considering the meal and drink credit.