Beaches of Barbados in Photos: Reeds Bay / Thunder Bay Beach

Reeds Bay / Thunder Bay Beach

If I had thought to start blogging about my adventures in Barbados sooner, Reeds Bay would have been the first beach I posted about. When I started exploring the island on foot, it was the first beach I discovered. Having visited 24(!!) beaches across the island now, Reeds Bay still ranks as one of my favorites.

The bay lies hidden away in the parish of St. James along Barbados’ west coast. You can find Reeds Bay on a Google search, but it doesn’t actually appear as a beach. I guess that’s part of the reason why it stays so quiet!

Swimming, Snorkeling & Watersports

As with many “Platinum Coast” beaches, the sand is delightfully soft and the water is consistently calm and clear at Reeds Bay. There are not many rocks or coral formations in this area, so the snorkeling is not particularly interesting.

As far as other watersports go, this is a popular beach for jet skiing. Locals almost always offer a ride as soon as you step foot on the beach. There are no kayaks, paddleboards or otherwise available though.

Nearby Food & Drink

Funny enough, I’m actually not sure if “Reeds Bay” is even its technical name. A little place called Thunder Bay Beach Bar sits directly on the beach, so I’ve wondered if it’s also referred to as “Thunder Bay Beach”. Whatever the case, it’s an unspoiled shore that seems mostly only known by locals… and I’ve happily enjoyed more than a couple of Piña Coladas at the beach bar!

Simone’s Bajan Kitchen & Beach Services is also located at Reed’s Bay. Though I haven’t tried Simone’s yet, she receives highly recommended reviews as being one of the “hidden gems of Barbados”, offering both food and drink at reasonable prices AND with delightful hospitality.

There are a number of other restaurants right around the area, too. From Wafel Haus Breakfast Cafe to Real Jamaican Jerk Food, you’ll have plenty of options if you get hungry!

Amenities

Next to Thunder Bay Beach Bar is a sandy parking lot for beach goers. It’s fairly small, but seems to be adequate enough for the low number of tourists that head to Reeds Bay. Just be aware, I couldn’t find any public facilities located on the beach (though I have read reviews online saying they are there somewhere).

Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from Simone’s Bajan Kitchen & Beach Services and there is also a small hut on the beach that offers massages.

Other Highlights

Watch your step during the summer months as turtles are known to nest here! When my dad visited Barbados last September, we had an amazing encounter when a turtle (unidentified species, but it was huge!) came ashore and dug out a hole to lay her eggs. It was close to 9:00pm and we didn’t want to disturb her with lights and cameras, so you’ll just have to take my word for it!

Otherwise, Reeds Bay is a simply idyllic spot for relaxing on the beach or floating in the water all day. Be sure to stay and watch a beautiful sunset!

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