St Lawrence Beach (The Gap)

St Lawrence Beach is an arching ribbon of pale sand which greets the shallow clear waters of St Lawrence Bay (also known as Little Bay) on the southwest coast of Barbados. Amid urbanization reaching south from the heart of Bridgetown at the entrance to the ever-lively St Lawrence Gap, St Lawrence Beach may not be the most secluded of island beach escapes, but it still has plenty to offer those looking for some time on the sands.

A coral reef situated just offshore not only provides a mesmerizing place to snorkel, but also ensures strong currents never reach St Lawrence Beach. Instead, the glass-like shallows are a welcome addition, particularly with younger beachgoers at low tide, since at these times the bay becomes similar to a nursery pool with waters rising to no more than an adult’s knee.

Getting out onto the water isn’t difficult even then however, as beachside stalls rent out water sports gear ranging from kayaks to kitesurfs. Head to one of the beach’s restaurants for a drink or something to eat, and you may well have the added extra of witnessing a sea turtle rise to the surface to catch a breath.