Crane beach is a stretch of powdery sand formed by pink coral that was pulverized and washed up over time. Although the area is on the east side of the island, which is normally full of thundering waves, Crane Beach has towering cliffs on each end of the beach and a coral reef in the ocean that provide protection from powerful Atlantic Ocean waves. Walk along the soft beach, swim in protected shallows or bring a boogie board to enjoy the gentle waves. There is a lifeguard on duty. As at all beaches, watch for the red flag indicating conditions have become dangerous.This beach is often rated as the best in Barbados, and one of the top beaches of the world. Honeymooners enjoy the peaceful and romantic setting of the Crane Resort, which has been situated on the top of the 50-foot (15-meter) cliff since 1887. Sunrises here are phenomenal.If you’re not staying at the Crane, pay a fee (usable for resort purchases) to take the stairs or glass-fronted elevator to the top of the cliff to understand the resort’s appeal. You’ll immediately notice the many outdoor pools and Jacuzzi. Some of the individual rooms have private pools as well, many with infinity edges giving the perspective of being in an endless ocean.Enjoy the view of beach and ocean, walk through the gardens and admire the Grand Jeté statue of British ballet dancer David Wall, sculpted by Enzo Plazotta in 1981. Be sure to have shirt and shoes to enjoy drinks on the verandah of Bar 1887. Make a reservation to return in the evening dressed “elegantly” to enjoy sushi or Thai food at the restaurant.Interestingly, the beach gets its name not from a seabird, but from a crane used for loading and unloading boats when the area was used as a commercial harbor. The beach is 15 minutes from the airport and 30 from Bridgetown. Limited public beach parking is available on a one-lane alley. Public access requires a climb and hopping on rocks to get to the beach.
Crane Beach Tours
Visit Crane Beach
Plan a trip to see Crane Beach
The Club, Barbados Resort & Spa Adults Only - All Inclusive
Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024
Concierge Collection at O2 Beach Club & Spa by Ocean Hotels
Reviewed on Nov 17, 2023
Luxury Collection at Sea Breeze Beach House by Ocean Hotels
Reviewed on Jan 3, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Crane Beach
Tours & day trips
See all 53 activitiesOpens in new tabBeautiful Barbados: Transport included Harrisons Cave Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabBarbados Full-day Private Tour
Classes & workshops
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabFlying Dress Photoshoot in Barbados
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabFriday Night Live in Oistins Private Tour
Cruises & boat tours
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabCatamaran and Snorkeling Cruise At Carlisle Bay
Reviews of Crane Beach
4/5 - Good
You can rent boogie boards from vendors. If I go again I’ll bring my own as the Crane will store them at the beach for you.
3/5 - Okay
The water is beautiful but extremely rough. Great if your a surfer or boogie boarder. Not good for soaking or casual swimming.
4/5 - Good
Sea-weed was high at the Crane Beach but if you go to Pirates Cove you will never go anywhere else again Epic
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