Surfing in Barbados
Including Soup Bowl. On the map.
The vibe
The waves here are mellow and forgiving, making them perfect for beginners and those looking to catch a relaxed ride. The best swells arrive in the wet season, but small waves can be found year-round. Surf schools and rental shops cater to casual surfers, and the crowds swell during peak season but remain manageable.
Soup Bowl, Bathsheba
Barbados
giggel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Soup Bowl is the premier reef break in Barbados, famous for its powerful, hollow waves that attract world-class surfers. It is a high-performance wave best suited for experienced surfers looking for challenging barrels.
Access. Located on the rugged east coast, it is easily accessible by car from Bridgetown. There are several local surf schools and board rental shops in the nearby Bathsheba village.
Notes. The reef is sharp and the current can be strong; best for intermediate to advanced surfers. Seasonality peaks from November to April.