Barbados — Platinum Coast

Gibbes Beach

Gibbs Beach · Gibbes Bay

13°13.98'N 59°38.52'W

Depth

27m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

70m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

70m

70m for good holding on sand in 2–7m. Shallower than most west coast bays — approach carefully and check depths. Very calm in ENE trades. Good for shoal-draught vessels. Open to west.

About This Anchorage

Gibbes Beach (also spelled Gibbs Beach) is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados — a wide, calm, relatively undeveloped stretch of white sand with remarkably clear, flat turquoise water. The bay has less hotel infrastructure than the main Platinum Coast hotel strip and consequently feels quieter and more natural. The anchorage is slightly shallower than most west coast bays, making it ideal for shoal-draught boats. The village of Gibbes is a residential area — no significant commercial infrastructure. Mullins Beach (1nm south) has the nearest restaurant and bar facilities. The drive-to-beach character of Gibbes means relatively few tourists access it, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Protected From

E · NE · SE

Exposed To

W · NW · SW

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
No anchoring fee
Permit required
Yes

Restrictions: Customs cleared at Bridgetown required. Sand only — no anchoring on coral or sea grass. Shallow area close inshore — approach carefully.

Hazards

  • !Shallow approach — carefully check depths; suitable mainly for draught under 2m close inshore
  • !No facilities — carry provisions from Bridgetown
  • !Open to west — uncomfortable in westerly swell

Skipper's Tips

  • Gibbes Beach is one of the most consistently beautiful and quiet beaches on the Platinum Coast — ideal for a peaceful overnight
  • Best for shoal-draught vessels — the sandy shallows extend further out than most west coast bays
  • Excellent snorkelling directly from the boat in the clear shallow water
  • Mullins Beach Bar (1nm S by dinghy) is the easiest option for food and drink

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

No facilities at Gibbes Beach. Mullins Beach Bar (1nm S) is the nearest restaurant. Speightstown (2nm N) for provisioning.

Nearest provisions: Speightstown (2nm N) (2nm)

Best Months & Season

Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

December–April. One of the quietest anchorages on the Platinum Coast. Excellent for shoal-draught boats.

Recommended Anchor Types

Rocna/Manson SupremeDeltaBruce/claw

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m

On the Platinum Coast, even calm west coast conditions can see anchor drag toward sea grass beds or shallow patches. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can watch the Barbados sunset in peace.

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