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Barbados · St James

The west coast travel guide

The Platinum Coast: calm seas, turtles and sunset dinners

The calm west coast of Barbados. Photo: Boutboul, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

8h 45mflight from London
BGInearest main airport
28° in Sepwarmest month
26° in Febcoolest month

The west coast, known as the Platinum Coast, has calm Caribbean water, luxury hotels and villas, and some of the island's best restaurants.

Snorkel with turtles at Paynes Bay, take a catamaran cruise and watch the sunset from Holetown or Speightstown.

Good forBeachesLuxurySnorkellingFood

What The west coast is known for

  • Turtles

    Swim with them.

  • Catamaran cruises

    Snorkel and sail.

  • Sunsets

    Over calm water.

  • Fine dining

    The island's best restaurants.

Top things to do in The west coast

  1. 1

    A catamaran cruise

    Turtles and shipwrecks.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Snorkel at Paynes Bay

    Calm and clear.

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  3. 3

    Holetown

    Shops, bars and history.

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  4. 4

    Speightstown

    An old port town.

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See all tours and tickets in The west coast

Where to stay in The west coast

Find a hotel in The west coast

Best time to visit The west coast

Best value: May, Nov. December to April: dry and sunny.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
26.4 C26°J26.2 C26°F26.3 C26°M26.9 C27°A27.6 C28°M27.8 C28°J27.9 C28°J28.2 C28°A28.4 C28°S28.3 C28°O27.8 C28°N27.2 C27°D
Bar height is the average temperature in The west coast, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 8h 45m from London to BGI, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Blue government buses and yellow ZR vans are cheap. Taxis are fixed-fare.

Airport transfer to The west coast

Find flights to The west coast (BGI)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Buses are cheap and run along the coast.
  • Book sunset dinners at popular restaurants.
  • Beaches are public all the way round the island.
Barbados guidesWhen to goFlight times

The west coast FAQ

Is the west coast good for families?

Yes, the sea is very calm.

West or south coast?

West for calm and luxury, south for value and nightlife.

More places in Barbados

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