Silver Sands Beach
Silver Sands is a beach on the southern coast of Barbados. One of the best beaches in Barbados, it's well-known for the water sports played along its shoreline. In particular, Silver Sands is a world-class location for windsurfers, who travel from all around the world to ply their trade at Silver Sands.
Windsurfing at Silver Sands Beach
With waters that hover around 27 degrees Celsius, complemented by strong winds and high waves, the windsurfing at Silver Sands beach is perfect for both beginners and experienced windsurfers alike. From mid-November to late-June, the trade winds blow consistently, providing the best window of opportunity for surfers. After June, the hurricane season begins. Sometimes during hurricane season, the waters are placid; other times, the wind and water rages ans storms approach.
If you're a windsurfing speed freak, then you should know that the Silver Sands waves aren't as high or as powerful as they are in Hawaii. Nonetheless, they can still easily reach the height of your 5 metre mast. Beginners can seek out a surf shop to help them find a quieter spot near Silver Sands to get started.
At Silver Rock, you might check out Brian Talma's surf shop. This is probably the closest place to hire a board. The nearby town of Oistins, too, has a few different shops. The waves near Oistins will be more comforting for beginner to intermediate surfers.
Places to Stay in Near Silver Sands Beach
Right on Silver Sands beach lies the Silver Sands Resort. This used to be one of the premiere places to stay, and is certainly the closest resort hotel to the beach itself. However, according to a notice on their website, they will be closing on September 30, 2010. Upon further investigation, no other details could be found. Therefore, if you want to book at Silver Sands Resort, plan your holiday soon; the closing might provide a great chance to get a cut-rate deal.
Blue Ocean Villa is a company offering private apartment rentals, with some locations a scant 100 metres from the beach. “Apartment”, however, could be considered a misnomer when you consider the level of space and luxury some of the Blue Ocean properties offer. In May and October through November, the quiet months, expect to pay around £30 per night for the smallest accommodation with room for one or two guests, up to about £80 per night for a cottage with room for up to eight guests. During the busy season of December to April, they climb again to £50 per night to £125 per night.
Seawinds Luxury Condominiums offer one and two bedroom condominiums with slightly less space and luxury than the Blue Ocean Villa accommodations listed above. Prices are comparable but a little lower than the Blue Ocean.
Others might prefer the pace of Peach and Quiet Hotel, which according to its own description is a small and unpretentious beachfront hotel. Situated within four acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel has only 22 suites. Each suite includes its own bathroom, along with a few basic but comfortable amenities. The hotel includes a restaurant, a regular swimming pool, a bar, and the only sea rock pool in Barbados. A perfect way to enjoy safe snorkeling, the sea rock pool is like an ocean aquarium, stocked with local fish. The hotel, which offers walking tours of the surrounding area, was named Fodor's Choice in both 2009 and 2010. Peach and Quiet is an excellent base of operations for the avid windsurfer who has family members or friends traveling along who aren't quite as interested in the sport and want something else to entertain them.
In sum, Silver Sands beach and the surrounding area are all about windsurfing and related water sports. That doesn't mean that the beauty of the area isn't arresting, or that there's nothing else to do but play in the water. However, if you're planning a holiday at Silver Sands beach, the main attraction will be the beach itself. The surrounding shops and other attractions, for most visitors, are almost an afterthought.
