Walking the Boardwalk
Construction of the boardwalk was not linear so there is no official start and
end. You choose.
If you are an early morning walker, walking from Accra will have the sun at your back and is best for taking pictures on the first leg but not on the return.
For a sunset view, walk from Camelot and you will return looking at the sunset rather than returning in the dark. Time it so you start before 5pm, walk briskly and return leisurely to the setting sun. Sunset are about 6pm in winter and approximately 30 minutes later in summer.
Walking fast will take about 11 minutes one way, expect 20 minutes for a stroll.
To see the sunrise, again Camelot is best as you will be walking into the sunrise and returning with the sun on your back. Just right for picture taking and avoiding sun in your eyes.
Accra Beach
Where ever you start, Accra beach will be a port of call. Accra is one of Barbados' most popular beaches, deep and long with good shade and a lot of activity.
Across the road is Chefette, Barbados answer to McDonalds, with curry served in a sort of wrap - called a Roti.
On my walk from Accra beach today, it is 8am with some cloud around. The weather is a bit odd but the clouds pass quickly and there is ample sunshine.
Accra Beach Hotel
Accra Beach Hotel is close to the boardwalk on the north of the beach. It has a sunken swimming pool and a swim up bar. It's a popular 4 star hotel with several restaurants and conference facilities. Prices are reasonable.
Champers
At the south end of the beach, a few hundred yards from the boardwalk, is Champers. Considered by many to be one of the best restaurants in Barbados, Champers also has an excellent art gallery showcasing colourful Caribbean Art.
It is a lovely space with an excellent view and 5 star dining.
Swimming and Snorkeling
On the
walk with the sun behind, the horizon is clear and the sea a deep blue.
There is usually some wave action at Accra which makes it good for
body surfing. Swimming at Accra is excellent.
The large offshore
reef, about 100 yards out to sea, is habitat to many variety of
fish. Bring along your goggles!
Magic Isle Apartments
The first property at the start of the boardwalk and next to Accra Beach Hotel is Magic Isle Apartments. It offers one and two bedroom apartments at rates of under US$200 for four people in the two bedroom.
Commercial Centre
The boardwalk from Accra
travels close to established buildings, restaurants and hotels. There
are mature almond trees that shade the walk as you start.
The first point of interest is a small commercial centre with food
outlets and boutiques. The centre is behind the Almond Bay (in picture)
and the Black Pearl (next).
Lots To Do!
The commercial center is on the road side, behind Almond Bay (with the poles in front) and Black Pearl restaurant (green roof).
Here you can get Jamaica Jerk Chicken, that is as good as it is in Jamaica. That's because the owners are Jamaican! It's not on the beach but just behind the Black Pearl restaurant (green roof).
Bistro Monet a small bistro serving tasty fare. Gelato Ice creams are also available in this area.
Mirror Mirror on the Wall!
The mirror before Black
Pearl Restaurant is actually a window in the Pearl dining room!
Be warned, before you adjust apparels and apparatus - you may be
being watched. Black Pearl Dinners apparently enjoy the show.
Allamanda Beach Hotel
Allamanda Beach Hotel, a part of the Palm Group, had built its own boardwalk in front of its pool (behind the fence). Before the Barbados boardwalk, there often was virtually no beach in font of the hotel. Now there is no shortage of sand.
Visit Allamanda Beach Hotel for hotel information or to make a booking.
Gardeners at Work
Gardeners
take care of the new planting on the promenades. Planting on both
sides of the boardwalk is still underway.
Looking at this now it's hard to believe that the grass is growing
where the the sea was a while ago!
Local Fishing Boats
You will see local fishing
boats going out to sea in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.
Local boats are not allowed to fish in the inside reef - some will
drop nets outside of the reef and encircle fish. Its a old fashioned
way, men jump into the water and herd the fish into the nets, then
jump back in to pull in the net and fish.
A Pram Brigade
A pram brigade passing KFC, These mums walk fast and do several laps of the boardwalk. They passed me several times, I move slow with a camera: Excuses! going to get in shape soon!
Looking East
Looking East to Aqua from KFC. We've Reached The End!
If you joined us at the western end of the boardwalk at Camelot then you've completed the trip!Start Again?
Please share your comments and feedback or select one of the Boardwalk Fun Activities below.