“This is dangerous water for swimmer or mariner and best viewed from shore.”
River Bay, Barbados
A small brackish river flows very slowly a few hundred yards inland. Shaded benches under casuarina pine trees – an ideal spot for a picnic. But the sea in Barbados is never far away.
Soft pine needles underfoot…
Ford the river and walk up the gentle slope, soft underfoot with pine needles, towards the increasing roar of the sea.
Suddenly the horizon turns deep blue and the Atlantic in all its furious frenzy hoves into sight. Continue along the cliff top and marvel at the huge breakers as they smash against the cliffs, throwing tall spires of white spume high into the air.
Behind you, palm trees circle the small, sleepy settlement of River Bay where residents surely either acclimatise to the constant sound of waves… or go mad.
A few hundred yards to seaward, outcrops of rock poke from the ocean. Waves break remorselessly over them. This is dangerous water for swimmer or mariner, best viewed from shore.
Marvel at the beauty and power
As elsewhere in the harsh east coast, tiny orange butterflies and grasshoppers flitter around the sharp, inhospitable coral rock despite the wind which threatens to knock the sturdiest human off their feet.
The view of River Bay from the cliff top perch is spectacular. It’s suddenly easy to see why swimming in that water, whatever the state of the tide, merits the warning sign. Strong currents it says, a danger which increases during the tourist season as the sea flows more powerfully from the north at this time of year. Don’t mess with it. Just marvel at the waves – this wonderful force of nature – and the power generated by a three thousand mile journey.
Getting to River Bay, Barbados: regular bus from Bridgetown for the intrepid and the bay is easy to find by car with a combination of map and irregular sign posts.
Take a Peek
Behind the Images Below
Find the Hidden Treasure
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