Ultimate Travel Guide to Saint Lawrence Gap, Barbados
Saint Lawrence Gap in Barbados is a popular neighborhood on the southern coast of Barbados, located in the Christ Church parish. People choose to stay here for a perfect blend of beach relaxation, nightlife, and local flavor. It’s walkability, safety, and beach access make the area an ideal destination for anyone. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, this Saint Lawrence Gap, Barbados travel guide covers everything you need to know—top attractions, where to stay and eat, and the best ways to experience this popular Barbados tourist destination.
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When to Visit Barbados
Barbados has 2 seasons: wet and dry.
The dry season is December to May, the most popular time of year for tourism, due to its ideal tropical conditions. I visited for a month (from April to May 2025), and the weather was fantastic in Southern Barbados with more frequent rain showers. While still hot, this time of year has consistent wind that helps cool you down.
The wet season is from June to November, and is hurricane season. While brief afternoon showers are common, they’re often followed by sunshine. For a more affordable, quiet Barbados visit, consider visiting during the rainy season! Just keep tabs on weather radars ahead of your trip, and embrace the beauty these months bring to the island.
How to Get to Saint Lawrence Gap
Barbados’ international airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), is located in the southeast part of the island. Access to Saint Lawrence Gap, a lively neighborhood on the South Coast of Christchurch, from the airport is straightforward. It’s about a 15-17 minute drive away by car or taxi, which you can get from the airport taxi service desks upon arrival.
The best way to get around Saint Lawrence Gap is by rental car, taxi, or on foot.
Rental Car - A rental car gives you the most freedom to explore the island, but it is not necessary.
Taxi - The rideshare app pickUP Barbados works very well in this region of Barbados! Alternatively, you can flag down taxis on the road. All along St Lawrence Gap, there will be taxi drivers on the roadside ready to drive you.
Walking - The neighborhood of St Lawrence Gap is walkable! You can walk end to end of the strip in about 20 minutes, with many restaurants and bars along the way.
You can also refer to Roam2Rio to see how to get from one place to the next via the Barbados bus system if public transit is your preference.
Left: White Sands Beach Condo; Right: O2 Beach Club & Spa
Where to Stay in Saint Lawrence Gap
Saint Lawrence Gap is one of the most popular areas in Southern Barbados for tourists due to its proximity to restaurants, bars, shops, and the well-known Dover Beach. Its location is far enough from the bustling action and cruiseport of Bridgetown, yet still within reach of it and many other attractions in the area.
Here are some of the best places to stay in St Lawrence Gap:
White Sands Beach Condo | We stayed here for 2 weeks! 1 & 2 bedroom, fully-equipped, ocean view condos on a beach with low foot traffic. Tucked down a quiet street off the St Lawrence Gap strip.
Hotel Le Roy | Comfortable hotel rooms on Dover Beach - one of the South coast’s most popular beaches.
Blue Haven Holiday Apartments | Studio rooms, some with kitchenettes. On-site shared laundry facilities and an ideal location make this a great option for short or long-term stays.
Yellow Bird Hotel | Located in the heart of St Lawrence Gap. Highly-rated hotel with studios, 1, and 2 bedrooms. Walking distance to some of the best restaurants and bars in this area!
Rostrevor Hotel | Ocean-view rooms in beach access hotel with a pool, gym, and restaurants on site.
O2 Beach Club & Spa | We stayed here for 3 nights! Luxury, all-inclusive spa resort on the beach with 3 pools, several on-site restaurants, and beautiful suites.
There are also many accommodations in and around SLG available on Airbnb!
Where to Eat in Saint Lawrence Gap
Here are some must-visit places to eat and drink in Saint Lawrence Gap in Oistins, Barbados. (Always check the restaurant website or social media for days and hours of operation.)
Castaways Barbados
Castaways is a dinner spot with exquisite views of St Lawrence Bay. Their green Thai curry was delicious!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Daddy’s Restaurant & Bar
Daddy’s is one of several casual restaurants and bars in a collective food court-type area on Dover Beach. Home-cooked style Bajan plates including jerk chicken, macaroni pie, flying fish cutter, and more.
The other establishments to check out in the area are:
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
The Cake Lady Coffee Shop
My favorite daily spot for coffee! (Oat milk available!) The Cake Lady Coffee Shop has more than coffee, though. Their extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, cutters, and sweet treats never disappoints. Try a slice of their homemade cakes!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Bliss Cafe
Bliss Cafe is a breakfast/lunch bistro, known for its milkshakes and waffles! Flatbreads and English breakfasts cover the savory side of the menu.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Cafe Sol
Mexican food on your mind? Cafe Sol is a Mexican restaurant in St Lawrence Gap serving tacos, fajitas, margaritas, and more! The restaurant overlooks St Lawrence Bay in a busy part of town.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Tabú Restaurant
Tabú, located in the busiest part of Saint Lawrence Gap, offers a fine-dining experience of gourmet dishes and signature cocktails.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Car Bar
A street bar serving drinks and Bajan snacks out of a van. A tent over the back end of the van covers a few tables and chairs for a quick bite or drink. So fun!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Mimosas Trattoria and Bar
Mimosas is a seaside restaurant with stunning balcony views, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menus consist primarily of Italian and Western fare in generous portions. If mahi-mahi is the catch-of-the-day, I highly recommend it!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Cocktail Kitchen
Located in the undeniable St Lawrence Gap hotspot, Cocktail Kitchen whips together a unique and sophisticated menu of Caribbean flavors and ingredients.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Rebell Burger Bar
If you are craving a good American burger, Rebell Burger Bar in Oistins is the place to go.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Oistins Fish Fry
A short drive from Saint Lawrence Gap, open every day but most lively on Friday evenings, Oistins Fish Fry. A large collection of food stalls makes up this market, selling traditional Bajan dishes in a casual, outdoor setting. Go early to beat the crowds and bring cash just in case!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Left: The Dover Market; Right: Clifton Market
Grocery shopping around St Lawrence Gap
The Dover Market (convenience store)
Gap Convenience Store (convenience store)
Best Things to Do in Saint Lawrence Gap, Barbados
No car while staying in Saint Lawrence Gap? That’s ok! All of these activities in Saint Lawrence Gap don’t require driving and can be walked to as long as you are staying in the neighborhood.
Rent a beach chair at Dover Beach
Dover Beach is a popular white-sand beach with turquoise waters where you can rent chairs and umbrellas for a day of lounging. All along the beach are restaurants and bars to keep you fed and hydrated. Public restrooms and beach showers are also available.
💰Cost: $10 BBD ($5 USD)/chair; $10 BBD ($5 USD)/umbrella
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Catch a show at Barbados Magic Lounge
Barbados Magic Lounge holds seasonal shows in their intimate performing arts theatre overlooking St. Lawrence Bay. Make it a dinner and show by eating at Castaways Restaurant before the show.
Keep an eye on their website for the next Magic Lounge act to purchase tickets for!
💰Cost: Depends on show
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Water sports with Charles Water Sports (Dover Beach)
Charles Water Sports is a top-rated water sports provider on Dover Beach. Whether you are looking to sail, surf, snorkel, windsurf, paddle board, kayak, jet ski, or swim with sea turtles on your holiday, Charles has safe and reliable equipment for you to rent.
You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas from Charles!
💰Cost: Varies by activity
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Try out archery at Field’s Archery
A fun and unique family or date-night activity! Field’s Archery is an archery range suitable for all skill levels and most ages. You will be welcomed and taught the basics for this enjoyable activity in St Lawrence Gap.
💰Cost: $20 BBD ($10 USD)/person
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Walk along the St Lawrence Gap strip
You can walk the length of St Lawrence Gap in about 20 minutes end-to-end. Along the strip road, accurately named St Lawrence Gap that turns to Dover Road at the East end, are bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, one after the other to stop and enjoy.
💰Cost: Free
Relax with a spa day at O2 Beach Club & Spa
O2 Beach Club & Spa is a luxurious spa resort in St Lawrence Gap, home to Acqua Spa. You don’t need to stay at this 5-star, all-inclusive hotel to benefit from the spa services offered here. Acqua Spa provides a range of services, including body wraps, massages, facials, specialty treatments, and more.
Book your spa appointment on their website!
💰Cost: Depends on spa package
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Reggae Saturdays at The Dive
For live reggae and classic Caribbean music that you can dance to all night, visit The Dive on a Saturday night. Weekly live entertainment and music are there throughout the week, too!
💰Cost: Cover charge
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Take a surf lesson at Barry’s Surf Barbados
Barry’s Surf Barbados is a top surfing school in Barbados, offering beginner surf lessons led by experienced instructors. Beginners and experienced alike travel to Barbados to surf the perfect breaks around the island.
💰Cost: $75 USD/person for a 2-hour lesson
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Morning yoga at Yoga Samudra
Start your day with sea-view Vinyasa Flow or Gentle Stretch classes at Yoga Samudra overlooking the beautiful St Lawrence Bay. Yoga with the sound of crashing waves - doesn’t get better than that!
💰Cost: $30 USD/person for 60-minute class
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Tips for Visiting Saint Lawrence Gap
You can get an eSIM card ahead of your arrival in Barbados using the app Airalo. Get $3 off your first eSIM card with my referral code, ANNA5384
Check establishment websites and social media for days and hours of operation. Many places around the island are closed 1 or more days of the week and for holidays, so do a bit of research on the places you wish to visit before heading that way.
Carry cash with you, just in case. Credit card is widely accepted in Barbados, especially in the touristy South, but as you venture out into the less populated and traveled-to parishes, or dine and shop at more locally owned establishments, you may find cash is more frequently necessary. The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) and USD are universally accepted across Barbados.
A rental car is not necessary for this area. The Gap is walkable. Taxis are easy to grab on the side of the roads or through the app pickUP Barbados.
Hire a local taxi driver for the day! If you aren’t confident driving around on your own, hire a local driver who knows the area and can navigate difficult roads that they are used to driving. They will also likely be able to provide more local recommendations on where to go and offer you some history of the areas you are visiting, which is a great way to support the local economy.
Saint Lawrence Gap is safe, but as with any place in the world, always pay attention to your surroundings! In my personal experience, I never felt in danger walking around The Gap, even late at night (though I was always with my boyfriend). I walked on my own every morning to get coffee for us over the 2 weeks I stayed in SLG, and I also never felt unsafe. The most interaction I typically got was from taxi drivers asking if I needed a ride!
Prioritize sun protection and hydration. This goes for the whole island. Barbados is hot, humid, and mostly sunny! Before heading out, always put on sunscreen. Wear sunglasses, hats, and UV shirts. Handheld fans are helpful for areas or days with little wind. And drink, drink, drink water!
Wear mosquito repellent. Especially at dawn and dusk, if you are prone to being a target for mosquitoes.
Respect and embrace “island time.” Things are not always as efficient and fast-paced as in places like the US, Canada, etc. Be patient and flexible!
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