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Culpepper Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Culpepper Island is a tiny, uninhabited islet positioned just off the eastern coastline of Barbados, near Ragged Point in the parish of St. Philip. Composed of solid coral limestone, this small outcrop stands as the easternmost point of the Barbadian landmass. One of its most intriguing features is that it can be reached on foot during low tide, when the receding Atlantic waters expose a shallow path allowing visitors to wade across. The surrounding sea is known for its turbulent waves and powerful currents, making swimming hazardous but creating a dramatic scenery of crashing surf. The island itself is home to nesting seabirds and hardy coastal vegetation that survives despite the constant salt spray. For those exploring the rugged east coast, Culpepper Island gives a sense of remote adventure and unique photographic opportunities of the limestone cliffs. Caution is essential, as the tide returns quickly, and one must plan their return carefully to avoid being stranded on the rocky islet.

Location: Barbados
Nearby: Four Roads (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	26	27	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	27
Rain mm	34	19	19	28	52	72	74	95	98	132	107	49

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Culpepper Island is reachable on foot at low tide, but caution is needed as the tide can come in quickly. The island itself is uninhabited and rocky, with no facilities.

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Typical hours

Access to the island is only possible at low tide; times vary daily. Be sure to check the tide table for the day before your visit.

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Photography

The rugged coast and rock formations provide dramatic photo subjects. Photograph at low tide to capture the natural walkway and tidal pools.

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Time needed

Allow about 30 minutes for the walk to the island and back, plus 15-30 minutes for exploring. Make sure to return before the tide turns.

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Combine with

Culpepper Island is located on the east coast near Bathsheba. Combine the visit with a swim at Bathsheba Beach or a hike along the nearby cliffs.

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Getting there

The island is accessible via Bathsheba beach; the walk starts at the southern end of the beach. Park at Bathsheba car park and follow the beach south.

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Insider tip

Wear water shoes as the seabed may have sharp rocks. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and a watch to keep track of time.

Geography

Coordinates

13.17000, -59.43000

Facts

Distance from mainland: 1.5 km
Highest elevation: 20 m above sea level
Area: 0.05 km²
Breeding pairs of red-billed tropicbird: ~2,000
Geological age: Miocene (23-5 million years ago)
Annual visitor numbers: <500

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ragged Point Lighthouse<1 km · WExplore →

Bottom Bay Cliffs2 km · WExplore →

Bushy Park Great House4 km · SWExplore →

Three Houses Park4 km · SExplore →

Four Roads5 km · SWExplore →

Codrington College5 km · SExplore →

Moncrieffe Hill6 km · SExplore →

Marchfield7 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Culpepper Island (1)

Palmetto Bay, Barbados📍 landmark

Palmetto Bay is a bay on the coast of Barbados, with a sandy beach.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk to the island?

At low tide, you can wade through shallow water, but beware of the currents.

Is the island inhabited?

No, Culpepper Island is a tiny, uninhabited coral island.

What is there to see on the island?

Mainly rocks and sparse scrub; it's more of a destination for adventurers.

Is a boat needed?

Usually not if you time it with the tides, but a boat is safer.

Is camping allowed?

Wild camping is not officially permitted and not advisable due to the waves.

Culpepper Island: where is it located?

Culpepper Island is located in Barbados.

Culpepper Island: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Culpepper Island: why is it worth visiting?

Culpepper Island is a tiny, uninhabited islet positioned just off the eastern coastline of Barbados, near Ragged Point in the parish of St.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

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