Bottom Bayou
A secluded beach with striking blue waters, palm trees, and short cliffs, offering a tranquil escape on the Atlantic coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer people, more serene
Bottom Bayou
Best Time
Fewer people, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded beach with striking blue waters, palm trees, and short cliffs, offering a tranquil escape on the Atlantic coast.
"The views of the Bay are great if you can ignore the amount of seaweed that’s washed up."
🚗 Access with a Car
Renting a car is recommended for easy access to this secluded spot.
⚠️ Swimming Advisory
Strong Atlantic waves make swimming dangerous. Enjoy the views instead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Sandy Beach
Bottom Bayou
Enjoy a quiet, private beach with blue waters and palm trees. Perfect for a peaceful escape.
Scenic Cliffs
Overlooking the bay
The short cliffs backing the beach offer picturesque views of the bay and the Atlantic.
Cave Picnics
Along the beach
Discover caves perfect for a unique picnic spot, some even with signs of baby sea turtle tracks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beach Access & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Access with a Car
Renting a car is recommended for easy access to this secluded spot.
⚠️ Swimming Advisory
Strong Atlantic waves make swimming dangerous. Enjoy the views instead!
🥥 Coconut Drinks
Look out for vendors selling refreshing coconut drinks on the beach.
🦀 Watch for Crabs
Be mindful of small crabs on the stairs and beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Access with a Car
Renting a car is recommended for easy access to this secluded spot.
⚠️ Swimming Advisory
Strong Atlantic waves make swimming dangerous. Enjoy the views instead!
🥥 Coconut Drinks
Look out for vendors selling refreshing coconut drinks on the beach.
🦀 Watch for Crabs
Be mindful of small crabs on the stairs and beach.
🚫 No Facilities
There are no toilets or other facilities, so come prepared.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bottom Bayou is a stunning, secluded beach with beautiful blue waters and scenic cliffs, often enjoyed for its tranquility and privacy. While the strong Atlantic waves make swimming dangerous, visitors appreciate the unique caves and the chance to relax away from crowds. Some find the presence of sargassum seaweed a drawback, and the lack of facilities requires preparation.
"We’d rented a car for a few days while on the island, and we stopped by here after going to Ragged Point Lighthouse. Definitely recommend checking out if you have a way to get there. We were the only ones on the beach, it was a Wednesday at the end of October, but worth the trip. Beach faces the Atlantic Ocean so waves can be a little rough."
Chris Stearns
"Not a bad little spot if you happen to visit Harrismith too, as you can walk to Bottom Bay from there within a matter of minutes. The views of the Bay are great if you can ignore the amount of seaweed that’s washed up."
Mark
"Do not try to swim here lol you won’t come get back on the each! Very strong waves! Great beach, very quiet, we was the only ones on it as it’s quite secluded. Very private, a few sunbeds down there, and 2 guys selling coconut drinks 🥥🌴
No toilets, or any facilities actually. But it’s perfect!"
j reilly30
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Bottom Bayou. It's a secluded spot, so public transport might be challenging. Consider visiting after Ragged Point Lighthouse if you have a vehicle.
While beautiful, it's a bit secluded. Having a car and perhaps GPS is recommended. It's also walkable from Harrismith.
Parking is generally not an issue due to its secluded nature, especially on weekdays.
Yes, you can walk to Bottom Bay from Harrismith within a few minutes, offering a nice coastal stroll.
Access involves a sturdy staircase with 50 steps and a railing, which is generally manageable but requires some mobility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bottom Bayou is a natural beach and does not have an entrance fee.
As a natural beach, Bottom Bayou is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required as it's a public beach. You can visit anytime.
The main restriction is related to swimming due to strong currents. Otherwise, it's a natural beach for enjoyment.
Bring essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a towel. Since there are no facilities, pack out everything you pack in.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the blue waters, palm trees, and the scenic cliffs. The caves also offer unique photographic opportunities.
While facing the Atlantic, sunset views might be indirect. However, the golden hour light on the cliffs and beach can be beautiful.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local advisories before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and cliffs. A polarizing filter can help manage glare on the water.
Look for the sargassum (seaweed) if present, as it can add a unique texture. Also, keep an eye out for crabs and potential turtle tracks.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
The water is blue and beautiful, but the Atlantic waves are very strong, making it unsafe for swimming.
It is strongly advised not to swim at Bottom Bayou due to very strong waves and currents.
Sargassum is a type of seaweed that can wash ashore. It's sometimes present at Bottom Bayou, which can affect the beach's appearance. +1
You can enjoy a picnic in the caves, explore the beach, and take photos. It's primarily a place for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Keep an eye out for small crabs on the beach and stairs. There have also been sightings of baby sea turtle tracks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🌿 Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Bayous and Swamps
In the context of Bottom Bayou, the 'bayou' aspect likely refers to the calm, blue waters that contrast with the more exposed Atlantic coast. This creates a unique microclimate and visual appeal. The presence of palm trees and short cliffs further enhances its distinctiveness, setting it apart from typical open ocean beaches.
Navigating the Atlantic Coastline
Despite the swimming advisory, the Atlantic coastline offers dramatic views and a sense of raw natural beauty. The cliffs backing the bay provide a vantage point to appreciate this power. Visitors can still enjoy the beach by relaxing, picnicking, and taking in the scenery, but caution is paramount when interacting with the water.
The Sargassum Situation
However, even with sargassum, the underlying beauty of Bottom Bayou is often highlighted. Some visitors find ways to appreciate the beach despite the seaweed, perhaps by focusing on the unique textures it creates or by picnicking in the caves. It's a reminder that natural environments are dynamic and can change seasonally.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit