Your idea of a perfect Caribbean holiday might be kicking back with a rum punch on the beach as the sound of lapping waves and distant reggae classics woo you into a state of perfect relaxation. Alternatively, you might be eager to get active by snorkelling with turtles or exploring enchanting underground caverns. The good news for visitors to Barbados is that you can do all those things and plenty more besides.
We’ll run through some of the “must-do” activities and attractions to be found in Barbados, then we’ll highlight some of the most popular and interesting options available to families, couples, and backpacker or solo travellers.
Must-Do Highlights in Barbados
- West Coast Beaches – Known as the “Platinum Coast”, the West Coast beaches offer calm, clear water and perfect sand to help you melt into relaxation.
- Harrison’s Cave – A tram tour through this beautiful natural attraction is truly enlivening, with waterfalls, streams and stalactites creating a hauntingly enchanting experience.
- Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour – Discover the story and cultural significance of this famous Caribbean spirit at the world’s oldest rum distillery. Worth a visit whether you are a rum fan or not.
- Swimming with turtles in Carlisle Bay – Snorkellers at Carlisle Bay are regularly treated to the sight of Hawksbill and Green sea turtles gliding in amongst the many shipwrecks, a real highlight for nature-lovers.
- Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison – A UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, exploring the history of the Barbadian capital gives visitors a great insight into the development of this fascinating island nation.
- Oistins Fish Fry – This open-air, vibrant event brings locals and tourists together as they enjoy music, good times, and plenty of exceptionally good fried or grilled fish.
Top Activities and Attractions for Families
Most of the highlights mentioned would be suitable for families (except for the rum distillery… at least when it comes to the tastings!). Depending on the age of your children, there are plenty of family-friendly excursions and attractions throughout the island. For instance, as well as exploring Harrison’s Cave by tram, families with older kids might also fancy something a little more dramatic: a “Monkey Zipline” course through the tropical forest canopy perhaps?
A guided snorkelling trip in Carlisle Bay can be a fantastic way to introduce children to marine life in its natural environment. For younger children, equally enthralling (but less wet!) submarine trips could fit the bill. Families who enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean movies should certainly check out the pirate-themed boat trips. And of course there’s plenty to do at the beaches themselves, from swimming, surfing and other watersports, to a game of cricket on the sand, which will always attract plenty of eager participants and can be a good way to meet the locals. And if your family is into cricket, why not take in a local or international match at the world-renowned Kensington Oval on the outskirts of the capital?
Top Activities and Attractions for Couples
Many Caribbean islands are popular with honeymooners or couples who fancy a romantic break, and Barbados has more than enough to keep the lovebirds singing. One of the most romantic activities to choose is one of the many sunset cruise options, such as the highly-rated catamaran cruises provided by Silver Moon.
While some cruises pack out the boats, the best companies limit the number of guests to ensure you have the best possible experience. And, if you really want to splash out, you could charter your own yacht, complete with skipper and crew, for the ultimate in sailing escapism and luxury holiday romance.
For couples seeking a day away from the paradise beaches, an afternoon exploring the lush flora of Hunte’s Garden in central Barbados will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in horticulture. The multi-level botanical gardens offer a wide range of tropical plants, lilies and palm trees, and you might well spot humming birds sipping nectar from the colourful blooms. There are also plenty of hideaways amongst the foliage, and refreshments are available, including a very tasty rum punch – of course!
Back to the beach, and there are several adults-only resorts and hotels for those who would rather embrace that dynamic. Many will pull out all the stops to create a romantic environment for their guests, with beachfront candlelit dinners with relaxing calypso bands accompanying the setting sun (on the West Coast). There are too many excellent restaurants to mention, but The Tides, located in the heart of Holetown, is particularly well regarded for lovers of seafood who want a relaxed but luxurious dining experience.
Top Activities and Attractions for Budget, Backpacker and Solo Travellers
In recent years, there has been a significant growth in the number of solo travellers who enjoy the freedom and adventure of travelling alone. Barbados has more than enough to satisfy this demographic and many of the activities and attractions already mentioned are equally applicable to solo travellers.
Although not as geared up for traditional backpacking as some more obvious “round-the-world” destinations such as South-East Asia or, Australia and New Zealand, there are lots of things to see and do that won’t break the bank.
Obviously visiting some of the many beaches and simply lapping up the Caribbean sunshine doesn’t cost much (once you’ve factored in the flights, at least). And the aforementioned Oistins Fish Fry also offers great value food and drink, and the chance to mingle with both locals and fellow travellers.
For those eager to meet others, joining group surfing lessons is a good option. There are several professionally run and fun surf schools available, such as Dread or Dead Surf School (don’t be put off by the name… they take safety very seriously!). They change the location of their lessons based on the best surfing conditions on the day and the experience levels of those in the group. Some of the best waves tend to be found on the Atlantic coast in the east, with Bathsheba Beach a firm favourite with the surfing community.
Once the sun sets, the nightlife kicks off, and there are some brilliant options for backpackers and solo travellers around the St Lawrence Gap, a 1.5-kilometre stretch of bars, restaurants and clubs on the South Coast. With several great-value rum shops and beachfront bars, you can grab some freshly cooked street food, then dance the night away to live bands at the Old Jamm Inn or, if karaoke’s your thing, check out A Friend’s Place.
Best Beaches in Barbados
There are 82 named beaches dotted around the Barbadian coast, with many offering soft white sand and inviting, calm waters, especially in the west and south of the island. The West Coast, known as the Platinum Coast, is particularly suited to swimming in calm, often fairly warm water, with Paynes Bay and the crescent-shaped Sandy Lane Beach being two of the best around. The West Coast is obviously also the place to be to take in the stunning Caribbean sunsets while sipping your beverage of choice.
On the South Coast, Carlisle Bay is a fantastic family-friendly option offering great swimming and snorkelling. It also has a fine array of restaurants and bars to keep you well fuelled. One of the benefits of many of the South Coast beaches is that they tend to be wider than those on the West Coast, with Dover Beach and the rather aptly named Sandy Beach being great for those who want to hang around later in the day, as the bars of St Lawrence Gap burst into life. Accra Beach is another fine option for families as there are usually lifeguards on duty and there are showers and changing facilities available, plus water sports options aplenty.
The rugged Atlantic East Coast is certainly beautiful to look at, but it’s not as inviting as the West or South when it comes to swimming, and those visiting Bathsheba and Tent Bay should beware of the potentially dangerous currents. There are some accessible rock pools in which some people take a dip, but even here you should be aware of stray waves that can crash in and catch people unawares. Where the East Coast comes into its own is for surfers. If you’re inexperienced, it might be a little much, so it’s advisable to join an organised surf school rather than venturing out alone. For advanced surfers seeking to catch a real wave, the Soup Bowl is the place to be, but it is not for the faint of heart!
Barbados Has All Bases Covered
In Barbados, you will have the opportunity to be as active or relaxed as you like. Beach bums and sun worshippers will certainly have more than enough choice, and couples and honeymooners are also extremely well catered for. Those who want to get out and about will find plenty in the way of adventure (such as scuba diving around shipwrecks or exploring the cave systems), and there is nightlife to suit any level, from relaxing, romantic candlelit gourmet meals on the beach to lively, upbeat bands accompanied by an obligatory rum punch or three.