image of Barbados beach view

Barbados

April 5, 2019

What to do in Barbados?

If you are planning a trip to the Caribbean and are making a list of what to do in Barbados when you get there, then you really are spoilt for choice.

Although famed for its fantastic beaches and its enviable climate there is much more to do than just sunbath and swim.

We have put together a list of some of our favourites.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

The beach, sailing and watersports

Over the years the Bajans have come up with an unlimited number of ways to have fun at the beach. Spend any amount of time on one of our stunning beaches and you are likely to see people playing any number of games. 

Perhaps an informal game of cricket or even beach volley ball. In the warm shallow waters you will see people boogie boarding, paddle boarding and snorkeling. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, why not hire a Hobie Cat, a Kayak, a Jet-Ski or even spend the day on a skippered Catamaran! 

There are plenty of small boat trips which take you out to slightly deeper waters and you might even get to swim with the beautiful turtles that inhabit our waters.

Fishing and Deep sea fishing

Barbados is an excellent location for deep sea fishing and the season is best from January through to April. If you want to experience deep sea fishing for yourself why not arrange a fishing charter and try your hand at catching Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado and Blue and White Marlin. Barbados is also perfect for fishing in general with fly fishing, bottom fishing and lure casting all being popular pastimes.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

The scuba diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean is truly amazing and Barbados is no exception. With clear tropical waters, superb coral reefs, and over 200 wrecks to explore there is much to see. The wide variety of marine life in our waters also make scuba diving and snorkeling and exceptional and memorable experience. 

You only need to venture a meter or so from the shore with a pair of goggles and you will start to see all manner of marine life. If you fancy being a bit more adventurous, grab a mask, snorkel and some fins and so long as you follow some golden rules of safety you are sure to have some incredible experiences. 

If scuba diving attracts you then there are plenty of great diving centres around Barbados. Barbados Blue Water Sports, West Side Scuba Centre and Roger’s Scuba Shack all offer a full range of PADI courses, dives and trial dives.

HERITAGE AND HISTORY

Bridgetown – UNESCO World Heritage Site

The historic area of Bridgetown and Garrison were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2011. The area is a well preserved area of British colonial architecture dating back to the 17th,18th and 19th centuries. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating port!

BARBADOS HISTORIC SITES

Barbados has a rich history and has a variety of interesting and historic sites to visit during your stay. If you are wondering what to do in Barbados on a rainy day, some of our favourites include:
Barbados Museum, Parliament Building, Government House, Gun Hill Signal Station, Morgan Lewis Mill, Oistins, Sunbury Plantation House and Tyrol Cot.

NATURE

Caves

Barbados has a unique geology that has resulted in rain water slowly eroding the underground coral beds on which the island is formed. This has resulted in a number of caves on the island, most notably Harrison’s Cave in the centre of the island. There are a number of tours available that take you down through a system of underground tunnels to view magical pools surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. 

The Animal Flower Cave at the North Point of Barbados is one of the only caves accessible by land and sea.

Please make sure you check the sea conditions and tides before you go.

Tropical gardens

Barbados has a rich horticultural history which makes the most of its fertile soils and warm climate and as such their area number of tropical gardens.

Why not check out Andromeda Botanical Garden, Balls Plantation (home to the Barbados Horticultural Society or BHS) Benthams House, Fisher Pond House, Hunte’s Garden and Nursery.

Turtles

Barbados is fortunate to be home to both hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Once an endangered species these amazing animals are making a comeback due to the Barbados Turtle Project and due to their protection from fishing. There area number of tours on the island which allow you to go out to visit and swim with the turtles.

REST, RELAXATION AND ROMANCE

Tropical spas and Treatments

Barbados is well known for its laid-back vibe and is the perfect place for romance and relaxation. Home to some of the most luxurious wellness and spa centres you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to de-stress and revitalise!

SPORTS

Cricket

Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and wherever you go on the island you will be reminded of this. From informal games on the beach, to games on the local cricket pitch to the famous Kensington Oval you can always find a game of cricket somewhere on the island. You will even find roads and roundabouts names after island cricket legends!

Horse Racing

Head to the Garrison Savannah Race track and you are guaranteed a great day racing as the Bajans love their horse racing! Located on the Garrison Savannah parade ground the track itself is interesting for its military history.

Polo

Apes Hill and Holders are famous during the winter season for Polo.

Golf

Golf is a popular pastime in Barbados and with the island’s tropical climate the courses are second to none. The most famous course is the Green Monkey course at Sandy Lane, but there are plenty of other great courses such as Rockley, Durants and Apes Hill to enjoy.

Surfing

With its warm tropical climate and geographic location on the east of the Caribbean, Barbados is a great place for surf.

We recommend South Point, Freight’s Bay and Silver Rock for great surfing and Kite Boarding from December to May when you can catch the swells coming in from the Atlantic. 

The Soup Bowl at Bathsheba on the rugged East Coast is consistent all year round.

We think you will agree that Barbados is a fantastic island and are confident you will have an amazing time when you visit. Whether it is adventure or relaxation you are looking for we hope you now have a better idea of what to do in Barbados during your stay.

If you are still looking for somewhere to stay in Barbados, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We offer holiday villas to suit all your accommodation needs during your stay on the island.