Things to do in Barbados
Visitors return to Barbados year after year never tiring of the climate, scenery, people and the abundance of things to do in Barbados.
Whether you just want to relax and enjoy your hotel, villa,the beaches and the crystal clear waters or whether you prefer to be busy or just to eat, drink and be merry, Barbados has it all on offer.
Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Barbados apart from enjoying the beaches and the watersports.
Catamaran sailing in Barbados
No holiday in Barbados would be complete without a day on the water. What better than to charter a catamaran with crew and sail up and down the west coast dropping anchor to swim with turtles. The catamarans in Barbados come in many different sizes and specifications and we can oganise either a few places on a luxury catamaran or, if you prefer, we can arrange for you and your family/friends to charter a private catamaran with crew. The choice is yours.
Most people who spend a day on a catamaran will remember it as the best day of their holiday.
With lunch and all beverages included (generally including wine, spirits and soft drinks) and a delicious local lunch of chicken, flying fish, garlic bread, rice and peas and salad we think these days on a catamaran with an experienced crew are worth every penny. What price do you put on making memories of a lifetime?
There is a range of catamarans-private charters and shared charters. The ultra luxurious ones include The Cat and the Fiddle, Over the Moon, Cool Runnings IV and Seaduced.
There are a number of mid range catamarans that also offer a great family day our and our team in Barbados will be happy to help you.
Just tell us what you want and our local office in Barbados will make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that you and your loved ones have one of your most memorable days ever.
Contact us today to book your luxury catamaran in Barbados
Don't be tricked into thinking this is a church because it is anything but. St Nicholas Abbey is one of our favourite historic places to visit on Barbados and even though we have been there many times we keep returning. It is an historic building where, in the past, the Queen of England has taken tea many times. It is also a rum distellery where you can try their delicious home made rum distilled for different periods of time.
The delightful shop at St Nicholas Abbey sells this amazing rum as well as chutneys, jams and other local delicacies. A bottle of St Nicholas' Abbey's finest rum makes a unique gift. The rum is poured into beautidul semi circular bottles and for a small sum you can have them engraved with your own personal message while you wait.
We particularly love to watch the old black and white film from the 1930s (only 20 minutes or so long) which shows how the abbey looked back then and what life was like for those who lived there then. It is an amazing film and whisks you back for a short time to an era long gone.
There is now a steam train ride that is fabulous for the family and takes you around the plantation.
For more information on St Nicholas Abbey click here
Visit Barbados east coast- Bottom Bay and Bathsheba.
For beaches with a difference try a trip over to the south east coast and visit Bathsheba and Bottom Bay. Take a picnic or just a bucket of Kentucky fried chicken down to Bottom Bay. You can park up at the top and wander down the shallow steps to the beach which you will find is uncrowded with shade and large flat rocks which are perfect for you to lay your picnic on.
This is a piece of unspoiled Paradise and whilst generally not known to the tourists it is a popular spot for those who live there.
If you just want to watch the waves rolling in at Bathsheba go to The Round House and have lunch at the top of the hill overlooking the rugged unspoilt beaches and rock pools. On a Sunday they often have a jazz player to add to the atmosphere (but check first) and it is fun watching the surfers out on the waves.
The only downside is that the waves of the Atlantic on this side of the island come rolling in and whilst making a delightful sound and sight it is not the best place to swim because of the strong currents.
For a lazy, fun day out with the kids try the Animal Wildlife Reserve where you can enjoy the sights of green monkeys, giant tortoises, Brocket deer, iguana, snakes. peacocks, parrots and caimans. Open from 10am until 5pm most days this is a great day and it is so lovely to see the monkeys and giant tortoises roaming free. If you arrive at feeding time (usually around 11am but check before you visit) you will have the joy of watching an arry of green monkeys eating on the bench table right in front of you. It really is a fun and worthwhile experience as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids.
What better way to explore Barbados than in a 4x4 vehicle driven by those who know Barbados best. A five and a half hour on and off road 'Adventure Safari' tour will take you to Barbados' coolest places. This is a must for those who have not seen anything but the west coast.
Alternatively try the 4 hours 'Discovery Safari' or the 'tailor made safari.'
The Discovery Safari will take you to see the majestic lion at Gun Hill and on off-road to Hackleton’s Cliff. As well as to see the rugged East Coast with a photo stop at Bathsheba which is spotted with rock formations all along the coast. Throughout the tour your experienced and entertaining driver will show you the very best of Barbados off the beaten track. Rum Punch is available throughout the tour as well as other drinks and light refreshments.
This is one adventure that should be added to your must-do list!
Click here to see what is available
This is one of Barbados' most popular attractions. It is in a beautiful spot with outstanding scenery and views. The animal flowers are sea anemones in the caves and to be honest there are not too many of them left but it is still a worthwhile experience. There is also a snack bar/restaurant which serves delicious food and drinks.
Click here for more details about Animal Flower Cave
The magnificently arranged garden is an alluring oasis. It sits within six acres of peaceful land.The garden contains tropical plants and flowers and is landscaped strategically to create the ideal conditions necessary for the various plants to thrive.
The garden is set on an elevated area of land, giving it a bird’s eye view of the sugarcane fields that are stretched out below. A welcoming atmosphere greets you at the entrance gates leading you into the enchanting space, with pops of vivid colour, the sweet calls of birds and gentle breezes rustling through the leaves.
In addition to the flora and fauna, one can enjoy a relaxing beverage on the lovely shaded deck. A well-stocked gift shop complements the experience by providing an interesting selection of tangible reminders of the garden's splendour. Tropical Garden is one of the most tranquil and magical places in Barbados. it’s matchless and unforgettable beauty is simply mesmerizing.
Click here for more details about Tropical Garden Barbados
If you love gardens, birdlife and greenery then a visit to Hunte's gardens is a must. A picturesque and easy-to-walk path offers many surprises. There are superbly created series of mini-gardens embedded within the main large unit. You will enjoy a combination of vibrant colours and textures and rare exotic plants. This is a garden of eden that is both uplifting and relaxing. Enjoy a cup of tea or a rum punch after your visit in the top house and enjoy the company of others. You may even meet the creator of this gem of a place, Anthony Hunte. If you do, you can be sure to be welcomed with fascinating stories, whilst enjoying refreshments such as:glass of rum punch and a selection of teas, coffees and cakes.
For more information about Huntes Gardens click here
8. Fishing
What better than to go fishing and bring back your own supper whether that be tuna, marlin or other local fish.
Call our local office in Holetown and we will be happy to organise a fishing trip for you.
9. Polo
Polo is a popular sport whether you wish to watch it or participate in it. You can even have polo lessons up at Apes Hill Club in Barbados. The polo field up at Polo Ridge is a popular meeting place and at certain times of year you can even watch 'Polo under the Stars' whilst you eat dinner in beautiful surroundings.
Shopping
The Lime Grove Lifestyle and Shopping Centre is Holetown has a large selection of shops and cafes. It even has a very up market cinema with 2 screens. Most of the designer names are there including Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Diamonds International, Longchamp, Tagheur, Vilebrequin, Cartier and Gucci. If you tire of shopping there are lovely cafes and restaurants offering a variety of delicious foods from all over the world. There is also a circular shady outdoor bar where you can take tea or cocktails. The Bearded Rose in the middle of Lime Grove is a lovely place to stop and while away the time whilst enjoying a coffee, a tipple or a light meal.
