Best things to do in Barbados

West Coast Beaches

Western Barbados is known as the 'Platinum Coast'. North of the capital, Bridgetown, visitors will find many splendid beach resorts beside the Caribbean shore's warm, clear waters. Beaches such as Batts Rock, Paynes Bay and Mullins Bay are popular for swimming and sunbathing; Treasure Beach is a splendid hideaway with a reputation for fine Bajan cuisine and luxury accommodation. The calm, clear waters all along the West Coast also make it great for snorkelling, and the charming fishing village of Six Men's Bay just North of Speightstown is a delightful stop.

Bridgetown

Steeped in British colonial history, Bridgetown exudes a distinctly English sensibility, with a laidback West Indian feel. Island lovers visit from around the world to browse the duty-free shops on Broad and Swan Streets, frolic in the azure waters of Carlisle Bay, and explore the city's museums. History buffs can also enjoy the 17th Century Barbados Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the city's magnificent colonial buildings, and visit National Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square) and the Barbados Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere. There are many wild and scenic natural attractions as well, including a large variety of wildlife and plant life not far from the city centre. Among other things, outdoor enthusiasts can wander through bright green tropical forests and dive beautiful coral reefs off the town's shores. Foodies should stop in the Careenage for fresh, Caribbean-style fish and lobster; shops near the harbour sell staples such as Mount Gay Rum. Careenage is the main marina in Bridgetown, where visitors can also admire the luxurious boats and yachts.

Graeme Hall Swamp

Located near Bridgetown, the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is Barbados' largest expanse of inland water and its red and white mangrove trees are home to a number of bird species. The swamp is connected to the St Lawrence lagoon and is the last remaining complete ecosystem of its type in Barbados. Though it has been an important centre for research, education and environmental conservation, government plans to develop much of the area have forced the park to close most of its grounds to visitors.

Website www.graemehall.com

Barbados Garrison

The British Government established permanent land forces in the Windward and Leeward Islands in the 18th-century, taking Barbados as its headquarters. It built the Barbados Garrison a few years later, making the fort a significant legacy of that era. Today, this elegant Georgian building is the Garrison Committee's headquarters. The group unearths the numerous old cannons scattered around the island's beaches, cellars and gardens, or buried beneath its fortifications. At present count, history lovers can view around 400 pieces. Visitors will find the most important pieces in front of the Main Guard House, where they present irresistible photo opportunities. The Garrison complex also features the Barbados Museum. Housed in the old military detention barracks, its collections chronicle the arts, crafts and natural history of Barbados.

Website www.barbados.org/garrison.htm

Tropical Gardens

Barbados has many beautiful tropical gardens and all of them are worth visiting for the they inspire. Travellers who begin their adventure in the island's capital, Bridgetown, should visit the nearby Lazaretto Gardens. Located in the parish of St Michael, they're home to several species of tropical flora and feature a magnificent waterfall. The Flower Forest lies in the Scotland District and has a striking variety of plants, including brilliantly coloured flowers such as begonias and heliconias, all set against the jungle's lush greenery. The Andromeda Botanical Garden in the parish of St Joseph contains several varieties of fern, palm, orchid, hibiscus and bougainvillea, as well as other exotic trees and flowers. Turners Hall Woods are in the Parish of St Andrew and are one of the last remnants of the indigenous tropical forest that covered Barbados before the first settlement in 1627.

Nature and Wildlife

Barbados is a treasure trove of tropical wildlife, and visitors will enjoy encountering the island's colourful species on land and beneath the sea. Ocean lovers should head north to the Animal Flower Cave. Located in the rugged parish of St Lucy, it's home to vibrant sea-anemones and some of its pools are deep enough to swim in. The Folkestone Marine Park is a must for Scuba divers. Situated in St James, its artificial reef was created by deliberately sinking the Greek ship, Stavronikita, in 1976. Snorkelers can admire corals, sponges and marine species in the park's Recreational Zone. The park also has a museum and an aquarium. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is mainly a monkey sanctuary. Set in a natural mahogany wood in the parish of St Peter, its Green monkeys are hugely entertaining as they play in their natural environment. Birds, ducks, deer, peacocks, otters, raccoons, turtles and tortoises also roam in the woods.

Harrison’s Cave

This huge underground cavern boasts an amazing gallery of deep emerald pools, breath-taking waterfalls, and stalagmites and stalactites. Visitors take electrically operated trams down through an extensive system of caves, ultimately reaching a spectacular waterfall at the bottom level. Visitors will have the opportunity to leave the tram and walk alongside the spectacular waterfall, which plunges into a deep pool below. Tour guides will be on hand to provide them with historical information on the cave along the way.

Website www.harrisonscave.com

Bathsheba and Hunte's Gardens

Bathsheba is home to a small community of fishing folk. Located on the island's east coast, its rocky terrain makes it a dream setting for photographers. Visitors can look forward to local rum shops, fine restaurants and one of the island's most spectacular beaches, Bath Beach. Locals know it as the 'Soup Bowl' because of its foaming surf. Up the coast from Bathsheba, Cattlewash Beach is a long expanse of sand, flanked by rugged scenery, that's a popular spot for local Barbadians wanting to escape the crowds, and is ideal for enjoying some long, meditative walks. Hunte's Gardens is a short distance inland from Bathsheba, and is one of the best rated attactions in Barbados, where visitors may find the eccentric owner playing classical music amongst the array of stunning tropical flowers, trees and foliage.

Jacobean Mansions

Constructed in the 1650s, Drax Hall in St George and St Nicholas Abbey in St Peter are two of the oldest buildings in Barbados. Both are world-renowned examples of Jacobean architecture, and feature curved Dutch gables and coral-stone finials. Each of them is furnished with antiques. Drax Hall was one of the earliest and largest sugar plantations in Barbados. James and William Drax established it, the two belonging to a wealthy and influential family, as did many plantation owners who prospered by growing sugarcane. The Morgan Lewis Mill at St Andrew is another relic of the plantation days. Maintained by the Barbados National Trust, it is one of two restored sugar mills in the Caribbean. A trip to St Nicholas Abbey can include a tour of the rum distillery, the museum, and a narrated ride on a steam train that takes visitors through the grounds and to Cherry Tree Hill, where there are spectacular views of the Atlantic coast. The train once took sugar cane cane to Bridgetown, and visitors will learn about the history of plantation life on Barbados.

Website www.stnicholasabbey.com

Deep Sea Fishing

With clear tropical waters, year-round sunshine and a diverse marine ecosystem, Barbados offers some of the best fishing in the world, from thrilling deep-sea expeditions to tranquil fly fishing in coastal flats. Billfish such as Marlin and Sailfish are in season from January to April, while the Tuna season extends until May. The reefs also teem with Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Kingfish. Most boats leave from the Careenage in Bridgetown for either a full or half day fishing trip that may be the highlight of your stay in Barbados.

South Coast Beaches

Just south of Bridgetown, Rockley Beach (or Accra Beach as it's sometimes known) is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Barbados, where younger children can play in the calm waters, older kids can boogie board in the larger waves further up the beach and parents can relax in the shade of the casuarina trees along the shore. Silver Sands beach is an expanse of powdery white sand at the southern tip of the island and is a world-class destination for windsurf and kitesurfing enthusiasts, but is also a great spot for a blustery walk. At the south-eastern end of the island, tourists will find some of the most photographed beaches on the island; these beaches are exposed to the rougher Atlantic waves, and are only safe for confident swimmers. Crane Beach is spectacular crescent of pink-tinged sand that is flanked by rolling dues and high cliffs, while bottom Bay is more secluded, and is a magnificent spot to soak up the Caribbean sun. Shark Hole Beach is a hidden gem, that is only accessible via a path from Bottom Bay. Is is often deserted on weekdays, for those who get there early enough.

Surfing the Soup Bowl

Serious surfers should head to the Soup Bowl. Located on Barbados' east coast, the beach is home to the island's biggest and most powerful waves, though inexperienced surfers can also enjoy the spot in the early morning, when the tide is low and the beach is less crowed and less windy. The area's coral-reef coastline, strong, constant trade winds and year-round swell create the region's most reliable surf conditions, so there's never a bad time to visit. Beginners can rent boards and book lessons.

Carlisle Bay Diving

The Carlisle Bay Marine Park is a superb site for beginner and veteran divers. Its diverse and wonderfully coloured marine population includes rays, reef squids, frog fishes, moray eels, sea horses, barracudas, octopuses and more. Divers can also expect a fine selection of wrecks. Old anchors, cannons and pylons lead from one wreck to the next, roughly marking out the park.

Barbados Boat Tours

A catamaran cruise along the island's west coast is one of the most popular things to do in Barbados. There are a number of local operators to choose from, with boats mostly leaving from Bridgetown. The trips typically include a couple of snorkelling stops, and passengers can swim over shipwrecks, amongst thousands of tropical fish and if they're lucky they'll come face to face with the famous Barbados Sea Turtles. Most trips include a buffet lunch or dinner.

Golfing in Barbados

Golf in Barbados is an exquisite fusion of lush landscapes, coastal breezes, and world-class courses, making it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. Nestled amidst the Caribbean Sea, this tropical gem boasts several top-tier courses that offer challenging play and breathtaking views. One of the island's crown jewels is the prestigious Royal Westmoreland Golf Course. This championship course offers a harmonious blend of manicured fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning vistas of the Caribbean coastline. With its undulating terrain and lush tropical foliage, each hole presents a unique challenge, ensuring an exhilarating round for golfers of all skill levels. For those seeking a true seaside golfing experience, the Apes Hill Club delivers in style. Perched on elevated terrain overlooking the island's west coast, this picturesque course boasts panoramic views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea and rolling hillsides. The Barbados Golf Club presents a more accessible option for golfers looking to enjoy a relaxed round in a serene setting. Situated on the island's southern coast, this 18-hole, par-72 course features wide fairways lined with native flora and fauna, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Located on a cliff overlooking the town of Bathsheba, the Andromeda Botanic Gardens make a great day out for the entire family. Kids will have plenty of space to run around and adults will be impressed by an array of flowers that includes orchids, hibiscus and heliconia. The attraction is also renowned for its magnificent palm trees and tremendous bird population.

Website www.andromedabarbados.com/

Flower Forest

Barbados' Flower Forest is a wonderful stop for families. Formerly a sugar plantation, the 50-acre property offers a peaceful and calming retreat where parents can admire beautifully coloured tropical plants and flowers such as roses, hibiscus, begonias and heliconias, or join their children as they venture off to discover more gardens. The area's topography features gentle hills, which offer amazing vistas of the lush countryside, the Atlantic Ocean and eastern coastline of the rugged Scotland District. Cameras are essential.

Website www.barbados.org/flowfrst.htm

Folkestone Marine Park

Combining a museum and an aquarium, the Folkestone Marine Park features an artificial reef, purposely formed by sinking a ship called the Stavronikita. Divers can expect to see some incredible marine life at the site, such as numerous fish, sea anemones, sea lilies, corals and sponges. Snorkelling equipment is available for hire, though only experienced divers should venture to the Stavronikita because of its depth. Visitors can also enjoy the aquarium, which displays some rare and fantastic marine life.

Website www.barbados.org/folkstone.htm

Barbados

Things to do in Barbados

West Coast Beaches

Bridgetown

Graeme Hall Swamp

Barbados Garrison

Tropical Gardens

Nature and Wildlife

Harrison’s Cave

Bathsheba and Hunte's Gardens

Jacobean Mansions

Deep Sea Fishing

South Coast Beaches

Surfing the Soup Bowl

Carlisle Bay Diving

Barbados Boat Tours

Golfing in Barbados

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Flower Forest

Folkestone Marine Park

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West Coast Beaches

Bridgetown

Graeme Hall Swamp

Barbados Garrison

Tropical Gardens

Nature and Wildlife

Harrison’s Cave

Bathsheba and Hunte's Gardens

Jacobean Mansions

Deep Sea Fishing

South Coast Beaches

Surfing the Soup Bowl

Carlisle Bay Diving

Barbados Boat Tours

Golfing in Barbados

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Flower Forest

Folkestone Marine Park