Things to See and Do in Barbados: A Beautiful Caribbean Island Destination

Before I travelled to Barbados in the winter of 2012, I had been curious about this tiny island. It is a dot, off to the right side of the Caribbean archipelago, where my Grammy spent her winter months. I had seen the photos and heard the stories of this charming island that she had visited for over 30 years. She would fly down after Christmas and stay put, until the snow took a vacation from her other island home of Montreal. Eventually my Dad and Step-Mom would also fall in love with the island life and join her there. They found a cute two-bedroom apartment to rent, and were eager to have visitors!

Grammy’s little Chattel House, right beside the busy Highway #7 from Oistens to Bridgetown.

After spending my first 10 days there, I discovered what the appeal was. I loved swimming in the warm salty ocean, and the fresh feeling of showering it all off afterwards. I marvelled at breathtaking sunsets, where the sun rays would radiate from behind the clouds. I chuckled at the idea that as soon as the sun dropped below the horizon, it was like someone had flipped a light switch. Our 2-for-1 happy hours soon blended into the party energy of the night (and then promptly to bed around 8:00 some nights, if I’m being honest).

I enjoyed the musical sounds, from the frogs croak/chirping at night, to the “BWAP-BWAP-BWAHHH” air horn sound effect blasting from the radio in the ZR transit vans. Everywhere I went on that trip in 2012, a Rihanna song followed. And the food: Swordfish, baracuda, red snapper, flying fish and dolphin (don’t worry, this fish is actually a Mahi Mahi). I never doubted that the catch of the day was infact, from THAT day! I still think about the two giant scallops that I enjoyed over a romantic oceanside dinner.

Every time I come home from Barbados, I am recharged. Not only with essential nutrients. But filled up with memories of bright and happy colours, quality family time, and a determination to bring others to Beautiful Barbados.

After my fourth trip to the island this past January, I officially feel like I can make some solid recommendations! I have way too many experiences to summarize in one post, so I am spreading the love - Stay tuned for Part 2: A Food Journey!

What to do?

Taste the Island Life

For an experience with the most local flavour, Oistens Fish Fry is the party place to be on a Friday evening! Choose a fresh fish from the menu, and the chef will grill it for you on the spot. There are many food vendors, music and dancing. Since I’m more of a mild party person, I went on a Thursday night to avoid the crowds and the sometimes hours long wait for food.

Swim with Sea Turtles

A sunset cruise with Calabaza is wonderful and one of my favourite experiences (I’ve done 3/4 times)! Embark towards the sunken shipwrecks near Carlisle Bay, where you can jump out and snorkel. Then enjoy the sunset with a beverage and appetizers as you cruise back to port. Tip: Do this at the beginning of your trip and you might find new ideas or make friends on board. If you want a more private and casual outing at sea, Charles from Cliff Sharker is your guy. He pours a strong rum punch, guarantees you will see turtles, and takes your picture with them!

See Phenomenal Flora

If flowers and flora are your thing, besides seeing beautiful plants everywhere, wander into the magical Hunte’s Gardens. Tour a local, private garden, or attend a plant sale hosted by the Barbados Horticultural Society. Sadly I don’t think this happens in person anymore, but there used to be an Annual Orchid Show hosted by the Barbados Orchid Society.

Explore the Wild and Rugged East Coast

Drive from up high in the palm forest hills, and wind down towards Bathsheba beach. Marvel at the large boulders lining the shore, which are actually rock formations that have broken away from an ancient coral reef. This is too rough for swimming, but comb the beach or have a picnic while watching the waves crash thunderously on the shore. It’s worth the drive (a drive around the island takes approximately 3 hours). Check out the Soup Bowl, which is not a restaurant but a legendary surfing spot.

Drink Rum

Each trip to the island, I went to a different Rum Factory for a tasting. The Mount Gay Rum Tour was the most informative. Being the oldest rum distillery in the world - since 1703 - they’ve had some time to get it right! Set on a beautiful and historic plantation, St. Nicholas Abbey is my favourite setting to do a rum tasting. They recently completed a Heritage Railway, where you can take in the scenery from a steam locomotive! I also visited Foursquare Distillery. I don’t remember too much about it, so it must have been a successful rum tasting! This experience is a self-guided tour, with a tasting bar inside the distillery.

Eat and Drink Your Way Along the St. Lawrence Gap

This road that starts at Highway #7 and swings down towards Dover beach, is packed with restaurants and bars. Start the day off right with breakfast and a latte at The Cake Lady, or try a “toastie” (toasted sandwich). Make a reservation ahead of time at Cocktail Kitchen. It was here that I had my first taste of Sorrel in a cocktail. Sorrel juice is traditionally served at Christmas time. Have dinner with the ocean lapping beside you at Primo, or find a 2 for 1 happy hour at the South Gap Hotel. Sip on a Rum Punch, and listen to the Steel Pan Orchestra at The Southern Palms Hotel between noon and 3pm weekly.

Take Home Treasures

Buy souvenirs from local vendors at Brighton Farmers Market every Saturday. Also, Best of Barbados is at the airport and in St. Lawrence Gap. If you bring home hot sauce or other liquids, don’t forget to pack it in your checked baggage, or make sure it’s placed in an official duty-free security bag . We almost had to toss a 2L bottle of Delish.

Try SUP Yoga

Try Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga with Jen of Yoga Samudra. I did this with my husband at Pebbles beach, and since it was an early class, we got to see the racehorses going for their morning swim! If you would rather gently bob in the ocean, you can do that there, or visit one of these calm beaches: Miami or Dover.

Monkey Around

See the green monkeys play rambunctiously after feeding time at Barbados Wildlife Reserve. You may catch a glimpse of them around the island, but for an up close experience you can see them here or at Welchman Hall Gully. Your entry fee will also grant you access to Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station. Head over this way for sweeping views of the forest canopy and countryside.

Turn Out the Lights

For those of you who are not claustrophobic, and enjoy a a damp, dark existence, check out Harrison’s Cave. If your party is split on the matter, those who are still seeking an adrenaline rush can try the Zipline. And those who are looking for a soft adventure can enjoy a tropical hike in the nearby Welchman Hall Gully, while the others plunge into complete darkness or zip through the canopy. Fun fact: The grapefruit is thought to have originated at Welchman Hall Gully during the 17th century.

Experience Manta Ray Magic

Catch at least one sunset from the upscale Twilight Bar on the upper level of the The Cliff in Holetown. After dark, they turn on lights in the water below deck, and you can watch Manta Rays majestically flapping around.

Tour an Artist’s Studio

I haven’t tried this, but I love doing this sort of thing when I get the chance. You can take a self guided artist’s studio tour during certain times of the year. I love seeing into the workspaces of artists, where they create their magic. If you don’t happen to catch a scheduled tour, take a stroll along the Richard Haynes Boardwalk at Hastings. While construction is underway for a hotel, there is a temporary Barbados Boardwalk Art Gallery displayed on the construction wall.

Drink Fresh Coconut Water

There are vendors on the side of the highway, who will skillfully chop the top off a fresh coconut with a machete and hand it over to you. You may want to BYOS (bring your own straw), so you don’t spill it all over yourself like I did! After you’ve emptied the coconut of it’s water, hand it back to the vendor to chop it in half, and scoop out the jelly inside. They can mostly be found along the ABC Highway from the airport. If you have transportation, ask your driver if they can stop along the route. Shoutout to Justin, our driver, who went out of his way to find us a coconut before we headed home!

Things to remember:

They drive on the left side of the road.
The exchange rate is 2 USD (United States Dollar) >1 BBD (Barbadian Dollar). Some places will accept USD, but have BBD on hand for transport.
All beaches are open to the public!
Grocery prices are a bit higher on the island. You won’t regret packing a few snacks to have on hand, when you aren’t indulging in the fresh tropical fruit. Fresh fish is inexpensive and a nice option if you have access to a kitchen. Swing by Oistens for the catch of the day, and watch them fillet it for you.
Great resources for doing some of your own detective work: Ins & Outs of Barbados, or Visit Barbados.

If you are planning a trip to Barbados soon or have questions, I am happy to chat! I am lucky to have been able to visit this tropical paradise so often.