Holidays to Barbados
Top destinations in Barbados
Bridgetown
See Barbados from a fresh perspective in Bridgetown. This historic gem is home to fascinating architecture, from waterfront boardwalks to neo-Gothic parliament buildings.
Barbados: fast facts
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Barbadian dollar (Bds$) |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (AST) |
Barbados holiday highlights
Play in the water
The top things to do in Barbados happen in the water. The calm west coast is ideal for snorkelling, while the swells on the Atlantic side draw serious surfers. Hire a catamaran to spot sea turtles, or take a submarine tour past coral reefs and shipwrecks. The newest waterborne thrill? Jetblading, where you propel yourself through the air using a superhero-style jetpack.
See the blooms
Barbados’ gardens deserve your attention. The Flower Forest specialises in huge tropical blooms. The passion project of garden legend Iris Bannochie, the Andromeda Botanical Gardens packs in more than 600 plant species in just three hectares. And at Hunte’s Gardens, you can follow up a walk through the exotic foliage with a glass of rum punch.
Sip some rum
You’ll find some of the world’s best and rarest rums in Barbados. The 320-year-old Mount Gay Distillery and historic St Nicholas Abbey both offer tastings, while other guided tours will transport you to the full range of distilleries all around the island. But nothing beats sipping the good stuff alongside locals in one of the island’s many rum shops.
Things to do in Barbados
Top attractions
Snorkelling among the shipwrecks and turtles of Carlisle Bay is one of the most perfect things you can do in Barbados. Take in the island’s wild beauty at Bathsheba Beach, soaking in shallow pools framed by striking rock formations. Or head underground at Harrison’s Cave, where you can explore the caverns, ride a zip line and sample local rum.
Beaches
The beaches in Barbados’ south, where the larger resorts are concentrated, offer the most amenities (think gear rentals and happy hour cocktails). The rocky shores of the east coast boast dramatic limestone cliffs. And all over the island, you can find less-travelled spots, like Enterprise Beach and Shark Hole cove, best found by getting directions from locals.
Nature
Explore stalagmites and underground waterfalls on a tram ride through Harrison’s Cave. Brave a short, steep hike to swim in the pools of Animal Flower Cave, complete with stunning views of the ocean. Hike beneath tropical fruit trees at Coco Hill, a sprawling regenerative forest. Or take in the scene from the wooded grounds of Farley Hill National Park.
Culture and museums
The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is the best museum in Barbados to learn about the island’s past, from the beginning of British rule through to the present day. Find exhibits on Barbados’ marine life and political history, as well as local fine art. And don’t miss Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 17th-century colonial buildings and a garrison still stand.
Cuisine
Influences from Africa, India and Europe come together to make up Barbadian cuisine, served in traditional and inventive ways at restaurants in Barbados. Menus go heavy on local ingredients like breadfruit, cassava, sorrel and fresh seafood. Don’t leave without trying fried flying fish, considered the island’s national dish. It’s usually sandwiched between salt bread or served over ‘cou cou’ (a cornmeal-based porridge).
Family friendly
With its gentle surf, lifeguards and loungers for hire, pretty Pebbles Beach is perfect for families. Spot armadillos, deer, tortoises and more at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Or take a kid-friendly, 30-minute hike through Welchman Hall Gully, a tropical forest where monkeys roam freely among lush plants and hidden limestone caves.
Find the best time to visit Barbados
Weather in Barbados
May – November: Bargain hunters are rewarded during the island’s wet season, when temperatures are still warm and there are brilliant stretches of sunshine between showers. You’ll definitely experience fewer crowds in summer, but note that hurricane season runs from June to November, so be sure to watch weather alerts.
December – April: This is Barbados’ dry season, with warm weather and low humidity — ideal for beach days. This is also peak season, as travellers escape colder climates for the island’s sun. To avoid missing out, book your accommodation and tours early, since demand is high during these popular months.
Events in Barbados
Barbados Sailing Week (January): The island’s waters come alive with thrilling races, including the Round Barbados Race, which circles the entire island. Onshore, the celebration continues with lively parties and concerts honouring the sailors.
Oistins Fish Festival (March or April): This seafood celebration held on Easter weekend takes place at the open-air market of the same name. Sample mahi-mahi, lobster and more amid a carnival atmosphere of games and music.
Crop Over Festival (July and August): One of the most popular events in Barbados, this festival marks the end of sugar cane season with colourful street festivities and the grand parade.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
A warm greeting goes a long way here, where a friendly ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’ is expected before starting a conversation. Beachwear belongs on the sand, so cover up when heading into town. In Barbados, it’s illegal for civilians to wear camouflage clothing, so leave your camo trousers at home.
Health and safety
Most travellers to Barbados should be up to date on routine vaccinations, plus hepatitis A and B. Adults over 65 may also consider the chikungunya vaccine, as the virus is spread by mosquitoes. To prevent chikungunya, Zika and dengue, take steps to avoid bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves.
LGBTQ+ travel
In Barbados, conservative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are still common, and public displays of affection may be met with a negative reaction. However, sentiments are slowly shifting. The country recently struck down discriminatory laws, and there is an annual Pride celebration on the island. That said, it’s still best to be discreet.
Budget
Despite its glitzy reputation, the island offers enough dining and hotel options that a cheap holiday to Barbados is possible. Order an inexpensive meal for around 40 Barbadian dollars ($) and a local beer for roughly $5. A short taxi ride will cost you about $28.
Getting around Barbados
Public transportation
Buses: Barbados’ public buses are a quick and reliable way to get around the island. Blue with a yellow stripe, these electric vehicles are air-conditioned, equipped with Wi-Fi and stop at most tourist attractions. Pay your exact fare in cash. Privately owned alternatives are minibuses (yellow with a blue stripe) and ZR vans (white with a maroon stripe), which travel similar routes and also accept cash. These are faster and navigate traffic a bit more aggressively than city buses.
Boats: There is currently no ferry between Barbados and other Caribbean islands. So if you’re looking for a seaborne journey, you’ll have to seek out a private charter.
Domestic flights
It’s possible to drive around the entire island in about three hours, so domestic flights aren’t a necessity. However, you can easily visit nearby islands like Saint Lucia via Caribbean Airlines, which operates out of the Grantley Adams International Airport in Christ Church.
Driving
Hiring a car is an affordable way to see the island on your own schedule. Luckily, there’s no shortage of hire companies here. Note that locals drive on the left side of the road, and seat belts are required by law.
