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If you are planning a vacation to the Caribbean, a trip to Barbados should be high on your list. Given the incredible scenery, friendly locals, and variety of great things to do in Barbados, it’ll quickly become you and your family’s favorite tropical destination. From snorkeling to rum tasting and shopping to jungle treks, there’s really no shortage in the variety of activities.
Now that I have your interest and you’re eager to plan your vacation to Barbados, check out these incredible 27 things to do in Barbados that you and your family will remember for a lifetime.
1. Take a Swim with the Turtles
Turtles are virtually synonymous with Barbados. They are gentle sea creatures that you can definitely swim with, and you should try to learn more about them during your time in Barbados. You may want to sign up for a charter, or you can take a catamaran tour.
The two most common types of turtles in the area are leatherback turtles and hawksbill turtles. You can see them regardless of whether you go snorkeling or scuba diving, but you will definitely want to visit the Carlisle Bay Marine Park. There are plenty of shipwrecks to explore in this area as well.
2. Take a Few Surfing Lessons
You should also give surfing a try during your visit to Barbados. There are plenty of instructors who will give you lessons, and one of the best places to check out is called Barry’s Surf Barbados. Regardless of your skill level, you can definitely benefit from a few lessons and one of the most beautiful areas of the world.
3. Go Fishing
Regardless of whether you are in Bridgetown or Careenage, you can sign up for either a half-day or full-day fishing trip while you are in Barbados. Some of the fish you might catch include Wahoo, Kingfish, Tuna, Marlin, and mahi-mahi.
The best time to go fishing is during the winter, and you can definitely hook some big catches. You may want to sign up for a tour while you are on the boat as well.
4. Check Out the Horses at Garrison Savannah
If you swing by the Parish of St. Michael, which used to be the home of wealthy planters and British troops, you will see some horses. It used to be one of the most popular places in the area for horse racing, and it remains that to this day. There are regular races that take place during the winter and spring, so if you are trying to escape the cold somewhere else, consider catching a horse race while you are in town.
5. Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding has gotten popular all over the world, and Barbados is no different. There is nothing quite like the beautiful blue waters of Barbados, so this is one of the best places in the world to give it a try.
In particular, you may want to sign up for a tour near Saint Michael. Even though you can certainly go out on your own, there are lots of instructors available who can help you. This is also one of the best locations to go kayaking, snorkeling, canoeing, or swimming. If you go out on a paddleboard, you might be able to spot a few turtles as well.
6. Enjoy a Meal Near Bottom Bay
Sometimes, you are simply looking for an opportunity to kick back and relax. That is definitely what you will be able to do if you swing by Bottom Bay, which you can find near Sam Lord’s Castle and Crane Beach. This is a relatively secluded beach that is known for its beautiful southern exposure, its coral cliffs, and its palm trees.
Even though you can certainly stick your feet in, you should not go too far away from the shore because the waves are very large and the current is very strong. Regardless, this is still a beautiful place to kick back, relax, and enjoy your friends and family members with scenic views that you will never forget.
7. Check Out the Underwater Reefs
If you are in the mood to do some scuba diving, Barbados is the place to go. There are lots of underwater reefs and shipwrecks to explore. In particular, you might be able to find some anchors and cannons on the floor of the ocean if you swing by Bridgetown near Carlisle Bay. You will also see a lot of turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life. As long as you don’t hurt them, they won’t hurt you!
8. Visit Enterprise Beach
Also known as Miami Beach, Enterprise Beach is one of the perfect places if you are looking for a bit of quiet. It is located on the north side, and it is in a protective coat. If you want to head down the beach a bit, you will see larger waves, where you can sign up for some surf lessons. There is always a lifeguard on duty, and you can rent some beach chairs. There are also restrooms in the area, so you should have everything you need.
9. Explore Dover Beach
There are plenty of locations where you can kick back and relax, but you may want to check out Dover Beach, which is located on the southern coast of Barbados. It is perfect for people who want to try watersports, such as windsurfing, jet skiing, and failing.
It is a very large beach, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to spread out and relax. Different parts of the beach have taller waves, so you can decide for yourself where you want to set up shop.
10. Try Your Hand at a Pottery Class
You may also want to sign up to make some pottery. Barbados is known for its beautiful pottery, and there are a lot of exceptional places to purchase a few souvenirs. For example, you may want to swing by Edgehill or St. Thomas and visit Earthworks Pottery.
You can also swing by Chalk Mount Potteries, which is located in St. Andrew, to learn more about the pottery available to you. This is another great chance to take in Barbadian culture.
11. Swing By Animal Flower Cave
Going caving is a very popular attraction in the local area, but one of the best opportunities is Animal Flower Cave, which is located on the northern tip of the island. It is situated near St. Lucy’s Parish, and it is the only accessible sea cave.
Once you are there, you can take in some fantastic views, dip your foot in the rock pool, and take a look at some of the windows that have formed naturally over time. You may even want to set the mood with a rum punch! There is even a designated area for children to go play.
12. Visit St. Nicholas Abbey
This is another opportunity for you to learn more about the culture of the area. It was constructed by Colonel Benjamin Barringer in 1658. Now, it is a rum distillery and museum that always has its doors open. It has transformed significantly over the past few hundred years, but you can enjoy an adult beverage while also learning more about the history of the area.
You can check out old slave villages, visit the herb garden, relax in the courtyard, and even learn more about sugarcane plantations. It used to be the site of a sugarcane plantation house as well as a steam mill, to sign up for a walking tour of the area.
13. Go Sailing
If you want to relax on the open water with an adult beverage, you may want to sign up for a Sunset Cruise or Bajan day cruise. You can learn more about these adventures at The Boatyard, but you may want to work with a company such as Island Routes, which will give you an opportunity to experience the best that Barbados has to offer.
Regardless of whether you want to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner on a beautiful excursion, you can certainly find an opportunity with one of the local boating companies.
14. Visit Bathsheba Beach
If you are in the mood for something special, you should swing by Bathsheba Beach. It is known for its striking coral rock formations and its very warm, natural pools. This is a great opportunity for you to take some pictures and enjoy the best scenery on the island.
Even though you can certainly swing by this area as a part of a day tour, you will probably want to visit on your own, as you probably will not be here for very long with the tour. This is also a great place to enjoy a picnic or go surfing. Just remember that the waves can be a bit rough at times, so you should be careful and try to avoid going out too far.
15. Explore Speightstown
Even though many people come to Barbados because of the Caribbean weather, there is also a tremendous amount of history in the area. You may want to take some time to walk around Speightstown, which is the second-largest town on the island. It is still a relatively small community, and it has a tremendous amount of history.
Wealthy traders who used to frequent the area during the colonial era would visit this part of the island and set up shop here. There are still a lot of business centers in the area, and it is one of the best places to get some local fish. You may want to swing by and talk to the vendors who sell souvenirs and local produce to learn more about the island.
16. Visit the Home of George Washington
Did you know that George Washington used to live on Barbados? He lived on the island for approximately two months and 1751. At the time, he was visiting his sick brother at the Bush Hill House. This is the only place that George Washington ever lived outside of the United States, and his home is preserved to this day.
If you are coming from the United States, why not learn a bit more about American history during your visit? There are guided tours available, and you can watch a short historical film about the property. You can find it located near Saint Michael.
17. Enjoy a Meal at The Cliff
There are lots of people who travel with their family members and friends to learn more about one another. If you want to bring your group a bit closer together, you should enjoy a meal at The Cliff.
This is one of the most popular restaurants on the island, but you will definitely have to book your seat ahead of time because it is so popular. You can swing by for lunch or dinner, and the cooking is always world-class.
18. Take In the View From Gun Hill Signal Station
Even though Barbados is not necessarily known for its skyscrapers, there are still plenty of locations where you can get a beautiful view. That is definitely the case with this signal station, which was built two years after a slave revolt led by Bussa. The station served as a lookout for enemies who might be trying to invade the island.
Now, it is a historical site that is managed by the Barbados National Trust. There are lots of relics that are several hundred years old, so this is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the history of the area. You can also take him to some gorgeous views of the Island from the signal station itself.
19. Swing By Mount Gay Distillery
If you are looking for the best rum on the island, you will definitely want to visit Mount Gay Distillery. You can find it located in St Lucy, and it is the perfect location for people who love rum. It is a company that has been open for more than 300 years, and you can definitely try a few samples during your visit. When you have had your fill of windsurfing and kitesurfing, consider swinging by to try some Mount Gay Rum.
20. Relax at Rockley Beach
Of course, Barbados is known for its beautiful beaches, and you can enjoy the best of beach life if you visit Rockley Beach. It is known for its warm weather, white sand, and sunny skies. You may want to rent a few beach chairs, or you can simply relax on your towel. There are also opportunities for you to try watersports, and there are plenty of restaurants available in the area as well. You may want to check out some of the kiosks to see if there are any souvenirs you can bring home with you.
21. Swim Near Holetown Beach
Perhaps you are looking for a beat that is a bit quieter. If that is the case, you should swing by Holetown Beach. It has golden, sandy shores and beautiful palm trees that will give you some shade. You can find it near St. James, and there is a post office nearby.
There is also a police station in the area if you need help. If you leave the sand behind, you will see plenty of restaurants and bars in the area. The nightlife isn’t quite the same as in a major city, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get your groove on when the sun goes down.
22. See a Match at the Kensington Oval
Barbados is not exactly known as a sports powerhouse, but it is a great country if you love cricket. For example, the 2007 Cricket World Cup was actually held in Barbados. You should check the calendar of the stadium before you arrive to see if there is anything going on.
The stadium itself is more than 12 acres in size and it can hold about 28,000 people. You will also see teams visit Barbados from as far away as Australia and New Zealand.
23. Grab a Bite at Bliss Cafe
Regardless of whether you are looking for British, American, or Caribbean food, you can definitely find it all at Bliss Cafe. It is one of the most popular cafes on the island, and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available as well.
It is a popular breakfast spot that has omelets, panini sandwiches, waffles, and delicious coffee. If you really want something delicious, consider trying some local juice. It is unlike anything else you have ever tried before!
24. Go Underwater in the Atlantis
Even though you can always go snorkeling and scuba diving, diving under the surface of the water is the best way to explore everything this island has to offer. You don’t need to have a certificate to go for a ride on Atlantis, and you can dive as deep as 150 ft underwater.
This is a great opportunity to explore shipwrecks, sharks, fish, sea turtles, and more. It is one of the most popular attractions on the island, so you should certainly book your tickets ahead of time. There is nothing quite like the Atlantis submarine, so if you like marine life, it is definitely something you will want to try.
25. Tour the St. James Parish Church
There is a tremendous amount of religion on the island, so you should consider visiting the St. James Parish Church. It was constructed in 1627, which is when a lot of English settlers began to arrive on the island. It was destroyed several times over the years, including during the 18th century, but it has been rebuilt several times since then.
Now, it is one of the most popular historical attractions on the island, and it is an opportunity for you to learn more about what life was like for people who lived in Jamestown before it was renamed St. James and Barbados.
26. Visit the Green Monkeys
Barbados is known for its green monkeys, and you can learn more about these unique animals at Welchman Hall Gully. There is a tremendous amount of unique animal life, and this adventure park is one of the best places to visit. The Gully has become a tropical forest, and there are lots of plants and trees to check out as well.
For example, you may want to learn more about the bamboo and nutmeg that grows in the area. Of course, you can also see plenty of green monkeys living in their natural habitat. You will see them munching on bananas and other local fruit, but if you get too close, they may decide to jump on your shoulder!
27. Explore Andromeda’s Tropical Garden
There is nothing quite like the Andromeda Botanic Garden. It was constructed by Iris Bannochie, a famous horticulturist who decided to turn this garden into an extension of her home. You can find it near St. Joseph, and you can take a free tour of the area. There are plenty of guides who will explain exactly what you are looking at along the way, so consider checking out this beautiful locale during your visit to Barbados.
Explore Everything Barbados Has To Offer
Regardless of whether you want to visit St. Lawrence Gap, the west coast of the island, imbibe on a Friday night, or visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, this Caribbean island in the Atlantic has something for everyone. It has some of the best beaches in the world.
You can explore a coral reef, visit the Farley Hill National Park, and enjoy the Folkestone Marine Park on your getaway. You can even talk to a travel guide about the natural wonders of the island, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site! You can relax in the calm waters of Barbados and enjoy some sunshine during your next vacation to this beautiful island.
