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
1. 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?
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.
2. St Nicholas Abbey
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.
3. 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.
4. Animal Wildlife Reserve
For a lazy but 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.
5. Island Safari
Forget the double decker bus trip that is usually taken in a new city and explore Barbados by island safari.
What better way to explore Barbados than in a Zebra striped 4x4 vehicle driven by those who know Barbados best. A five and a half hour on and off road tour will take you to Barbados' coolest places. This is a must for those who have not seen anything but the west coast.
6. Animal Flower Cave
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.
7. Orchid World and Tropical Garden
For those who enjoy flowers, Orchid World is a must. This is not just about orchids, it is a beautiful tropical garden. Your guide will explain the medical benefits of the various plants and tree barks. The guide will even demonstrate how to make a natural shampoo and built in conditioner. For those who love orchids there is a vast array on display and there are often beautiful birds in the trees as well as a gift shop and cafe.
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.
10. 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 Lime Bar as it is known is a play on words. To 'lime' in Barbados is to chatter and gossip. Where better to do that than in the Lime Bar.
