What To Do in Barbados:
A Guide to an Immersive Holiday in the Caribbean

Bathsheba Bay

In contrast to Mullins Beach, Bathsheba Bay is a rugged, scenic shoreline known for its striking rock formations and strong waves, which create a dramatic and beautiful landscape along Barbados’ coastline.

While the location isn’t safe for swimming, it attracts surfers with its swells. It’s also a beautiful spot to soak in Barbados’ coastal beauty and embark on scenic walks by the water.

Mullins Beach

Nestled just outside of Speightstown on the north of the island, Mullins Beach is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ Barbados beaches, popular among families and swimmers.

It’s a more than accessible seafront destination, with a long shoreline bordered by coconut trees, covered in white sand, and bordered by crystal clear waters. This makes it the perfect environment for families, couples, and friends alike to bask in the sunshine and play all day long!

Gibbes Beach

Stretching 300 metres in length, Gibbes Beach is one of the Barbados beaches that offers a quieter, tranquil atmosphere.

Its more secluded location, with sloping white sands and calm waters that gently sway beside lush vegetation, is a dreamy setting where travellers can kick back and laze beneath the Caribbean sunshine with the sound of lapping waves.

Accra Beach

Accra Beach attracts fun-loving families and travellers seeking exciting watersports experiences and an energetic day out.

With a long, curved shoreline touched by lightly lapping waves, it’s developed a reputation for its watersports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides. So, to experience popular Barbados activities by the sea, this is the place to go!

Embark on Catamaran Trips

Picture sipping a glass of rum as you sail along the Caribbean Sea soaking in the beautiful scenery and taking a dip in its turquoise waters. A very fine way to spend a day in Barbados, wouldn’t you agree?

Several companies offer day-long catamaran trips in Barbados, catering to all types of guests. If you want complete relaxation, avoid those with loud music, and if you are keen on snorkelling then look out for trips that sail over an old shipwreck. Most trips offer lunch on board (and rum!) and stop for swimming opportunities in beautiful coves.

Go Snorkelling and Diving

Because of its limestone geology, Barbados has some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. This is no doubt why one of the top things to do in Barbados is diving into its glimmering waters and connecting with the underwater world.

You can often go snorkelling near many of the most popular Barbados beaches, including Paynes Bay, Dover Beach, and Holetown Beach, the latter of which has developed a reputation for its vibrant coral reefs. It’s also possible to spot sea creatures up close - from sharks to fish and turtles - which you can snorkel beside, from a safe distance.

If you’re looking for other water-based activities in Barbados to try, you can also gain a PADI certification with qualified diving companies, and learn about the preservation of coral reefs around the island.

Visit Bridgetown

Bridgetown - the beating heart and lively capital of Barbados - is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which beautifully blends the island’s history with modern-day Bajan life.

Even though it’s only small, Bridgetown packs a punch. With a vibrant town centre filled with colourful buildings, pretty waterfront walkways, and a welcoming community, visiting Bridgetown has to be on your list of things to do in Barbados.

Browse the many boutiques and local shops in the town’s main shopping areas - Broad and Swan Streets - for a spot of duty-free shopping and to grab a souvenir from your trip!

When you’re done with retail therapy, embrace the town’s local history by visiting the Garrison - a spectacular example of British Colonial architecture. But that’s not all, as you can also see one of the oldest synagogues in the Western World here - Nidhe Israel Synagogue - and step inside St. Michael’s Church - dating back to the 1600s with beautiful stained glass windows.

Tuck into Bajan Food

You’re never far away from refreshments on the island, and a visit to Barbados is not complete without embracing its exceptional local gastronomy - Bajan cuisine. Also known as Barbadian cuisine, it draws influence from the Portuguese, African, Indian, Creole, Irish, Indigenous, and British cultures. This mash-up has led to the creation of one of the most sensational cuisines in the world, packed with vibrant flavour from herbs and spices, and often incorporating meats and fish.

One of the best things to do in Barbados - much like any country you visit - has to be indulging in its local flavours and sampling some of the most-loved delicacies. These include flying fish and cou-cou (an okra-based side), the island’s ubiquitous national dish, boasting bold flavours and plenty of spices.

Other popular dishes include pepperpot - a spicy stew with meats and a blend of local spices - and macaroni pie, a Bajan twist on the classic macaroni cheese, blended with spices and served with fish or meat.

Visit Holetown for Some of the Best Restaurants

In our opinion, Holetown - a hub of activity on the island - is one of the best places to eat out in the evening in Barbados. It is known for having an array of eateries to suit all tastes and budgets, from fusion restaurants to authentic Bajan restaurants, your mouth will begin to water as you explore your options here!

Make sure you arrive in Holetown with an empty stomach, and if you want a really sensational dining experience, head to The Cliff - a luxurious fine-dining restaurant. Nestled on the water’s edge, it offers 2 or 3-course gourmet meals that bring the fresh and bold flavours of the Caribbean straight to your plate, with wonderful seafood dishes featuring prominently.

Spend an Evening at Oistin’s Fish Fry

In recent years, Oistin’s Fish Fry has become somewhat of a landmark in Barbados, which is why it features on our list of the best things to do in Barbados.

Nestled in the small fishing town of Oistins on the South of the island, every Friday night this area transforms into a lively hub where locals and visitors alike gather to embrace authentic Caribbean culture and cuisine.

Huts and stalls line its beach, cooking, grilling, and frying delectable local dishes, offering you ample choice to find something tasty to eat. You can expect everything from jerk chicken to flying fish and mahi mahi. Not only can visitors enjoy these authentic Bajan flavours, but they can also mix with the locals in this cultural melting pot and enjoy live music in a buzzing atmosphere for a truly authentic Barbados experience.

Go Rum Tasting

Barbados is renowned as the birthplace of rum, with a long-standing history in its production dating back hundreds of years. Over this period, expert distillers and rum-producers have perfected their craft to produce some of the world’s finest rums. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Barbados, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend discovering the island’s rich rum heritage.

Many famous distilleries can be found around the island, with one of the most notable being the Mount Gay Distillery. Situated in the north of Barbados, it is the oldest continually operating rum distillery in the world, and has become somewhat of an institution. Now, visitors can visit Mount Gay Distillery when they visit Barbados, and take part in behind-the-scenes tours showcasing the distillation and ageing processes, as well as learn about the rum-making timeline.

And, of course, this would not be complete without a rum tasting experience! You can find these at Mount Gay Distillery as well as other distilleries across the island, which include Foursquare Rum Distillery and St. Nicholas Abbey. Savour different varieties of rum and various flavoured options, and maybe even take some rum home with you too, if you’d like a memento from your travels!