What to do in Barbados
Encounter a Caribbean carnival of colour and culture when you visit Barbados. White powder beaches, turquoise bays and multi-coloured villages await your arrival. Far more than just a turnaround port for Caribbean cruises, make the most of this fantastic destination and add a few days pre or post-cruise. Here’s our guide to what you can do in just a few days in Barbados.
Where to stay...
Spoilt for choice is an understatement when it comes to accommodation! The west coast of Barbados, known as the Platinum Coast, sparkles with luxury resorts. From the upmarket adults-only The House, to the family-friendly and laid-back Tamarind Resort, there is the perfect place for everyone. The fresh and breezy Atlantic east coast of Barbados also has top quality hotels making the most of the rugged coastline, including the exclusive 9-room Atlantis with its stunning views.
Things to do...
Despite the many attractions of your resort, the lure of everything Barbados has to offer should tempt you out to explore!
Beaches
With nearly 100 kilometres of coast-line, Barbados boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Mullins Beach, Gibbes Beach, Crane Beach and Paynes Bay are infinitely Instagrammable. Bathsheba on the east coast attracts surfers with its swells, while Accra attracts fun-loving families. Take advantage of the many opportunities for watersports, including jetskis, windsurfing and banana boats.
Catamaran trips
Rum, sea and snorkelling – a very fine way to spend a day in Barbados! Several companies offer day-long catamaran trips catering for all types of guest. If you want complete relaxation, avoid the ones with the loud music, and if you are keen on snorkelling then look out for the ones that sail over an old shipwreck. Most offer lunch on board (and rum!) and stop for swimming opportunities in beautiful coves.
4x4 trips
Barbados has far more to offer than just beaches. Take a trip around the island on an off-road jeep safari, and venture to places you can’t go in a hire car! See the majestic lion at Gun Hill and explore the rugged East Coast with a photo stop at Bathsheba Bay with its famous rock formations. Entertaining local drivers give a real insight into authentic Barbados, accompanied as always by rum punch and a refreshing swim.
Bridgetown
The lively capital of Barbados is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and beautifully blends its history with modern-day Bajan life. Browse the shops on Broad and Swan Streets, and visit the historic Garrison before seeing one of the oldest synagogues in the Western World.
Food and drink
You’re never far away from refreshments on the island, with everything from street food at local bars, to fine dining in amazing restaurants overlooking the sea. The most famous Bajan food, flying fish and cou-cou, is ubiquitous, with bold flavours and lots of spices – Bajan food is never bland! Holetown is the best place to go to eat out in the evening with restaurants such as The Cliff offering an amazing cliff-top location along with superb food. Don’t forget to visit Mount Gay distillery in the north of the island for a tour and in depth tasting of the world’s best rum.
Discover the island for yourself on one of these Blue Water Holidays Barbados Cruises