Barbados might just be one of the best all-rounder islands in the Caribbean. Some of the best hotels in the region are found here, as are some of the best beaches. Still, for anyone looking for more action than just sunbathing and sipping on a rum cocktail, you can find it surfing, exploring the hiking trails, the capital and the surrounding reefs, where you can swim with turtles, snorkel with seahorses, and spot whales in the winter months.
Things to know before you visit:
- The currency is the Barbados dollar, but they also accept US dollars.
- Barbados is still relatively conservative; heading straight off the beach into a supermarket in your bikini is frowned upon.
- It’s considered a very safe island, but the usual sensible precautions of not flashing cash or valuables apply.
- Temperatures year-round tend to be mid to high 20 degrees and don’t cool down much at night.
- There is no best time to visit Barbados, although rainier months tend to be July to November.
Here are some of my favourite things to do on the island:
Walk around Bridgetown & try the street food
A walking tour is a great way to discover the island’s food culture, historic sites, and hidden gems. Bridgetown, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is beautiful and definitely worth dedicating a few hours of your trip to explore.
Sail the Platinum Coast
One of my favourite activities from my trip to Barbados was taking a Catamaran cruise along the island’s west coast. We went with Tiami Catamaran Cruises, and the staff was unbelievably friendly. We got to snorkel with turtles and see shipwrecks. You also get lunch on board, and an open bar is available all day. The views while sailing along the West Coast were incredible. Book here.
Feast on seafood at Oistins Fish Fry
On Friday nights, the only thing to do is get a fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens. Depending on your chosen vendor, you can get your fish grilled or fried, and it’s all cooked on the spot in front of you. There’s a real sense of community here with live music playing and everyone eating together. Don’t skip the market with arts and crafts carefully tucked away behind the bustling food stalls, which is the perfect place to get a souvenir from your trip.
Take a tour of Mount Gay Rum Distillery
If you love rum, take a mount gay distillery tour. Throughout the day, you’ll learn how Barbados became the birthplace of rum and how rum is made by visiting the molasses house, fermentation house, distillation house, and more. Mount Gay is the oldest continuously running rum distillery in the world. We visited the original landscape and buildings where it all began in 1703, walking through the fully operational rum-making headquarters and enjoying. rum tasting at the end.
