It pays to do a little research before you go away so you don’t miss out on a great experience. Barbados may be a small island, just 21 by 14 miles large, but it’s diverse and certainly is not short of things to do.
This short guide gives a taster of ten diverse experiences, some lazy and others athletic and sitll others scenic… something for everyone!
1. As the island is surrounded by two different seas why not get up close and personal with the sparkling blue water by hiring a catamaran and spending a day at sea. The whole family will really enjoy relaxing on the boat and snorkeling in the sea. Most package day cruises include a fantastic lunch and all you care to drink. The cruises will take you to the best spots to swim with the Barbados’ giant sea turtles. Check out Tiami, Cool Runnings, and Stiletto cruises.
2. Why not try a traditional Barbados coffee at the Barbados Coffee Bean Bistro? This is the perfect way to kick-start your day with a taste of Barbados! You can enjoy both breakfast and lunch here whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings. My favorite location is in Hastings on the south coast in the new Perrone Village. Sit in the shade by the pretty lake, lily pads floating on top, listening to the birds, as you dine casually or just linger over a terrific coffee.
3. The 4 x 4 safari adventures are a blast. This really is the best way to see the island! If this doesn’t take your fancy then you can plan your own excursion by hiring a car and travelling around the island yourself.
4. If golf is your thing then don’t miss out on a round or two on one of the island’s impressive 18-hole championship courses. The landscape is lush and idyllic. Check out Barbados Golf Club or the new Apes Hill championship course.
5. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is lots of fun and you can see different animals including the infamous Barbados green monkeys. The best time to visit is during feeding time.
6. Of course, Barbados is famous for its rum. Therefore, you should not visit the island without making a trip to see how the rum is made at the Mount Gay rum factory. The tour is informative and fun – and, yes, you get a free sample!
7. Learn to surf! Barbados is home of the famous Soup Bowl and pro surfers travel the world to ride the waves there. There are many spots for the novice, too, and getting a surfing lesson is loads of fun and part of the Barbadian culture. Surf Barbados is known to be a good company. Surfing not your thing? How about If surfing kite surfing or windsurfing?
8. If you need a little extra help adapting to the relaxed, easy-going way of life on the island then why not visit one of the famous “liming” spots. To “lime” in Barbados is to kick back with friends (alcohol is usually involved). A great spot to relax with a rum punch or other beverage is Round House on the east coast in Bathsheba or Southern Palms on the south coast in St Lawrence Gap or Waterfront Cafe at the port in the capital city of Bridgetown.
9. Barbados is known for its amazing beaches so why not take part on the “Barbados Best Beaches” tour and check them out for yourself. There really is a beach to suit everyone on the island so whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for killer waves (Cattle Wash beach, for example, or Bottom Bay) or just want to relax and enjoy the beauty around you (too many to name…! Try Mullins, Sandy, and Brown’s), Barbados will have something just for you.
10. Finally, why not get involved in the arts and culture of the island by visiting Pelican Village arts and crafts area in Bridgetown or check out one of Barbados’ art galleries. A painting or a sculpture from a Barbadian artist is the perfect holiday memento or present for a loved one that will remind you of the amazing experience you had on this wonderful island.