Your Caribbean Escape to Barbados

Catamaran cruise

I cannot recommend this activity enough! Ask anyone and they will say this is one of the top things one should do when they visit Barbados. Most of the cruises will originate from Bridgetown, but depending on where you are staying, some properties can arrange for cruises to pick you up from where you are staying as they are farther up the West Coast.

While each company runs a little bit differently, the majority of them will take you to places to snorkel with sea turtles, fish, and rays over shipwrecks or reefs as well as sail over water so blue you find yourself mesmerized. There are options for day cruises, private cruises, or sunset cruises and may include food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, music, and great vibes.

Ask your travel advisor for personalized recommendations on which companies to check out and see if their catamaran cruise would be right for you!

Animal Flower Cave

This cave is located at the northernmost tip of the island in the province of St. Lucy, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is an accessible sea cave that one can venture down to and be able to look out of the natural craggy rock “windows” and see where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic, where the sea crashes into itself and whitecaps of windy waves are noted.

Make sure you wear good shoes for this adventure! There are several steep rock steps leading down into the caverns, and then it is carefully making your way across wet rocks and puddles to get to the windows to see the view outside. I highly recommend wearing your bathing suit as there is a pool located in the cave where you can swim and be when the waves come just high enough to bring in the warmer ocean water inside meeting the cooler water already in the cave.

It derives its name from the sea anemones that grow in the shallow pools of the cave and appear to look like flowers on the floor. If traipsing down the steep rock steps or picking your way across the cave floor does not sound like something you want (or are physically able) to do, then there is also the option to go to the restaurant that is built over the cave, offering dramatic views of the ocean crashing into the rocks below.

Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park

There are so many different options and combinations of various tours, experiences, and adventures one can do here! They have a ropes course, ziplining, adventuring in the cave, rum tasting, and even visiting an aviary! It is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time to get the time slot that you want and to make sure that there is availability when you are there. Have your travel advisor help you in determining which options/combo you want to do and have them be the ones booking it for you so you do not have to worry about it and can just enjoy your trip!

Some of the activities are more active, however, there is an option to be driven around the cave which is something anyone can do. It is a guided tour and you are taken to the photo stops, and all the information is given to you as you make your way down over a mile underground in this 45 minute tour.

Carlisle Bay

This is probably one of the most photographed beaches in all of Barbados, if not the most photographed. The blue waters of this bay are absolutely stunning—they are fairly calm and the small waves crash onto soft white sand. You can go out in a glass-bottom boat or go snorkeling to catch a glimpse of the marine life that thrives in these waters.

If neither of those activities is on your agenda, why not either rent a chair and umbrella (plentiful on this beach and different options to pick from) or find a shady spot under a tree and set up camp there? There are restrooms, bars, restaurants, and vendors to be found scattered along this bay, and it is easily accessible by either bus or taxi (unless you’re staying nearby and it is walkable to get there!).

Oistins Fish Fry

A hot spot on Friday and Saturday nights, this is something to be experienced and not to be missed! There are a variety of food vendors, drink stalls, curios being sold, and music spots/stages (not to mention the people-watching!). It is a fun, dizzying, sensory overload where everyone is having a great time and a party is to be had. From the various DJ’s playing sets on the stage to maybe having Bajan drummers walking through the picnic tables filled with customers, you will find yourself getting caught up in the atmosphere and experience that is Oistins!

The Gap

The main part of this is located on Lawrence’s Gap and consists of several bars and restaurants known for their nightlife, particularly on weekend nights. Some options of places to check out are The Dive, The Cove Nightclub, Cafe Sol, or McBride’s Music Pub. There is also the famous “Da Original Gap Burger” stand where one can grab a late-night bite as they wander along this famous mile.

Pebble Beach

If one has ever come across photos of horses swimming in the ocean or being bathed in the sea, it was most likely taken here. Every early morning, racehorses are brought from the Garrison Savannah racetrack and walked down to the beach in order to get a workout in. It is also a time that one can take photos or even possibly ride one of the horses (for a fee) as they are brought out. I had never seen anything like this before, and it was a sight to behold how these horses all responded to their handlers and the difference in how each horse was in the water. But it was beautiful and I highly recommend setting your alarm early and coming to see this amazing sight!

St. Nicholas Abbey

Once a Jacobean mansion, it is now a museum open to the public (for a fee), as well as a working rum distillery and also showcasing a steam railway (open on select days) that makes its way through the property to Cherry Hill, a famous spot known for its panoramic views of some of the northern part of the island. This is the only rum distillery that makes its rum from sugarcane instead of molasses on the island, making it distinctive in its approach to the spirit, the taste, and the approach to the tasting you get when visiting. Some of the rum experience tours are even with the owner himself!

Mount Gay Tasting Room/Distillery

The tasting room and the distillery are noted to be in two different locations! The tasting room is located in Bridgetown, while the distillery is located farther up north in St Lucy. There are different days and times that each is open, so please schedule a tour ahead of time or make sure you check ahead before showing up to make sure it is open! Many of the locals claim it to be “the best rum in the world” and if you’re a rum drinker, I highly recommend you do one of the tours or tastings to find out for yourself if this is to be believed.

• The Tides: A fine dining experience restaurant, The Tides offers Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine and amazing service. Located in Holetown, it is set against the waterfront and offers live music in its sophisticated open-air setting.

• The Cliffs: Considered one of the higher-end restaurants in Barbados, located in St James Parish, this place requires smart casual dress and offers torchlit, cliff hanging views. The menu showcases various Caribbean fare and is perfect for a fancy date night, celebration, or get together.

• Champers Restaurant: Popular for either lunch or dinner, Champers is set against a gorgeous Caribbean Sea backdrop and has options for either indoor or outdoor dining. It is noted for its excellent service and cuisine, and reservations are highly recommended at this spot, particularly for oceanside tables.

• Chefette: A local favorite (Rihanna’s included!), this fast-food restaurant located only in Barbados serves a wide variety on its menu, including chicken, rotis, pizza, and ice cream. There are also large playgrounds (remember what McDonald’s ones used to look like? These beat those!) for kids and a quick, easy way for families to grab a meal, especially on Friday or Saturday nights when no one is wanting to cook.

• Lobster Alive: A popular beachside seafood restaurant located on Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown. This is a more casual restaurant with options to sit either indoors or outdoors, and one can even pick their own lobster out of a tank! It might be a good idea to call ahead as the lobster is flown in and availability can vary upon the day. If one loves lobster (or even if one doesn’t, there are options!) this is a great place to check out at a beautiful location!

• Oistins Fish Fry: There are so many different options to choose from, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights! Anything from pig tails to flying fish is sold here, you just have to pick which open-air local food stall you wish to eat from! There are multiple sides, such as the local favorite of macaroni pie, chips (or fries), and macaroni salad. Each stall is very different, and it depends on your personal preference for what you want to eat. I highly recommend going to experience the atmosphere, dancing, and vibes as well if you can!