Look, there’s no beating around the bush, I’m in LOVE with this country! It’s an island that is as charming as it is beautiful, especially with all the best things to do in Barbados.
There really is so much to do on this wonderful Caribbean Island so don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a “lounging by the pool” or sun-bather’s dream destination. The culture, food (like Oistins Fish Fry), natural history and the people make Barbados a perfect island to get a delicious taste of Caribbean life.
This is why I wanted to show you some of the very best things to do in Barbados that you cannot miss.
Take a look below on what to do on your trip. I really hope you have the most gorgeous time exploring the best things to do in Barbados. Have fun!
1.) Swim with turtles
I stayed at The Club Hotel in Barbados who organise special tours (on the hotel’s boat) to the stomping grounds of these gentle giants.
It’s one of the best things to do in Barbados, especially if you love wildlife.
Take a swim around the shore and around the boat and you’re almost guaranteed to see a few turtles. Just remember to be respectful of their environment and don’t try to touch or interact with the turtles.
2.) Find a secret beach
There are no private beaches in Barbados. Not one! Every single beach has to be publicly accessible so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of its magical coastline. I love this ethos and I wish other countries would follow suit.
One great thing about this legislation is that you can literally ‘discover’ your own little piece of paradise.
Each morning I visited this little cove beach, 30 minutes walk from The Club Hotel, it was pristine, with no one there except a few friendly starfish to keep me company! 🙂
3.) Explore Animal Flower Cave
Situated in the northern tip of the island, Animal Flower Cave is a great place to start your exploration of the wilder and more dramatic east coast of Barbados.
Take a trip underground and head within the caves for this dramatic view into the Atlantic Ocean. Just be careful with your step… I ended up dropping my rum punch on the steps down… urghhh! 😉
It really is one of the best things to do in Barbados if you love the more rugged side of the island.
4.) Sail the Caribbean Sea
Grab yourself an intimate afternoon on a catamaran. I chose to experience this on The Calabaza Barbados.
Group numbers were small (between 6-8 people) and we even got our own tracker to spot all the wildlife in the Caribbean Sea. To be honest, this was one of the main reasons why I liked this tour best.
Totally intimate, small and really friendly.
A great way to explore the shores, especially if you’re a wildlife fanatic.
5.) See a piece of Scotland
Yup, you read that correctly!
English settlers that first came to Barbados thought that the east coast of Barbados looked identical to Scotland. Head up into the hilly north of the island and you can judge this for yourself.
It’s quite easy to find and explore on your own (if you have a car). Just make sure to head all across the island as there as so many amazing and the best things to do in Barbados that are dotted across the country.
6.) Gorge at Oistins Fish Fry
Oisitns Fish Fry is a local hangout for visitors and local residents alike – definitely a perfect place to spend a Friday evening.
Choose some delicious food, watch residents playing dominoes and even listen to the Caribbean beats that fill the stage. A perfect place to end a Friday night on the Island.
It really is one of the best things to do in Barbados on a Friday night. Its so much fun!
Read more: What to do at Oistins Fish Fry
7.) Try eating ‘dolphin’
Actually, it’s Mahi-Mahi but locals refer to this fish as a dolphin. So, don’t worry… it’s not actually dolphin you’re eating.
A tasty treat that’s very popular in the Southern Caribbean. Pair it up with some fried plantains and a little Bajan Pepper Sauce! Obviously, if you’re a veggie, you might wanna give this one a miss.
8.) Explore the rainforests
About 40 minutes north of the capital city, Bridgetown, are some of Barbados’s most beautiful forests. Take a drive and head straight for this beautifully lush landscape. It’s a perfect place to go if you like a little hike!
Best of all, there are no poisonous snakes or spiders to worry about so explore to your heart’s content.
9.) Meet the army
This was a random meeting. On my way to the forest, I came across there two local army guys that were patrolling the route. The guy on the left looks particularly grumpy.. mainly because the soldier on the right really wanted me to take his photo and the one on the left didn’t.
He definitely put on this menacing look on purpose as they were actually really friendly in person! 🙂
10.) Go to Bathsheba Beach
On the east coast of the Island is Bathsheba Beach. An unspoilt rocky terrain that is shaped by the Atlantic Ocean.
Head for a drive down the coast and explore the area (along with some local rum houses that line the roads). It’s one of the best things to do in Barbados, especailly if you’re already visiting the rugged coastline.
11.) Eat delicious fish bites
A local speciality, these fish bites are the bomb! I scoffed this whole basked in a matter of seconds (okay, maybe minutes). They’re all made fresh made each morning and produced locally.
They’re so yummy and totally moreish!
12.) Discover Speightstown
One of the larger towns in Barbados, Speightstown is a great place to spend a morning exploring some of the histories of the beautiful Island.
I headed into the Museum of Barbados in the centre of the town… swiftly followed by a massive ice-cream.
Somehow, in my sugar haze, I managed to get myself totally lost which actually turned out to be a great way to discover the town.
13.) Head To St. Nicholas Abbey
St Nicholas Abbey is one of Barbados’s best-kept homes and rum distilleries. I swear I was blind-drunk after leaving this place – their rum punch is just too delicious. The number of photos I had to straighten while editing is testament to this.
Though, one point to remember, make sure you have a designated driver! You’ll be tasting lots of rum.
14.) Chill out
Just like any paradise island, Barbados has plenty of opportunities to chill-out.
Grab yourself a cocktail, rub on that sunblock and run down to the beach.
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