Look, there’s no beating around the bush, I’m in love with Barbados! 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.
Take a look below at 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 in Barbados.
1.) Book a Barbados boat tour
After a few trips to Barbados, my most recent stay was 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.
Alternatively, you can book this incredible boat trip around Barbados that will take you across the stunning coast of Western Barbados. This is the calmer, Caribbean side of the island, and it’s so beautiful. Plus, you’ll almost certainly see the resident turtles and rays that call this area of the Caribbean Sea home. Just be sure to book this Barbados boat tour before arriving. Spaces fill up fast!
Looking for the best hotel in Barbados? Make sure to book this suite at Cobblers Cove Hotel. This place is so special, and we absolutely loved staying here when visiting Barbados. Plus, their ocean view suites are just so beautiful. You get some of the best sunsets in all of Barbados from here.
2.) Barbados Beaches
There are no private beaches in Barbados.
This is truly amazing, and it means that all the beaches in Barbados are open for all to enjoy, regardless of where you stay. The beach truly is your oyster in Barbados, and you can choose any part of the shoreline’s white sandy shores to visit. One great thing about this legislation is that you can literally ‘discover’ your own little piece of paradise.
For some of the best beaches in Barbados, make sure to stop off at Bottom Bay (Google Maps pin), which is so beautiful. It’s on the southeast of Barbados and quite a bit quieter than some of the beaches where the hotels are on the Caribbean Sea side of the island.
Another gem of a beach is Pebbles Beach (Google Maps pin) in East Barbados. It’s a white sandy paradise, and you can even rent paddleboards and snorkels here.
Oh, and don’t forget about Batts Rock Beach (Google Maps pin). Another sandy gem of an East Coast Bajan beach that is so beautiful. Just keep an eye out for the monkeys that sometimes head to the beachfront area from the trees here. It’s all fun and games until they steal your sunglasses!
3.) Animal Flower Cave
Situated in the northern tip of the island, Animal Flower Cave (Google Maps pin) 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.) See a piece of Scotland
Yup, you read that correctly! English colonial populations who 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. The countryside is beautiful
5.) 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 in Barbados.
It really is one of the best things to do in Barbados on a Friday night. It’s so much fun and there are heaps of stalls selling the freshest seafood on the island. Just make sure to arrive hungry; the grilled fish and jerk chicken are so good here.
Oh, and don’t be alarmed if you see menus that offer dolphin to eat., It’s Mahi-Mahi, but locals refer to this fish as a dolphin. So, don’t worry… It’s not actually a 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.
Read more: What to do at Oistins Fish Fry
6.) Flower Forest
About 40 minutes north of the capital city, Bridgetown, are some of Barbados’s most beautiful Flower Forest and Botanic Gardens. 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. The botanical gardens are open until about 4 pm each day. So, make sure to plan your day around closing times.
7.) Bathsheba Beach
I know I mentioned beaches in Barbados earlier on, but I had to mention this one as a standalone option to visit. On the east coast of Barbados is Bathsheba Beach (Google Maps pin). 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.
8.) Speightstown
One of the larger towns in Barbados, Speightstown (Google Maps pin), is a great place to spend a morning exploring some of the history of the beautiful Island. I headed into Arlington House Museum (Google Maps pin) in Barbados, in the centre of the town, which is well worth taking a gander inside.
Oh, and don’t forget to spot the Speightstown Mural, visit Local & Co for a tasty seafront lunch of fresh fish and stop off at The Caboose (Google Maps pin) for sunset tipples and nibbles right on the shorefront at Sand Street.
Visits will take a few hours, or a little longer if you stop off at the places I mentioned for lunch or supper.
9.) 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 a testament to this.
Though one point to remember, make sure you have a designated driver! You’ll be tasting lots of rum. It’s well worth visiting to learn more about the long history in Barbados, and is perfect for a few hours’ trip whilst exploring the island. If you need more convincing, make sure to check out our blog post on visiting St Nicholas Abbey. You’ll have a great time when visiting Barbados.
10.) Bridgetown
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