Barbados, located in the Caribbean West Indies is my favorite island. While I have visited a few other islands and have plenty of other islands yet to explore, Barbados has a special place in my heart and always will. I coincidentally had a trip planned to Barbados the week I was evacuated from my New York City apartment because of serious flood damage and quit my way too stressful job! It was the most beautiful escape from life at the exact perfect moment in time. From the stunning beaches to the fresh local seafood, my time spent in Barbados has been absolute perfection each time. It’s a safe and friendly island, so you can relax as you travel to all ends of the islands to explore beaches, caves, flora, fauna, marine life, and fine dining. Here are ten of my favorite things to do in Barbados.
10. The Views
Many people have a misconception that Caribbean islands are all flat and sandy. The few islands I’ve visited have been so different. Barbados has mountains with beautiful lookouts and a tropical rain forrest, and even farming! If you venture up to the top of these mountains, you’ll encounter some pretty breathtaking views. This photo was snapped at Cherry Tree Hill, near St. Nicholas Abbey. We even saw a few naughty green monkeys! This isn’t even the highest lookout point on the island though. There are many beautiful lookouts around the island, and you should definitely put one on your list of things to do in Barbados.
9. Flower Forest Botanical Gardens
On my island tour, I visited the Flower Forest Botanical Gardens to see the wide variety of plants on the island. I saw of the most beautiful and unique flowers I have ever seen. If you have the chance, it is definitely worth a walk through the grounds to experience the beauty of Barbados.
8. Oistin’s Fish Market
Oistin’s Fish Market is the place to be in Barbados on a Friday night. You can stop by any night of the week, but not all vendors will be open. On Friday, the locals and tourists flood the market for their favorite fish and traditional side dishes. You can also get drinks and listen to live music. You can learn more about local cuisine in my article, Slow Food Barbados.
7. Crane Beach
Crane beach is located at the bottom of a cliff at the current location of the Crane Resort. The beach is named after the cranes that used to lift goods to the top of the cliff, not after the birds as many assume. The beach is public, so you can visit even if you aren’t staying at the resort. The sand has a beautiful pinkish hue, but it is on the Atlantic Ocean so the waves can be too rough for swimming at times.
6. Atlantis Submarine
The submarine is a great alternative to a snorkel trip, for those who can’t swim. The experience is far more unique than a typical glass bottom boat ride. Even for me, the experience was unique and well worth it. When you snorkel, you don’t go 150m deep! For more about this experience read my full review. To learn about other submarines around the world, check out this collaborative article.
5. Sunrise at Carlisle Bay
Most sunrises have a unique, touch, but sunrise at Carlisle Bay is extra special. The local horses from the race track come down to the bay each morning at sunrise for a quick swim. Don’t get too close to these beautiful animals, but find a cozy spot on the beach or grab breakfast at the nearby Radisson hotel and enjoy this magical moment.
4. St. Lawrence Gap
St. Lawrence Gap is the center of nightlife on the island for both locals and tourists. The road is lined with bars and restaurants serving up mexican, local food, and your favorite alcoholic beverages. You’ll find live music and karaoke. The place is hopping 7 nights a week. Also, don’t forget to try the rum punch!
3. Cafe Luna Restaurant
Cafe Luna, a locally owned and locally sourced restaurant, is one of the best places on the island to grab a meal as the sun sets. You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque setting. Be sure to try the local seafood and a few of their fabulous cocktails. You can find my full review of the restaurant here.
2. Swimming with Turtles
Swimming with turtles is an island favorite. You can take a catamaran tour to do some snorkeling and swimming in the warm Caribbean sea waters off the coast of Barbados. You’re almost guaranteed to see a friendly turtle or two and some beautiful marine life on the reef.
1. Bathsheba Beach
Finally, my favorite thing to do in Barbados. Bathsheba is located on the East Coast of Barbados. The rough Atlantic Ocean waters make this beach great for surfers, but not ideal for swimmers. The beautiful rock pools are fun for visitors to explore. There’s also an old shack located on the beach. Even though it is out of the way for most visitors, I take the trip to this side of the island every trip to visit this stunning beach.
Use the comment section to let me know which things to do in Barbados made your own list!
I only spent a day in Barbados when I was on a cruise and this post is making me want to go back for longer. Love your ideas!
I loved Barbados! The one thing I would add to your list is the caves on the north part of the island. They aren’t big but still neat to explore
Yeah, I haven’t been to them yet as I’ve seen some pretty amazing caves around the world. I hear it makes for a fun outing though.
I might not leave if ever visit this island! It is so beautiful 🙂 I mean it has everything; the flowers, the beach, good food. great post, loved all the pictures 🙂
I think I’ll enjoy swimming with the turtles, the flowers in the botanical garden and anything about the sea! These are fun!
God Bless!
JM Kayne | #InMyHeart♥
Barbados sounds like such a great island! If I had to pick my favorites, I would love to eat at Oistin’s Fish Market, watch the sunset at Cafe Luna and the sunrise at Carlisle Bay and also see the ocean from a submarine.
Barbados sounds like a great island with lots of things to do. Got to plan a trip here soon. Swimming with the turtles will be highest on my bucket list when I go here
So many fun things to do in Barbados. It’s great to hear that it is a safe country, which makes it a great place to travel solo. I would love to go on the submarine since I’m a bit scared of scuba diving. I also think swimming with turtles would be so much fun!
I would head straight to Carlisle Bay. Then to the fish market. I grew up near Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Only thing I knew about Barbados before was…Rihanna haha. Clearly I’m missing out on everything it has to offer there! Cafe Luna and Crane Beach are must visits for me. That view at the cafe while dining is everything!
Barbados looks amazing. I have family from the Caribbean and didn’t realise that Barbados was so hilly! Might have to visit there soon.
Your list has given me even more reasons to want to head back to Barbados! Our favorite part was the driver we had for the day…we called him Mr Wayne. He was so friendly!
Barbados is gorgeous, I’m glad you enjoyed your time there! I’ve never been on a submarine, but it looks like so much fun. You’re so lucky to have gotten close to sea turtles!
~ xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com
I’ve been dying to visit Barbados! Your pictures look amazing. The Fish Market is calling my name!
It is my dream to go to Barbados one day!! Looks like you had so much fun and the photos are great!
I would love to visit this place, it looks so beautiful!! Can we go? Hahaha
I can’t pick just one…I want to do them all! It looks like such a fun experience! x
Swimming with sea turtles? I’m off to Barbados right away 🙂 But seriously speaking, all the things you’ve mentioned are great and worth a try.
OMG your pictures are amazing! Barbados looks like a great place to visit. WOW! I would love to go one day.