Things to See & Do in Barbados

Barbados overview

Barbados is about 34 km long, so wherever you stay, the rest of the island is within reach for a day. These are the places I plan around.

The west coast

Calm Caribbean water, sunset views and many of the island’s upscale hotels and villas around Holetown and Speightstown — often called the Platinum Coast.

Palms and coral rock above clear water on a Barbados shoreline — Clear water along a rocky shore

The south coast

Livelier and often better value, with St. Lawrence Gap’s restaurants and bars, the Friday-night fish fry at Oistins, and windsurfing and kitesurfing further along at Silver Sands.

Bridgetown and the Garrison

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carlisle Bay, right beside the capital, is known for snorkelling over shallow shipwrecks, often with sea turtles nearby.

Bridgetown, Barbados, seen from the water, with the harbour and colourful buildings along the shore — Bridgetown from the water

A day on the water

A catamaran sail or a turtle snorkel is a simple day out from either coast.

Boats anchored in clear blue water beside a rocky Barbados shore — Boats in clear water

The east coast

The Atlantic side is wild and beautiful — Bathsheba’s rock formations are a highlight — but the surf is rough and not safe for most swimming. For most visitors, it’s a scenic drive rather than a base.

Palms and a large rock formation in the surf on the Atlantic coast of Barbados — The Atlantic coast

Rum, caves and something to eat

Mount Gay, with roots going back to 1703, is among the oldest rum brands in the world, and distillery tours make an easy half-day. Harrison’s Cave, in the centre of the island, is a limestone cave system toured by tram.

Away from the landmarks, everyday Barbados shows up at the roadside: fruit stands piled with bananas and mangoes, and small painted wooden houses along the street.

Bananas, mangoes, tomatoes and onions displayed at a fruit stand in Barbados — A fruit stand in Barbados

A small painted wooden house with a bright pink door on a Barbados street — A painted wooden house along a street

Back to the Barbados overview

Let’s plan your Barbados trip

Tell me who is travelling, when, and whether you lean toward quiet sunsets or restaurants and energy. I’ll suggest the coast and stay, and book the flights, transfers and the days out worth planning.

The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.

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