Barbados Travel Guide

Your Barbados adventure awaits

Barbados is a coral island paradise that’s filled with endless things to see and do. Friendly Barbadians, stunning beaches, challenging golf courses, spectacular caves, lively night life and a rich historical heritage all combine to make Barbados one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.

Famous Barbadians include pop icon and worldwide superstar Rhianna and cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the world’s greatest ever all-rounder cricketers and the first man to hit six sixes in one over.

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Sun, Surf and Sand

Nature has been kind to Barbados, the island is home to a dazzling array of picture postcard beaches surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Popular spots include Dover Beach, Mullin’s Beach, Pebbles Beach, Silver Sands and Atlantic Shores.

Take a short boat trip and swim with the turtles, learn to surf at one of the welcoming surf schools, boogie board or kayak your way along the shore, or let the cooling breezes help you along with a short sail on a Hobie Cat. The beaches along the east coast provide the perfect spot for a picnic and there’s always something to be found after a spot of beachcombing on Cattlewash Beach, one of the longest beaches on the island.

Get up close to colourful tropical fish, wonderful corals and a sunken shipwreck on the Atlantic Submarine adventure, see what’s biting on a deep-sea fishing charter, or spend the day cruising the crystal-clear seas aboard a luxury catamaran. Now that’s what life at the beach is all about!

History and Heritage

Culinary Delights

Barbados has a rich history with many preserved historic buildings, museums and other places of interest just waiting to be explored.  Bridgetown, the island’s capitals and its historic Garrison are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a walking tour of is a great way to see the well preserved sections from the 17th , 18th and 19th century sections of colonial architecture.  George Washington  stayed in Barbados for two months in 1751, take a trip to the house he lived in to find out what life was like on the island 250 years ago.  Other notable historical visitor attractions include the Jewish Museum, the Museum of Parliament, St Nicholas Abbey and the Barbados Museum.

Barbados OistinsFishFry

Many of the traditional Barbadian recipes have been shaped by the island’s British and African heritages. From fine dining in plush cliff top restaurants to spicy treats in beachfront shacks and rum shops, there’s something for every palate and every price range throughout the island. 

Popular local delicacies include cou cou and flying fish (the national dish), pudding and souse, Bajan chicken soup, conkies, pigtails and fish cakes. If you love your food and drink, you’ll love your stay on this Caribbean gem.

Night Life

Adventure and Festivals

Barbados Girls Bar

Barbados comes to life when the sun goes down – if you love to party, then this Caribbean hot spot is the place for you. World famous high-vibe nightclubs mingle with busy local bars and pubs to keep you going from dusk, to whenever your dawn time is.

St Lawrence Gap is the party capital of Barbados, it’s the place to be for casual eating, fine dining, lively nightlife, music and shopping. From the latest sounds and stunning light shows at the Sugar Ultra Lounge to the timeless classic theme nights of the Reggae Lounge – there’s something for everyone in the Gap, where every night is party night!
Fire eaters, limbo dancers and stilt walkers are just some of the acts to be seen while you savour the delights of your BBQ dinner at the Harbour Lights Beach Extravaganza. Later, dance the night away and sample some of the local rum cocktails from the open bar – don’t worry about driving home, complimentary hotel shuttle transportation is included.

Visit Barbados

There’s lots more than just a friendly welcome waiting for you in this tropical paradise, Barbadians are rightly proud of their rich heritage and are always ready to celebrate special occasions with fun and laughter. That’s where the island’s festivals come in, no matter what time of year you visit there’s sure to be something special and exciting taking place. Popular festivals include the Food and Rum Festival, Oistin’s Fish Festival, Crop Over, Reggae Festival, Run Barbados and the prestigious Sandy Lane Gold Cup. 

Other popular activities include the eco adventure and guided tour through the awesome display of running streams, waterfalls and stalagmites and stalactites at Harrison’s Cave, exploring the island on a 4 by 4 guided Safari Tour, ATV off road driving adventures, horseback riding along the beach, jungle ziplining and lots more. 

Barbados - The Birthplace of Rum

Barbados is considered the birthplace of Rum and there are currently four active Rum distilleries on the island including the Mount Gay distillery that began producing the world’s oldest brand of rum in 1703. No trip to Barbados is complete until you’ve toured some of the famous island’s rum landmarks and sampled one of the island’s famous Rum Punch cocktails. Barbadians consider Barbados rum to be the best in the world – an ideal memento or a gift to take back home.

There is so much to enjoy on the wonderful island of Barbados that one trip is never enough, you’ll surely want to come back for more.

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Barbados Coconut