Barbados Things To Do

Barbados may have booted the Brits, but they can't kick cricket. It's a public passion, so take in a match and then catch a wave windsurfing the Atlantic Ocean or Caribbean Sea. Wash ashore at Accra Beach, slather on sunscreen and settle into the soft sand with an umbrella cocktail.

Great for: beaches, windsurfing, fly-fishing, wickets and rum
Location: Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles
Population: 260,000
Size: 167 sq miles
Capital city: Bridgetown
Airport: Grantley Adams International Airport, BGI
Language: English
Currency: Barbadian dollar (Bds$ or BBD) - check exchange rate
Time Zone: Atlantic time zone, daylight saving time not observed
Area code: 246

Did you know?
Barbados is one of the most densely populated countries in the Caribbean. Barbadians (Bajans) are warm, friendly, hospitable and genuinely proud of their country and culture. Tourism is the island's number one industry, but there is a sophisticated business community and stable government. Most of the 260,000 Bajans live in three areas: the capital city of Bridgetown, along the west coast north to Speightstown, and along the south coast down to Oistins.

Trek to the trawler's town of Oistins and feast on flying fish, an island favorite. Taste the local flavor of a lime--not a drink garnish, but local lingo for a social gathering, and toast good times with local rum. Bajans (bay-jins) have been sifting sugar into rum for over 300 years and there are almost as many rum bars blanketing the island today.

Bridgetown, the capital, has the English atmosphere, which is the island's heritage. High quality British made clothing and Scottish and English fabrics are excellent buys in Bridgetown shops, and afternoon tea at "half after four" is routine throughout the city.

Barbados is a paradise where it is always summer. The stunning white sand beaches on the Caribbean side of the island contrast sharply with the rugged Atlantic coastline. Take a tram ride through Harrison’s Cave to view stalactites, stalagmites, waterfalls and pools.

Nature & Wildlife

Landmarks

Beaches

Barbados has more than beach life. It is a prime destination for travelers interested in learning about West Indian culture, and it offers more sightseeing attractions than most Caribbean islands. It is an ideal place to take bus or driving tour to visit the seaside villages, plantations, gardens, and English country churches, some dating from the 17th century.

Nature & Wildlife in Barbados:

The Barbados Sea Turtle Project (BSTP) - The Sea Turtle Project was started in 1987 to monitor nesting and hatching activity during the turtle season. It is a joint activity of the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of the West Indies and the Fisheries Division of the Government of Barbados. The BSTP relies upon the co-operation of the general public, particularly hotel staff and guests, and other persons living and working near the beach.

Farley Hill National Park - What used to be one of the greatest houses of Barbados, Farley Hill, is a mansion in ruins. Surrounding it is Farley Hill National Park. The park lies in the north of the parish of St. Peter, directly across the road leading into the Barbados Wildlife Reserve (a monkey sanctuary and an arboretum). You can wander in the park overlooking the turbulent waters of the Atlantic, and bring a picnic.

Flower Forest - A perfect way to spend a warm day is to walk in this cool garden among fragrant flowering bushes, cannas and ginger lilies, puffball trees, and more than 100 other species of tropical flora. A 1/2-mi-long path winds through the 50 acres of grounds, which is a former sugar plantation. (Richmond Plantation, Hwy. 2, St. Joseph)

Barbados Landmarks:

St. Nicholas Abbey - The island's oldest great house (circa 1650), made of stone and wood, is one of only three original Jacobean-style houses still standing in the Western Hemisphere. St. Nicholas, (which has no religious connections), has Dutch gables, finials of coral stone, and beautiful grounds. The first floor, fully furnished with period furniture, is open to the public. The Calabash Café, in the rear, serves snacks, lunch, and afternoon tea. (Near Cherry Tree Hill, St. Lucy)

Francia Plantation - The Francia Plantation stands on a wooded hillside overlooking the St. George Valley and is still owned and occupied by descendants of the original owner. Built in 1913, the house blends both West Indian and European architectural influences. You can explore several rooms, including the dining room with its family silver and an 18th-century James McCabe bracket clock. On the walls are antique maps and prints, including a map of the West Indies printed in 1522. (St. George, Barbados)

Heritage Park & Rum Factory - After driving through cane fields, you'll arrive at the first rum distillery to be launched on the island since the 19th century. Inaugurated in 1996, this factory is located on a former molasses and sugar plantation dating back 350 years. Produced on site is ESA Field, white rum praised by connoisseurs. Adjacent is an admission-free park where Barbadian handcrafts are displayed in the Art Foundry. There is also an array of shops and carts selling food, handcrafts, and other products. (Foursquare Plantation, St. Philip)

Barbados Beaches:

Bajan beaches have fine, white sand, and all are open to the public. Most have access from the road; so non-guest beach goers don't have to pass through hotel properties.

Accra Beach - Near this popular beach in Rockley there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal or have a drink. Shops rent equipment for snorkeling and other water sports, and there's a parking lot.

Bathsheba Soup Bowl - The rolling surf on Tent Bay attracts surfers. It's the site of the Independence Classic Surfing Championships each November.

Barclays Park - Along the Ermy Bourne Highway, Barclays Park has a beachfront where you can dip, wade, and play in tide pools. There's a shaded picnic area across the road.

Bottom Bay - The cove north of Sam Lord's Castle is outstanding. Follow the steps down the cliff to a strip of white sand lined by coconut palms and washed by an aquamarine sea. It's out of the way and not near restaurants, so bring a picnic lunch.

Brighton Beach - Just north of Bridgetown, Brighton Beach is large, open, and convenient to the port. Locals often take quick swims here on hot days.

Casuarina Beach - Located at the east end of the St. Lawrence Gap area, this beach always has a nice breeze and a good amount of surf.

Crane Beach - This picturesque beach of pink sand is protected by steep cliffs. There's a lifeguard on duty, but the water can be rough. The rolling surf is great for bodysurfing if you're an experienced swimmer.

Mullins Beach - This beach, just south of Speightstown at Mullins Bay, is a good place to spend the day. The calm water is safe for swimming and snorkeling.

Needham's Point - Needham's Point and its lighthouse are at the south end of Carlisle Bay. One of the best beaches, it's crowded with locals on weekends and holidays.

Paynes Bay - South of Holetown, is lined with luxury hotels. It's a very pretty area, with plenty of beach to go around and good snorkeling.

Sandy Beach - In Worthing, next to the Sandy Beach Island Resort, this beach has shallow, calm waters and a picturesque lagoon, making it an ideal location for families.

Silver Sands Beach - Close to the southernmost tip of the island, this beautiful strand of white sand always has a stiff breeze, which attracts intermediate and advanced windsurfers.

• Citizens of the United States and Canada are required to be in possession of a valid passport to enter Barbados. No visa is necessary for U.S. citizens.
• Beginning in December 31, 2005, a passport will be required to enter or re-enter the United States.
• Non-U.S. citizens, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine your entry/visa requirements.
• Departure tax is $12.50 in U.S. or Barbados dollars, payable at the airport when leaving Barbados.
• Passport, visa and travel advisory information may be found at the U.S. Department of State's Barbados pages. Although most travel to international destinations is completed without incident, Caribbean-TravelDeals.com urges passengers to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories prior to booking.