Things to see and do

The most developed of our Caribbean islands, Barbados is still a tranquil paradise with year-round sunshine and much to see and do. The island’s best beaches for swimming and relaxing are on the west coast, but surfing fans will enjoy the dramatic landscapes and seascapes of the east coast.

Getting Around

Take taxis or hire a car. The Reception staff will be happy to organise this for you.

Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour

This British naval dockyard located in the English Harbour was once one of the most important British bases in the Caribbean. Its buildings have been restored to give an impression of what it must have been like in its heyday. This is also the location for Antigua’s yacht marina.

Bridgetown & Bayshore Complex

Broad Street is the main street of Bridgetown and consists mainly of banks, department stores and duty free shops. Just outside of Bridgetown is the Bayshore Complex, a new shopping and leisure development centred around the restored Harbour Police building.

Plantation houses

Many of the grand homes built by the plantation owners are open to the public. Mansions such as Sam Lords Castle contain many of their original gilt and mahogany fittings, and you can still see a working sugar plantation on Arbib Nature and Heritage trail.

Wreck diving

If you’ve always wanted to explore a shipwreck, Carlisle Bay is reputed to have 200 wrecks, including four wrecks which are of particular interest – the Berwyn, Eilon, C-Trek and Fox. Contact a dive operator in Carlisle Bay for further details.

Surfing

Barbados is a surfers paradise with a range of waves to suit everyone from the most experienced to the absolute beginner, with equipment hire and expert tuition also readily available.

Crop Over Festival

This five-week celebration of the sugar cane harvest takes place during the summer months and features a range of parades and events, with music, fireworks, costumes and food.

Overview

Barbados has two distinct faces – the west coast boasts unending palm-fringed beaches of powder white sand, sapphire seas, hotels and fine restaurants. In contrast, the east coast offers rugged headlands pounded by Atlantic waves and a selection of excellent beaches.

Bridgetown is rapidly establishing itself as a serious shopping zone. The Bajan capital is also the base for a wide range of sightseeing tours and activities including day and evening cruises, snorkelling trips and helicopter rides. In recent years Barbados has also earned a reputation as a “fine dining” destination with a wonderful and eclectic choice of world class restaurants to choose from.

Where better to experience your favourite sport be it golf or water-skiing – than in a sun-drenched tropical paradise, lulled by cooling trade winds.

If you are a keen golfer, Barbados is definitely for you. Begin your days with a leisurely early morning breakfast so you can be on the green before the sun gathers strength. A myriad of exotic birds will serenade your quest for a hole in one! After the game, immerse yourself in the warm crystal clear waters that make Barbados so inviting a destination.