Barbados is an ideal vacation spot for active travelers, with its wide offerings from golf courses to historic homes and sporting events. Surfers flock to Bathsheba Beach, located on the east coast, while swimmers looking for much calmer waters head to the south coast’s Dover Beach. For those who want to scuba dive or snorkel, head to Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown, known as the capital of Barbados,
It is a famous Barbadian cave system over a mile long. Where you can see abundant wildlife and various shipwrecks, you can visit the lush Hunte’s Gardens or even the Harrison’s Cave. And, of course, a trip to Barbados wouldn’t be complete without sampling their world-famous rum.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to spend your entire vacation, there are villas on the beach in Barbados for you to choose from. Pack your things and get ready for your next relaxing getaway.
Bathsheba Beach
Bathsheba Beach is located on Barbados’ west coast. It is truly a photographer’s and surfer’s paradise. It features dramatic rock formations and even abandoned homes. For those who would love to surf, there’s the beach’s famous Soup Bowl, where you’ll find top-notch waves. It is also where international competitions are regularly being held. Swimming here at Bathsheba beach is not advisable due to the rough waters and rock formations. Apart from that, it is also an ideal place to fly kites and enjoy a beach picnic. Public transportation in the area is minimal, so it is recommended to rent a car.
Dover Beach
Dover Beach, on the south coast, can be found in Oistins. It sits in Christ Church parish. The beach’s waves are ideal for surfing. There are other popular water sports where you can engage in jet skiing, Hobie Cat sailing, and windsurfing. There’s also an available swimming area away from the ocean’s riptides.
If you’re looking for a tranquil place with less crowd, head to Dover Beach and experience a much laid-back atmosphere. Many beach bars that can be found here offer happy hour deals.
Carlisle Bay
It is located on the southwestern coast of Barbados. It is about 3 miles southwest of downtown Bridgetown. It offers much calmer waters, thus making this an ideal place to swim. This area is also great for snorkeling due to the bay’s six shipwrecks. Be ready to witness numerous marine life like rock lobsters, turtles, and different fish species.
Visitors can rent water sports equipment like kayaks and jet skis or even engage themselves in beachside horseback riding.
St. Nicholas Abbey
Unlike any other larger Bajan rum distilleries, St Nicholas differentiates itself by distilling its rum in traditional small batches. Apart from rum being its main attraction, it also features a 350-year-old plantation home that houses a museum that showcases various antique items. The whole property also comprises multiple gardens and orchards.
Travelers indeed rave about St. Nicholas Abbey’s two-hour tours. Appreciate the plantation’s architecture as well as its historical significance. The best day to tour the property is Wednesday or Thursday when sugar cane is ground in-house. Plus, the rum samples are included throughout the tour.
It is located within St. Peter Parish, about 5 miles northeast of Speightstown. It is open to the public from Sunday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can choose from guided tours being offered, or you can also do a self-guided tour.
Hunte’s Gardens
Bajan horticulturist Anthony Hunte owns this. He was known locally for his colorful personality. It is situated about 4 miles southwest of Bathsheba Beach. Witness various plants and animals and be aware of Hunte’s wealth of knowledge. You can pack a lunch and picnic on the property’s grounds to make the most of the garden’s picturesque setting.
Hunte’s Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours here are not offered, though Hunte is typically available to answer your queries about the garden.
Barbados Boardwalk
It offers an array of beaches for you to enjoy. Barbados Boardwalk is one of the island’s most popular attractions. It can be found just south of Bridgetown. It connects Accra and Camelot Beaches. It is truly a haven for those outdoor enthusiasts with its scenic ocean vistas and even the turtles and crabs known to visit the adjacent waters. For a much-worthy experience, plan your visit at sunrise or sunset.
Harrison’s Cave
It is located in the middle of the country, about 5 miles from Holetown and Bathsheba Beach. Be ready to witness limestone caverns, including several streams, stalactites, stalagmites, and other calcite deposits.
The cave here is well-preserved. Tour guides here are also knowledgeable and will truly make your visit unforgettable. There’s a variety of tours that run daily from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The standard tram tour lasts for about an hour. Walk-in cave tours are being offered on select Saturdays at around 3 p.m. There are also Kid tours available that focus on bats.
Animal Flower Cave
Animal Flower Cave got its name from sea anemones. It is the island’s only accessible sea cave. It is located under the North Point cliffs in St. Lucy parish. Spend at least an hour exploring these impressive caves. Getting here is a challenge. Watch your step when heading into the cave. The stairs are steep, and the rocks are slippery. It is open all day, but the guided tours are only available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
