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Resort Guides
Christchurch
Barbados is known for its golden, sandy beaches, and the pick of the brunch are located in Christchurch, it has acres of white sand and palm trees to provide shade, along with safe shallow waters which make it ideal to go snorkeling. Along the beaches and roadsides you will find tiny stalls that provide really interesting and original treats and gifts, whilst the shops and department stores including duty free shopping is located further in to town. Every Friday night the weekly fish-fry in the small town of oistins is not to be missed, with plenty of locals and tourists flocking to enjoy the live music and impromptu performances and most of all the irresistible seafood. Dozens of stalls offer the best in super fresh fish and Caribbean cooking. Those who like to party until early hours in the morning can enjoy dancing on the beach at Harbor Lights, with many more nightclubs to endure around the island to ensure you wont find your self without something to do.
Maxwell Coast
Once you reach Maxwell beach you are surrounded by golden sand, the beach has woodland behind it where you can send the kids off to count the thousands of red crabs marching through! The sea here is very calm and perfect for swimming; there is volleyball net if you want to round up a few people for a game. For wide soft white-sand beaches, year round sunshine, turquoise waters and a wide range of activities, the water sports include windsurfing, surfing, sailing, and kite-surfing. Maxwell Coast offers everything you could want for a relaxing sun, sea and sand holiday with a laid back atmosphere, great weather and superb beaches. For those who love birds, Graeme Hall Swamp is the largest expanse of inland water in Barbados. Several species of birds find a natural habitat in the mangrove trees, and the swamp also provides a sanctuary for a large number of migrant and wintering water birds and shore birds. For a round of golf try one of the beautifully landscaped courses. However you decide to spend your time in Barbados, Maxwell Coast can provide the ideal base.
St James
The beach at St James is filled with golden sand; warm water and plenty of water sports from, sailing, snorkelling, diving, water skiing to swimming with turtles, the beach has it all. You will feel equally comfortable reading a book in the shade or star gazing on a warm moonlit night. Shopping in Barbados is by no means confined to Bridgetown. There are several smaller towns like Holetown, in St. James. St James has spectacular restaurants; the choice of dining options in Barbados is practically endless. From fine dining to fast foods, the slew of restaurants is one of the most varied in the Caribbean. There you can find seafood restaurants, steak houses, world-wide ethnic specialties, contemporary continental cuisine, lively bistros, and eateries specializing in Caribbean foods. Nightlife in St James features nightclubs in which most nights play local music such as reggae and calypso.
St Lawrence
Saint Lawrence Gap is known for its beautiful scenery with a 1.5k kilometre stretch of bars, hotels, dance clubs, restaurants, inns, resorts, and shops this is all along a white powdery-sand beachfront with cool blue warm waters in which you can participate in the many water sports available such as boogie boarding, jet skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling. There are amazing white sand beaches to relax on and a varied choice of local excursions. You will also find that there are restaurants for every taste and budget, the restaurants are varied and sell Mexican, Bajan, Irish, Jamaican, English, Italian, American and Chinese food. The variety does not stop with food; you can also hear Rock, Reggae, Calypso, R&B, Salsa and live music most nights of the week. So whether you are looking to dance the night away to calypso and reggae, snorkel the shallow reefs in sun-warmed water or to sample succulent seafood as the suns setting, it is the perfect spot for Barbados beach holidays.
St Peter
St Peter is located on the Platinum Coast of Barbados and is blessed with beautiful beaches and calm turquoise waters. It is a great resort for families and there is a wide variety of watersports and activities available. Farley Hill house and Barbados Wildlife Reserve are also nearby so there is plenty to do.
Weather in Barbados
The fabulous weather in Barbados has been attracting tourists for decades in both the summer and winter. With over 3000 hours of sunshine yearly, the weather is almost always sunny and warm, cooled by the constant north-east trade winds. Barbados is a tropical paradise where the temperatures rise each day to around 30°C, the sun is always shining and the sea is always warm. High season in Barbados is from mid-December to mid-April when there is little rain and humidity is lower as the cooling trade winds come in from the northeast. Evenings are a little cooler with the average temperature falling to 21-23°C with a nice breeze. Even in the rainy season - from June to November, the temperatures are just as warm and there are still eight or nine hours of sun each day. Hurricane season is officially from June 1st to October 31st. Barbados is set to the east of the other Caribbean islands so usually doesn't experience the worst of the storms. When it rains, it rains in the form of a tropical storm which is over very quickly, leaving the sun shining afterwards.
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Beaches
Barbados beaches are truly some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean with long strips of porcelain white sands tickled by swaying palms. On the flatter South West and West coasts, you can walk for miles along unbroken white sand beaches, sometimes stopping at a cluster of coral rocks jutting out to sea. All along the shore large and small beaches are broken by coral formations, the soft coral rocks weathered by the ocean surf.
St James has magnificent white sand beaches such as Paynes Bay, and Folkestone Marine Park which has an inshore reef home to numerous fish, sea anemones, sea lilies, corals and sponges. Many water sports are available on the beaches; water sports include windsurfing, surfing, sailing, and kite-surfing.
Bathsheba, on the east coast has been a popular beach for years with both Bajan and vacationing surfers alike. There are surf contests several times a year. Crane Beach in St Philip is a favourite for water sports and has fantastic waves for body surfing. It has been voted one of the ten best beaches in the world. If you like snorkelling then head to Church Point, a very special beach, clean and sheltered. The waters are almost always placid with no undertow making it fantastic for snorkelling.
Rockley Beach and Bath beach in Christ Church are the most popular beaches with safe swimming and moderate waves. There are usually life guards on duty and many places to eat and change.
For calm waters and nice swimming try Paradise Beach or Paynes Bay. Sandy Lane Bay has calm waters and is ideal for families. For the romantic isolated beach, try Bottom Bay, one of the most beautiful Barbados beaches that is perfect for an afternoon picnic with your loved one. The east and north coasts meet the Atlantic Ocean where huge waves crash along the shore. Strong currents rule out swimming except for in a few of the much protected bays.
Top 10 Attractions
Harrison's cave
Harrison's cave is a magnificent, crystallized limestone cavern located in the southern end of Welchman Hall Gully and is said to be one of the wonders of the world. Its pure clear water and flowing streams helped to create the beautiful stalactites hanging from the roof, and stalagmites emerging from the ground of the cave. Harrison's Cave is an amazing gallery of streams of crystal-clear running water that drop from breathtaking waterfalls to form deep emerald pools.
Visitors are driven in electric trams through the extensive system of caves and at the lowest level point in the cave, visitors are invited to walk alongside a spectacular waterfall which plunges into a deep pool below. Tour guides give historical information on this cave along the way. The attractive Visitor's Centre, which was designed to fit in with the natural limestone bedrock, provides a refreshment area and handicraft shops, along with an exhibit of Amerindian artefacts that have been excavated from various sites around the island.
Mount Gay Rum Tour
The Mount Gay Rum tour is a great Barbadian experience located in the northern edge of Bridgetown. It is home to the world's oldest rum and an important part of Barbados' history. It will introduce you to a taste of the island's culture and all the mysteries of rum-making at its best. Learn the secrets involved in the fascinating traditional processes of producing the world's finest rum. Discover the culture in the shady veranda restaurant overlooking the ocean, and feast on Bajan Cuisine and sip extra-special rum cocktails.
Jacobean Mansions
Barbados is the home of two of the three remaining "Jacobean Mansions" left in the Western hemisphere. St Nicholas' Abbey in St Peter and Drax Hall in St George are two of the oldest buildings in Barbados. Both are world-renowned examples of Jacobean architecture that features curved Dutch gables and coral-stone finials, each furnished with antiques. Both buildings were constructed in the 1650s. Drax Hall was one of the earliest and largest sugar plantations in Barbados, built by James and William Drax. Another relic from the plantation days is the Morgan Lewis Mill at St Andrew, one of only two restored sugar mills in the Caribbean. It is maintained by the Barbados National Trust and provides an insight into how sugar was produced through wind power.
Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Specializing in tropical plants from all over the world, the garden is renowned for not only its collection, but also for its landscape on the slopes above the Atlantic Ocean. There are many unusual species of plants which may be rarely seen elsewhere. The large fig tree has so many aerial roots that it resembles a bearded tree. Since it once covered Barbados in vast forests, the Portuguese sailors who sailed by the island named it the bearded island. The garden was the creation of Iris Bannochie who donated it to the Barbados National Trust. It is also a superb place for bird watching since the variety of flowers and tranquillity lures many species of birds to the grounds.
Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill
After a massive restoration effort on the part of the Barbados National Trust, Morgan Lewis Mill, located in St Joseph, is one of the largest, oldest mills in the region and is virtually intact. Typical of the wind-driven mills of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it helped produce the sugar for which Barbados used to be famous throughout the world. Housed inside the mill is a dynamic display of old photographs documenting the sugar glory days. Morgan Lewis Mill is located in St Joseph on a scenic mount in the beautiful north east of the island, commanding panoramic views down to the stunning east coast.
The Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum
Located in the parish of St.James, the Sir Hutson Sugar Museum houses antique machinery, and gives a guided tour of sugar, it use in the past and it's uses in today's markets. The museum houses a fine collection of original machinery, inside a converted sugar boiling house, where you can sample fine sugar delicacies. During the grinding season (February to May) you can also take a tour of the modern factory and see how sugar is processed today.
The Bridgetown Synagogue
The Bridgetown Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in the world. The first synagogue built in the western hemisphere, and once left derelict, this beautifully restored place of worship dates back to 1654. It was built by the Jews who went there from Brazil to pass on their expertise in the sugar industry. The synagogue is now in use once again by the Jewish community in Barbados. It is a proud winner of the American Express Preservation Award.
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village
Tyrol Cot was built in 1854 and can be found in the parish of St Michael. It was home to Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados who is featured on the Barbadian $100 note. Tyrol Cot was the home of one of the founding fathers of Barbadian democracy, Sir Grantley Adams, and his son, second Prime Minister of Barbados. The house is a monument to a vital period in the island's history, as well as containing Sir Grantley's personal effects - such as his old radio and car licence plate - and a fine collection of antique furniture.
Welchman Hall Gully
Located in the parish of St. Thomas, this gully and its cliffs were formed when the roof of a series of caves collapsed. Approximately 200 species of tropical and jungle plants are found here in what is the closest approximation to the original environment of Barbados. With luck in the early morning or late afternoon, visitors will see families of Green Monkey which live in the ravine. Welchman Hall Gully is protected by the Barbados National Trust.
Wildey House
The headquarters of the Barbados National Trust is now Wildey House n the parish of St. Michael, and is a beautiful old Georgian Great House set in five acres of grounds and woods which underwent extensive renovation between 1995 and 1997. The house and its contents were bequeathed to the Trust by Edna Leacock, and her beautiful mahogany furniture has also been lovingly restored by John Chandler.
Shopping
If you like shopping you won't be disappointed with what Barbados has to offer. There is an excellent range of goods available. Many supermarkets are open long hours and offer almost everything you could need. Some of the best supermarkets on the island are located along the south and west coast. Alternatively, there are many market stalls dotted around the island selling many products and friendly street vendors offer good deals. Fish can be bought fresh from the fish market at Oistins. Rum, beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages are cheapest in the supermarkets where there is a wide choice with frequent special offers.
Unique local handicrafts can also be purchased in shops around Barbados, especially in Bridgetown and the south coast parish of Christ Church. For a wide selection of Barbadian-made goods like weaving, batiks, and jewelry, cruise along Harbour Road near Bridgetown until you reach Pelican Craft Centre.
Department Stores
The Chattel Village
In a lush garden, the Chattel Village (Holetown) offers the best in ladies' clothing, swimwear, screen-printing, tee shirts, a gourmet food & wine shop, souvenirs and collectible items.
The Chattel House Shopping Village
With an information centre, a restaurant & bar, a photo centre, local handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and souvenirs the Chattel House Shopping Village is great for easy, relaxed shopping where you can find everything you need.
DaCostas Mall
Located in the heart of Bridgetown (St.Lawrence Gap). It has over 25 shops of exciting variety with great prices. You will find interesting displays of gift ideas and unique exhibits of Barbadian artwork in the DaCostas Mall.
Sheraton Centre
Located off the ABC Highway in Christ Church, less touristy and designed for the local market. It is an air-conditioned mall with 70 stores, a food court and cinema complex.
Pelican Village
Located on the outskirts of Bridgetown, it is the place to get local handicrafts including straw bags, wall hangings, batik, paintings, and rum cakes.
Getting Around
Buses - good for cheap transportation and those eager to experience the customs and hospitality of the local people. Fares are generally low and routes well serviced. There are plenty of stops to ensure that customers are always able to arrive near their destination.
Car Hire - always a good way to travel if you want to explore the island. If you don't mind paying out a little extra for the convenience of your own rental car, there are plenty of local agencies. Petrol stations and parking areas are easier to locate in Barbados than on some of the more crowded Caribbean islands. Drivers should obtain a temporary visitor's permit, but driving laws are familiar to British laws.
Taxi - the most common form of transportation for holiday-makers. They are easy to find and will be at most hotels, failing this you can get the nearest taxi firm number from your hotel reception . Taxi rates are generally low and prove good service.
Bikes and mopeds - also widely available and are a perfect option for a day trip through the beautiful countryside. Rates can be quoted either daily or weekly, making this an affordable transportation option for seeing Barbados. In-town bicycles and scooters are a pleasant way to get back and forth to the beach, but are not practical as your primary source of transportation around the whole island.
Nightlife
Barbados after dark features an exciting mix of excellent dining and dinner shows, romantic cruises, wild bars and nightclubs. Centred around its bars, nightclubs and hotels, Barbados has earned a well deserved reputation for its nightlife. The bar scene is lively and friendly, many bars offer good food and feature live entertainment. Excellent local bands feature everything from Calypso and Reggae to Pop and R & B continue into to the early hours. There are also local cultural shows and festivals throughout the year to watch out for.
Dinner shows in Barbados are highly interactive and have a family friendly party atmosphere.
There are also plenty of beachfront bars for you to sit back with a drink and listen to the soothing sounds of the sea if partying is not for you.
The liveliest part of Barbados is St Lawrence Gap. St Lawrence Gap is extremely popular with visitors and locals.
As the night come's "The Gap" becomes a vibrant mix of bars, clubs, restaurants and great music. Party until the sun rises. On the edge of Bridgetown you will find beachfront clubs offering great entertainment and music.
The great selection of night time activities lets you decide how you want to spend your perfect tropical evening. Whether you want to relax under the sparkling Caribbean sky enjoying a romantic dinner cruise or prefer to dance the night away at one of the upbeat bars and nightclubs, Barbados is a destination that offers a little bit of everything.
Eating Out
If eating out is part of your holiday then you will really be spoilt for choice in Barbados, there's something to suit every pocket including the famous fish fry in Oistins where you can watch the fish been brought in fresh from the harbour and cooked before your eyes. A popular Bajan dish is fish cakes which are made with salted cod imported from the maritime provinces of Canada. Caribbean cuisine is exciting and diverse and Barbados has some of the finest restaurants in the region. There are a number of excellent restaurants in Barbados, with several of gourmet standard. The best restaurants are truly world class. Many restaurants are located overlooking the sea. The priciest restaurants are to be found on the West Coast and their settings are truly outstanding. The majority of places to eat are clustered around Holetown on the west coast and St Lawrence Gap on the south coast, where there is a wide variety, allowing you to indulge in Italian, Mexican, Indian, French, Japanese or whatever takes your fancy. You can choose to eat from the more casual settings ranging between bistros, Bajan buffets, grills, cafés, beachside restaurants and sports bars. Fast-food outlets provide all the usual choices as well as local favourites.
Sports
Barbados is one of the sporting meccas of the Caribbean. It is the ideal spot for an active holiday, or to relax and enjoy a favourite activity either as a participant or spectator. The people of Barbados are sport mad and the facilities for pursuing a sport of your choice are excellent for an island of its size.
Cricket still draws the largest following and there are dozens of famous cricketers who are household names. Going to watch a cricket match is an entertaining cultural experience and well worth doing. Football and rugby are also played and followed enthusiastically by the crowd. Two unusual sports for a Caribbean island is horse racing and polo, which are exciting to watch.
Participation sports are also well-developed and there are great facilities for visitors to play golf, tennis, cycling, paragliding and several other sports.
The sea is great place for sports as you can scuba dive, sail, fish, windsurf, kitesurf and kayak, snorkel and swim with turtles as well as hire more low-key water toys on the beach.
For the Family
Barbados's lively atmosphere makes it a great place for the whole family. There is a wide variety of different activities on the island from sailing and regular island excursions to arts and crafts fairs and wildlife reserves.
Ocean Park Aquarium
Ocean Park is a unique Marine Aquarium located in Christchurch, set in beautiful gardens filled with tropical plants which are representative of beach front or seaside gardens. There are 26 aquarium displays located throughout the park which are home to bright, colourful and exotic fish and sea life found around the world. Ocean Park is suitable for family outings and is completely wheelchair accessible.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is located in St. Peter nearby Farley Hill National Park. There is a wide variety of animals, the most popular being monkeys! The Grenade Hall Signal Station is next to the reserve and offers a fantastic view of the park.
Atlantis Submarine Expedition
The Atlantis Submarine in Barbados is a great opportunity to experience the underwater world! Explore the aquamarine Caribbean sea, its beautiful coral reefs and mysterious shipwrecks through the view port in the Atlantis submarine.
Horse racing at the Garrison Savannah
Horse racing at the Garrison is not only for the race fan and can be a day of family entertainment. You can either enjoy the spectacle from the stands or have an informal picnic and lounge in the shade of the tall trees surrounding the track. There's also a playground for the children.
Sailing on a catamaran
A relaxing yet fun filled day at sea which is perfect for the whole family. For most day cruises, drinks are provided throughout the day and lunch is served on board. The boats stop along the coast so that there is an opportunity for you to snorkel around Barbados's beautiful reefs and swim with the turtles.
Learn to surf
Barbados has some great surfing venues, including the famous Soup Bowl. It is also possible to take kite surfing or windsurfing lessons which is a great for getting the whole family involved.
Island excursions
There are loads of excursions and tour operators to choose from, including safaris and 4x4 tours. All excursions are great for the whole family and are easy to arrange.
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