Beloved for its soft white beaches, transparent waters, and wonderful weather, Barbados is rightfully a top Caribbean destination with a cultural richness, culinary wonders, and profound natural allure. From dramatic caves waiting to be explored and a cracking night scene to joyful events and renowned rum distilleries, one definitely has a lot to do in this earthy heaven. Here are some activities that can get your overall Barbados experience to an entirely and utterly fulfilling level!
One of the best ways to soak up the beauty of the rugged wilderness distinguishing Barbados’ Atlantic coast is via horseback riding. Luckily, there are numerous vantage points to grant your wish for exquisite views and unique experiences, such as Bath Beach, which will make your jaw drop with its golden sands, tracts of monkey-inhabited forests, crystalline running streams, and boulder-strewn farmland. The scenery is fantastic, indeed, be it during the day or under the moonlight, and just perfect if you seek tranquil escapes from the bustling tourist-packed towns on horseback. Here, it will be just you, your new four-legged friend, and the sound of the waves crashing into the reefs offshore.
Also called the Platinum Coast, Barbados' western shores are truly magical. Hop on a private yacht or catamaran or opt for a guided sailing tour and explore the bewildering stretches of sand around the area extending north from Holetown and Payne’s Bay to get a good sip of Barbados’ intoxicating feel. This flashy side of the country with extravagant villas and exceptional accommodations is a popular meeting point for every sailing tour starting from Bridgetown. Along the way, expect stops for ventures like scuba diving and snorkelling, while being surrounded by reefs, shipwrecks, and turtles! Depending on the tour you book, you may even be pampered with gourmet snacks and cocktails, including powerful rum punches.
The locals call it the Soup Bowl; officially, it is named Bathsheba (after the town where the best Caribbean waves splash onto) and is particularly known as a dreamy foamy surfing spot that raises the bar for riders of the waves. This coast facing the Atlantic Ocean and its might is not only for surfers but also non-surfers, who rush in to get a kick out of watching the pros tame the powerful waves from the safety of the charming beach. However, you may even visit this shore to both sharpen your surfing skills and learn the ropes of the popular water sport, with help from the professional and qualified instructors of the surf schools around the area.
If water sports are your cup of tea, then the Carlisle Bay Marine Reserve will feel like a dream fulfilment for you, especially if you are drawn toward exploring the aquatic cosmos of Barbados. In this case, the bay will greet you with a plethora of predatory and reef fish, a total of five impressive shipwrecks, including a 70-feet French tugboat that now rests peacefully underwater for over a century, lots of turtles in the shallow waters, and many more. The majority of the sites are swimmable and easy to reach from the shore. However, you could also use the free transport services offered by many beach bars that fringe the bay which will take you straight to the reefs.
The major pole of attraction for people fascinated by caves is Harrison’s Cave in the heart of the island. However, Animal Flower Cave promises equal thrilling experiences and a more authentic island-style venture. Located in the rugged terrain of Barbados, down jagged cliffs, it enables access to it after stepping down the blowhole-carved stairs. Then, expect two caverns opening up in front of you, one containing urchin-filled shallow pools that flow into the sea through a hole in the rocks, while the second is home to a 2-metre (6.5 feet)-deep natural rock pool that infuses a sense of magic in the air. Feel free to explore them on your own or via a guided tour.
Perhaps the largest and most celebrated cultural event in Barbados, the Crop Over Festival has its origins back to the 18th century, as it signposts the end of the sugarcane harvest like the enslaved Africans’ did back in the day. The popular festivity is a three-month marathon full of local music, parties, performances, parades, concerts, and many more, where thousands of participants send celebratory vibes throughout the island. If you want to be more than just a spectator, you could book a spot in the parade as a participant and purchase a matching costume with one of the participating bands! And, do keep an eye out for the star of the show – Rihanna, who frequently attends the annual jamboree.
In this case, ensure you reach the scenic village in the southwest of Barbados called Oistins, which is where the locals claim the best fry fish is made. Don’t be surprised to see more than half the Barbados descending onto Oistins every Friday to sample fresh fish with a cold beer or cocktail at hand to wash it all down, and great music in the background until the early wee hours! If you join the small festivity, you will be spoiled with dozens of kiosks serving all sorts of local dishes, from pork chops, macaroni pie, and shellfish to grilled swordfish and flying fish.
