20 Things to Do in Barbados For An Unforgettable Trip (+ Map)

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Barbados is a great destination if you want to combine time on tropical beaches with exploring an island full of wildlife, history, culture and nature.

We found our trip to Barbados struck a really nice balance between relaxation and adventure. You can spend one day doing very little at all, then the next spotting monkeys, strolling through gardens or heading out on a boat trip.

Here are 20 things we really enjoyed doing while we were there, along with a few tips to help you plan your own trip.

Barbados Tourist Map

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Where to Stay in Barbados

Accommodation (Where We Stayed)

Southern Palms Beach Club, St Lawrence Gap // Located right on Dover Beach, Southern Palms Beach Club is a laid-back beachfront resort with two pools, on-site dining and plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance. We loved having the beach right on our doorstep, and we even spotted lots of turtles just offshore! Rated Superb (8.8/10) on booking.com.

Villa 46, Holetown // A lovely little villa with a lush garden. Amenities include air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washing machine. The hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming. Rated Superb (9.5/10) on booking.com.

You can also Watch our Barbados Video Guide

Things To Do in Barbados

1. Dover Beach

Dover Beach is a long stretch of soft sand that’s ideal if you like a good beach walk. It can get quite windy, and the waves are sometimes on the bigger side, so it’s not always the best spot for swimming depending on the day.

I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for this beach. Partly because we stayed in a hotel right on the beach (which of course helps), but mostly because it’s where we first saw turtles in Barbados!

It’s actually a turtle nesting spot from April to October, and even though we were there at the wrong time of year, we still spotted loads just off the shore.

2. Snorkelling & Shipwreck Tour

To increase your chances of seeing turtles, as well as other funky fish, I’d recommend going on a snorkelling tour. We went on a small group tour that took us out to several shipwrecks.

The tour we booked picked us up from our hotel really early, around 7 am, which meant we could snorkel around the wrecks before the other tour groups and cruise ship crowds arrived. We saw loads of fish and a few turtles up close.

We then sailed for a bit up the west coast, which was really relaxing, before heading back towards the bay for more snorkelling. By this point, the other tours had arrived, and it was much busier, which made us really appreciate going early. It was totally worth the early get-up.

We finished the tour with a rum punch on the boat. Our snorkelling guide also took videos while we were in the water and shared them with us afterwards through WhatsApp.

3. St Lawrence Gap

St. Lawrence Gap is a lively stretch on the south coast, packed with restaurants, bars, food trucks and even a few craft stalls, so there’s something for pretty much every budget. It’s known for its nightlife, although during the day it’s very quiet.

Our favourite spots on the Gap were Primo Bar & Bistro, which is great for a special occasion right by the water, and Daddy’s for something more casual and budget-friendly. For drinks, we liked Salvina’s Mini Mart, which has a small, laid-back bar out front, and the happy hour at our hotel, Southern Palms Beach Club, which has a lovely view of the water and sometimes live music too.

Tip — The western end is the busiest, so that’s worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for accommodation nearby and want somewhere a bit quieter at night.

4. Greame Hall

Just a five-minute walk from the west end of the Gap is Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, the last remaining mangrove wetland in Barbados. It’s a peaceful reserve with shady walking trails, rescued animals and lots of birdlife. As you wander around, you’ll come across animals like parrots, monkeys and reptiles.

You can hold a snake if you’re feeling brave, and you’re given a small bag of feed for the fish or birds with your ticket. For us, feeding the birds in the large walk-through aviaries was a highlight.

There are short information signs along the way, and the staff are really friendly if you want to learn more. You can also take a short boat ride on the lake for a small extra fee, which we thought was well worth it.

5. Oistins Fish Fry

Visiting Oistins is a rite of passage when you’re in Barbados. You can visit for lunch or dinner any day of the week, but Friday night is the big one. By around 7 pm, it’s absolutely buzzing, with locals and tourists all having a good time.

If you Google “where to eat in Oistins”, you’ll no doubt see Pat’s Place recommended everywhere. We had one of our favourite meals of our whole trip at Pat’s Place, so can see why it’s so popular. However, on Friday night the queue can be slightly ridiculous, and you could end up waiting at least an hour.

There are loads of other vendors selling delicious, good-value food without the massive queues, so here are a few more suggestions:

• Chillin & Grillin
• Uncle George
• Crazy Eddie
• Mo’s Grill and Bajan Cooking

Honestly, though, I think the best thing to do is just wander around, follow your nose and pick whatever takes your fancy.

If you’re there on a Friday, it’s worth sticking around after you’ve eaten. Grab a rum punch, browse the stalls selling souvenirs, jewellery and crafts, then enjoy some live music and performances.

6. Worthing

About a 10-minute walk from St Lawrence Gap is Worthing Beach. The water here is usually much calmer, so it’s a good option if Dover or other south coast beaches have red flags up.

There are plenty of sunbeds to rent, as well as beach bars, toilets and changing facilities, so it’s an easy place to spend the day. The eastern end in particular can be a nice spot for snorkelling when the ocean behaves, thanks to the natural reef just offshore.

Nearby, you’ve got Worthing Square Food Garden, which is a laid-back food court with a mix of food trucks, fairy lights and loads of affordable options. It’s a really nice place to come in the evening if you want something casual.

7. The Richard Haynes Boardwalk

Along the south coast you’ll find the Richard Haynes Boardwalk, which is a nice spot for a walk or a jog by the sea. It’s about a mile long, with restaurants, bars and little sandy stretches dotted along the way.

It’s a nice addition if you’re already in the area, but probably not something to go too far out of your way for. At the eastern end, it opens out onto Rockley Beach, a popular beach with sunbeds to rent, beach bars and plenty of natural shade. We even spotted a turtle from this beach, which is definitely a bonus!

8. Flower Forest

Visiting the peaceful Flower Forest feels a bit like you’ve stumbled into a hidden garden in the middle of nowhere. Formerly a sugar cane plantation, it was transformed in the 80s into the lush oasis it is today, and there’s always something in bloom no matter when you visit.

It’s up in the hills, so it’s cooler than the coast, which is nice if you need a break from the heat.

On your way in, you’ll be given a map and a sheet to help you figure out what you’re looking at, and then you can just wander around at your own pace. The shady pathways wind through loads of tropical plants and flowers, and there are a few smaller trails you can duck down if you feel like exploring a bit more.

There are a couple of viewpoints along the way too, including Liv’s Lookout, which looks right out to the coast.

Tip // They don’t allow backpacks or large bags inside, so don’t bring one with you!

9. Harrison’s Cave

Explore Harrison’s Cave on a guided tram tour that takes you through this huge limestone cave system, past loads of stalactites, stalagmites, streams and even little waterfalls. It’s really impressive. Our guide was great as well, a good mix of educational and funny.

You hop off the tram a couple of times along the way, including at the so-called “Fountain of Youth”, where you can splash the water on yourself. Supposedly it takes a few years off, so it’s worth a go!

There are also a few extra things to do above ground, like ziplining and an aviary, if you’ve got the time. We actually visited as part of a half-day island tour, so we only visited the cave itself.

10. Bathsheba

Bathsheba is one of the most dramatic parts of the island, known for its huge rock formations dotted along the coastline, including the famous “mushroom” rocks.

This isn’t a swimming spot, as the waves are strong and there are some pretty serious currents. That said, there are small natural pools where you can have a paddle. Just watch your step, as there are lots of tiny crabs hiding around the rocks.

It’s also a popular place for surfing if you know what you’re doing, or you can do what we did and just sit back, watch, and wish you were that cool.

We visited Bathsheba a couple of times during our stay: once when we hired a car, and again as part of the half-day island tour.

11. Andromeda Gardens

If you’re visiting Bathsheba and enjoy a good botanical garden, it’s worth stopping by Andromeda Gardens, just a five-minute drive from the beach.

Known as the oldest and largest botanical garden in Barbados, it covers around eight acres and is home to over 600 plant species, with a focus on conservation and biodiversity.

When we visited, we had the place pretty much to ourselves, which made it feel really peaceful. It’s also nice and shady, so a good option if you’re looking to escape the heat for a bit. We also saw butterflies, lizards, and even a few hummingbirds while we were walking around.

12. Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay, on the southwest coast, is made up of several beaches, including Browne’s Beach and Pebbles Beach.

The beaches here are wide, with really soft white sand, and the bay is sheltered so the water is usually calm. There are plenty of places to rent sunbeds, plus beach clubs with bars, food trucks and water sports. It can get pretty busy though, especially when cruise ships are in. We found the south end of the beach, away from the loungers, was a bit quieter.

There are also a few shipwrecks just offshore that were purposely sunk to create a snorkelling and diving site, and you can take boat trips out to see them.

If you’re up early, Pebbles Beach is also known for the racehorses that are taken into the sea between about 5:30 and 7:00 in the morning. We did try to set our alarms twice to see them… but it was pouring with rain both times, so we went straight back to sleep!

13. Bridgetown

We paired Carlisle Bay with a morning exploring Bridgetown, the island’s small capital.

The UNESCO-listed historic centre is fairly compact, so it’s easy to see a few key sights in a short amount of time. Here are a few things to see and do in and around Bridgetown:

• National Heroes Square
• Independence Square
• Parliament Buildings
• Golden Square Freedom Park
• Swan Street (one of the main shopping streets)
• Chamberlain Bridge
• Synagogue Historic District
• Rihanna Drive
• St Michael’s Cathedral
• Cheapside Public Market
• George Washington House
• Charles Fort
• Take a walking tour

14. Barbados Wildlife Reserve

If you want to see the green monkeys, then Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a good place to do it.

The wild monkeys roam freely around the reserve and surrounding area, so the best time to catch them is during the feeding sessions at 11 am and 2 pm. If you do miss them, you can get your ticket stamped and come back within two weeks.

There are a few other animals here too, including red-footed tortoises, deer, iguanas and peacocks. We saw loads of tortoises while we were there. I’d say set your expectations slightly, as it’s not a huge place with lots of different animals. But if you time your visit with the monkey feeding, personally, I think it’s worth the entry fee.

15. Holetown

Holetown, on the west coast of Barbados, is a nice mix of history, beaches, and places to eat, drink, and shop.

Holetown was actually the first British settlement on the island. An English captain landed here by accident back in 1625, and a couple of years later, the first settlement was established. Today, there’s a monument in town marking that first arrival.

The coastline here is really lovely. Being on the West Coast, the water is usually calm and clear, and it’s a great place to catch the sunset. You can rent a sunbed from one of the vendors or a beach club like Calma, or just throw down a towel.

Holetown is a good place for shopping and food as well. Chattel Village has colourful little shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, while Limegrove is more modern, with designer stores and art galleries. Near the centre of town, you’ll also find St James Parish Church, which is the oldest church in Barbados.

One thing we really enjoyed was walking along the coast here. When the tide was right, we walked from the boardwalk near Paul Owens all the way up past Folkestone Marine Park, which took about half an hour. There are a few places to stop along the way if you fancy a drink or something to eat with an ocean view. Our favourite was Kirt’s Beach Bar, a small, very laid-back spot with a really friendly owner and a mean fish cutter.

16. Folkestone Marine Park

Folkestone Marine Park, at the north end of Holetown, is known for being one of the best spots on the west coast for snorkelling. It’s got shaded areas, a nice breeze, and rocky reefs just offshore that attract plenty of colourful marine life.

We actually tried a couple of times to snorkel here, but didn’t have much luck. There was a bit of a northern swell when we visited, so the water was a lot rougher than usual. Normally, though, this side of the island is known for being really calm. If you visit when the ocean is a bit calmer, there’s a snorkelling trail that starts about 10 metres from the shore. The water stays fairly shallow with a gentle slope, so it should be an easy one to just float along and see what you can spot.

There are also a few picnic benches and a casual little beach bar (called “Sea and Sand Bar”) if you want to grab a drink or something to eat, and sit with your feet in the sand.

17. Animal Flower Cave

At the wild northern tip of the island is Animal Flower Cave, named after the sea anemones in its rock pools, known as “animal flowers”.

You head down into the coral cave on a short tour, where you’ll have dramatic views out to the Atlantic. If you’re very lucky, you might even spot humpback whales passing by. Afterwards, you’re allowed to swim in the natural pools of the sea cave, so it’s worth bringing your swim stuff. There are changing rooms there if you need them. I’m a bit of a cold wuss and was expecting the water to be cold, but it was actually pretty warm!

Tip // The rocky cave can be a bit slippery, so water shoes or sandals with good grip are a good idea.

Don’t skip the viewpoint right by the cave. It’s a great place just to stand and watch the powerful waves crashing against the cliffs.

18. St Nicholas Abbey & Cherry Tree Hill

Barbados is known as the birthplace of rum, so while you’re on the island, you could visit one of its distilleries. We visited St Nicholas Abbey in the north of Barbados.

The Jacobean mansion dates back to around 1658. It used to be a sugar plantation but is now home to an award-winning rum distillery. The Warren family, who’ve owned it since 2006, have restored and rebuilt much of the distillery on the estate since then.

We booked a guided tour of the house and distillery, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included, followed by a rum tasting with the owner’s son. One downside is that you only see a small part of the house, so we did find ourselves wanting to look around a bit more.

We also went for the ticket option with the heritage railway, a restored steam engine that loops around the pretty grounds. We chose the option that stops off at Cherry Tree Hill along the way, and there’s interesting commentary as you go.

Even if you don’t go on the railway at St Nicholas Abbey, you can still visit Cherry Tree Hill. It’s a scenic viewpoint in St Andrew, Barbados, with breathtaking views out over the east coast and the Scotland District.

19. Speightstown

Speightstown, on the west coast, feels a bit quieter and less polished than some of the more upmarket areas like Holetown. Its laid-back feel, historic streets, and rustic charm make it well worth a visit.

You can admire the old buildings, spot a few murals, walk along the pier, visit Arlington House Museum, or pop into the Gallery of Caribbean Art. We really enjoyed the gallery, but couldn’t take photos or videos inside, so you’ll have to see for yourself!

There are also a few really good places to eat and drink, which I’ve added to our Barbados map.

After exploring the town, we walked up to Heywoods Beach, which is a lot quieter than some of the other beaches we visited and has plenty of shady spots to throw down a towel. Just nearby is Caboose, which is meant to be great for a fish cutter and live music on weekends, although it was shut when we went.

20. Hunte’s Gardens

Hopefully you like visiting gardens, because I have one more for you!

Hunte’s Gardens, which boldly claims to be the most enchanting place on earth, was created in the heart of a deep sinkhole and is filled with tropical plants, towering palms and colourful flowers. We wandered through a series of miniature gardens with jazz music softly playing in the background. The gardens aren’t that big, but they really are beautiful.

Hunte’s Gardens was another location we visited as part of our half-day island tour.