The Definitive Top 5 Things to Do in Barbados From Our Island Expert
There are a million-and-one things to do in Barbados that will keep you entertained for days. But we asked a seasoned island visitor which activities they’d always recommend.
When it comes to amazing things to do in Barbados it’s likely you’ll be spoilt for choice. However, whether you’re an island first-timer or an experienced head, there are some activities you just can’t miss.
We spoke to our very own in-house Bajan boffin, Tom, to discover what he recommends on the island.
These five activities will never get old.
Introducing Our Island Expert
Our Barbados boffin is part of the Blue Bay Team and has well over a decade of experience in the travel industry. During that time he’s visited this iconic island more times than we’ve had hot dinners. So, we could think of no one’s brains we’d rather pick.
With a host of amazing destinations like Bridgetown, Holetown, Oistins and more all offering their own unique options, there are undoubtedly a million awesome activities in Barbados to satisfy any type of traveller. Whether you like kicking back on the sand or getting out there and experiencing as much as possible. And with so much choice, it can be difficult to narrow the field down to one incredible itinerary.
But, using Tom’s experience, we’ve cut out the noise to leave you with just 5 top options for spending your time on the island. So, what are these moments to savour?
What Are the Top 5 Things to Do in Barbados?
Tom’s creme de la creme of Barbados activities takes in some of the most enthralling places on the island. In fact, if you want to capture that all-encompassing view, you can even do that too! Here’s his list:
- Island safari
- Bar-hopping in Holetown
- Oistins Fish Fry
- Catamaran cruise
- Eating out
Short on budget?? Check out our guide to the top FREE things to do in Barbados too!
1. Island safari
One of the best things about exploring a new destination is getting to know all the top spots. The best way to do this in Barbados is with an ATV island safari. In fact, when our CEO Alistair Rowland visited O2 Beach Club earlier this year, he chose the island safari as his favourite excursion.
During this island safari, you’ll get the chance to spy some of the country’s best bits. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore more of Barbados’s rugged east coast, as well as incredibly beautiful locations like Bathsheba.
Knowledgeable guides will point out local points of interest throughout the trip, like famous singer Rihanna’s house. Plus, you’ll stop for lunch in one of the island’s top eateries.
2. Bar-hopping in Holetown
If you’ve ever been to Barbados you’ll know that there is a party atmosphere in most areas come nightfall. However, Tom found one of the best places for couples to head for feel-good vibes of an evening was Holetown.
With a selection of chic bars and restaurants providing the party all year round, there’s never a dull evening. Check out special haunts like Duke’s Night Lounge and the Red Door Lounge for your chance to mix it with the great and the good of the island.
On the other hand, if you visit during February, you’ll be able to partake in the mother of all local shindigs, the Holetown Festival.
3. Oistins Fish Fry
If you’re an island veteran like Tom, you’ll know a fact about Barbados is that Friday nights in Oistins are pure party time and the legendary Oistins Fish Fry Fridays will need no introduction.
Ask anyone who’s been about the best things to do in Barbados and we’re sure they’ll tell you about this place.
Here every Friday night the people of Oistins come together to dance, chat, eat and drink. What better way to say goodbye to the working week than a boogie to some blaring tunes? Watch the place light up if a Rihanna track comes on.
4. Catamaran Cruise
If you were looking for an elevated experience on your island escape, then we can’t recommend this tour enough.
On an awesome Barbados catamaran cruise, you’ll have the chance to become more acquainted with the wonders of the Caribbean Sea. Getting the chance to swim with green sea turtles and over the top of eerie shipwrecks is completely unforgettable.
Plus, on this Carlisle Bay catamaran tour, you’ll have the added bonuses of enjoying an island-inspired buffet lunch, a complimentary bar with signature rum punch, and a stunning sojourn along the island’s shimmering west coast. There are also stop-offs that allow you the chance to dive in and enjoy a relaxing swim in the calm, warm waters.
5. Eating Out
Barbados may be a small island but it’s teeming with incredible places to eat. From sumptuous street food that envelopes your senses in Bridgetown to elevated meals at top-reviewed venues like The Cliff.
You may think that Bajans take a quintessentially laid-back “island” view toward food. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Locals are proud of the island’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Plus, venues like The Mews or The Cliff, which has a Michelin star-winning chef at the helm, look set to propel Barbados’s culinary reputation into the stratosphere.
So, there’s never been a better time to visit and taste it for yourself.
Where to Stay in Barbados?
Now you know all about what you definitely should be doing during your time on the island, we should probably offer some stopover options.
Here are four top choices to match your trip’s vibe:
- O2 Beach Club & Spa
- Sandals Barbados
- Cruise from Barbados Beach Club
- Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
The One Near Attractions: O2 Beach Club & Spa
Follow in our CEO’s flip-flops with a stay at O2 Beach Club. This awesome resort has seen recent renovation work to modernise one of its buildings. This means there’s a wealth of contemporary rooms and amenities waiting to be discovered.
Located in the heart of St Lawrence Gap, you should also have no trouble discovering some of that iconic nightlife we were referring to earlier. Additionally, you’ll have some of the best restaurants in Barbados right on your doorstep.
The Luxurious Adults-Only One: Sandals Barbados
Sandals Barbados offers even more five-star bang for your Bajan break buck. Also based in St Lawrence Gap, this incredible destination is perfect for those who love to chillax to the max.
Overlooking stunning Dover Beach, you have the choice of up to 11 restaurants, 7 bars, 3 pools, a spa, a fitness centre, and a selection of water sports. What more could you want?
Although, with all those amazing amenities, you may not even get around to exploring the top things to do in Barbados.
The One For Families: Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
If you love nothing more than exploring a destination when you escape with the family, then Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados is the best choice for you. Families have the choice of kicking back on the soft white sand of Carlisle Beach – one of the best beaches in Barbados or simply relaxing around the pool.
But, if you prefer getting out there, you’ll love that this resort enjoys perfect positioning just outside Bridgetown and within striking distance of a selection of some of the activities we mentioned above.
The One That’s Not a Hotel: Cruise to Barbados Instead
Have you considered that your Barbados adventure could turn into a full-on Caribbean odyssey? With our range of Caribbean cruises, you can sail to the island for a full-on exploratory mission.
Or, why not choose a Caribbean cruise that takes in many incredible islands including St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Martinique, and Dominica, among others. This way you’ll have the chance to spend a day in Barbados. It’s the perfect way to dip your toes in the water (as it were).
When should you go?
So, now you know where to go and what to do, why don’t we tell you when to go to guarantee the best time ever?!
Click the button below to learn even more about this dazzling destination and, crucially, when’s the best time to touch down!
