Barbados Holidays
If you enjoy having a drink on the soft golden sand, swimming in clear blue waters, and meeting warm, friendly people, then Barbados will be a place you will love. Here are the top 5 best things to do if you are planning to visit the island of Barbados.
1| Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay is a crescent-shaped bay and natural harbour located on the west coast of Barbados. It is also the main harbour adjoining the capital city of Bridgetown. Visitors love this bay for its calm and clear waters, which provide optimal conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. The marine life in the bay is impressive, with sightings of turtles, shipwrecks, and a variety of tropical fish. It is also known for its beautiful beaches and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing]. There are a variety of water sports available, including jet skiing and kayaking. The bay is also home to several luxury hotels and restaurants, making it a great place to spend the day or stay overnight.
2| Local Cuisine
Barbados has a diverse cuisine influenced by English, Indian, and African flavours. The national dish of Barbados is flying fish and coucou, with flying fish symbolising the island’s identity. Flying fish and coucou are commonly served in Barbadian menus and can also be cooked and enjoyed at home. Bajan cuisine is known to put its unique spin on traditional Caribbean classics. Bay Tavern at Martins Bay is known for providing some of the best homegrown meals on the island, while the Oistins Market offers the best seafood experience on Fridays. Visitors are encouraged to book a food tour to understand the island’s culture and heritage better. A must to do is to buy food from local street vendors like Cuz’s fish stand, which offers one of the best fish cutter sandwiches I have tasted! Caboose fish stand is another place to eat delicious fresh fish sandwiches and is worth visiting.
3| Barbados Wildlife Reserve
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a natural mahogany wood located in the northern parish of St. Peter, Barbados. It is a four-acre reserve that was initially established in 1982 as the Barbados Primate Research Centre to conserve and study green monkeys. Visitors can stroll through the reserve and observe animals such as Barbados Green Monkeys, colourful birds, deer, iguanas, turtles, and tortoises in their natural environment. There are few cages, and the animals can be observed playing and interacting with each other. The reserve is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the admission fee is US$15 for adults and US$7.50 for children. The reserve also includes admission to the adjoining Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station. All buildings in the reserve are constructed from coral rock, and their paths are made from recycled sugar factory bricks.
4| Catamaran Cruise
Barbados offers a variety of catamaran cruises for tourists to explore the island and see its natural beauty from a different perspective. These tours offer activities such as snorkelling with sea turtles, observing marine life, and swimming near shipwrecks. Visitors can choose from private tours, sunset cruises, and lunch and snorkel cruises, each with a unique experience. Some of the top catamaran cruises in Barbados include Calypso Cruises, Elegance Catamaran Cruises, Cool Runnings Catamaran, and Seaduced Luxury Catamaran. These tours often include food and drinks, such as a Bajan buffet lunch or an open bar. The tours can accommodate small and large groups. Hotel or port transfers are often included in the packages.
The catamaran cruises in Barbados offer various itineraries depending on the tour operator. For instance, one 5-hour catamaran cruise itinerary starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 2:00 PM. This tour includes two snorkelling stops, one with the famous Barbados sea turtles and the other at a historic shipwreck. On the other hand, another catamaran tour along the west coast of Barbados allows you to choose between a three-hour or five-hour excursion. The tour includes several stops where you can swim with sea turtles, snorkel at a shipwreck, and see a variety of marine life. Unlimited drinks, breakfast, and lunch are provided, and hotel pickup and drop-off are possible.
5| Speightstown
Speightstown is a charming town located on the west coast of Barbados with a rich history dating back over 350 years. It was originally named Little Bristol due to its busy port, which facilitated trade with the United Kingdom and other Caribbean towns. Today, Speightstown still reflects its colonial past through its architecture, such as the Arlington House and St Peter’s Parish Church. Arlington House is now a modern, interactive museum that represents different themes on each of its three floors. St Peter’s Parish Church was built using local limestone in a Georgian style with strong Gothic and classical Greek influences. The incorporation of the number seven in its design is a unique feature. Speightstown is also Barbados’ second-largest city centre, with sidewalk vendors and fishermen and several beautiful, less busy beaches. It is a great place to visit for a good meal or a fascinating experience. Visitors can also enjoy some of the local restaurants and shopping with a village vibe.
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