Barbados

Country Guide

Deeper South in the chain of Caribbean islands sits this small, mountainous and charming paradise. Home to a variety of gorgeous landscapes and activities to suit almost any travller. I really liked Barbados for its stunning white sand beaches, ruggedly beautiful mountains filled with lush greenery and views of Bathsheba. Wow! The people are friendly, the food is fantastic and it’s not too hard on the budget. Direct flights from Canada make it easy to get to. If it hasn’t been on your travel radar, get that pen out.

Top 5 Beaches for Sun lovers in Barbados

Barbados is blessed with some gorgeous beaches scattered around the island. Whether you love calm water or epic surf, there is something for everyone.

PAYNES BAY BEACH - ST. JAMES PARISH BARBADOS
The West Coast of Barbados was home to my favourite beach on the island overall! Payne’s Bay is a calm, picture perfect bay with bright white sand, light blue water and swaying palm trees. Perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and all things zen. You can bring a floatie and spend hours just floating around as fishes and turtles swim underneath you. If you love turtles?, I had one of my best turtle encounters to date in the calm bay waters and they are fairly common to the area. Love!
Bathsheba Beach - St. James Parish, Barbados
This visually spectacular beach wouldn’t normally be on my top lists because you can’t swim there. However. it is so gorgeous to admire from the top of the mountains to up close and personal wandering amongst the rocks. The waves tend to be huge and one they hold “The Soup Bowl” there annually that draws tons of pro surfer to compete in the monster waves. Located on the coast opposite of most attractions on the island, it is worth the extra effort to see. Forget the bikini but bring a picnic and good walking shoes!
Dover Beach Christ Church Parish, Barbados
Dover Beach is beautiful and laid back. Usually there are less tourists, less vendors and more natural quiet. The water is warm, the sand is white and there is enough room to find your own little spot of heaven. There are no dangerous currents and snorkeling off the beach is fun and easy. If you feel like wandering, you can walk up the beach and around the little village behind. It was a perfect balance of nature and amenities!
Brownes Beach. St. Michael Parish, Barbados
Close to the island capital of Bridgetown, this large stretch of powdery white sand is a great choice for those based close by. The water is great for swimming and there are alot of water sports available. Take your snorkeling gear as there are quite a few shipwrecks in this area that have turned into amazing places to see a wide variety of fish. It was the last beach I enjoyed before heading out on a late flight.
Mullins Bay St. Peters Parish, Barbados
You are spoiled for choice in Barbados and Mullins Bay is another gorgeous and calm spot to put on your list! A favourite for both visitors and locals this ideal spot features plenty of palm trees to settle under along with a parking area. A small but great restaurant serves the beach and stays open later into the evening making for perfect late night cocktails. Seadoos are kept beyond the swimming area and lifeguards patrol the area making it very family friendly. It’s also another hot spot for turtle sightings!

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Top 5 Adventures for Nature lovers in Barbados

My top choices for animals, divine views and off the beaten path adventure .

1. Wandering Magical Gardens high in the hills

Head up to the highest peaks in central Barbados to find the whimsical and beautiful Hunte’s Botanical Garden. Winding paths take you through towering lush plant life. The garden has lots of rocky outcroppings, statues and lovely spots to enjoy some down time. Classical music is often heard throughout the paths which is a favourite of the owner. Wander up to the very top level to check out his home and sample some of his infamous Rum Punch!

2.Swimming with Turtles

The calm. clear waters that surround the west coast of the island seem to be a magnet for turtles! Both hawksbill and leatherback turtles are abundant and unafraid to swim closer and investigate. Perfect blues, amazing sea creatures backed by gorgeous beaches. I hope it stays that way forever.

3. Catamaran Sail to see dolphins and flying fish

The warm Caribbean ocean surrounding the island is a favourite habitat for the flying fish! About a foot long, big schools of them can ride the surf of your boat just like dolphins!! It was such an awesome experience seeing them spread their wings and jump out of the water. If you’re super lucky dolphins will join in at the same time. Flying fish is also one of the islands famous dishes.

4. Exploring Sea Caves

The aptly name “Animal Flower Cave” is nestled into the cliffs on the Northern most point of the island and is the only sea cave you can actually safely access. The big cavern sits a full 6 feet above sea level and is accessible most of the year. You descend on coral stairs through the roof of the cave. Sea anemones can be found within the cave and it’s a perfect escape from the heat of the afternoon. Since you need to a car to get here, combine it with a coastal drive around the island.

5. Wandering the tide pools and rocky outcroppings in Bathsheba

Bathsheba is one of the main fishing villages of the island and the coastal area it occupies is perfect for long walks on the beach. Unique rocks and coves dot the coastline and if you go during low tide the pools that remain give you lots to see! It’s rugged and authentic but not for swimming. Forget the bikini and bring some good walking shoes. Finish with lunch of fish at one of the small local restaurants nearby.

When Should I go to Barbados?

All Areas
the best time to visit Barbados is late November to early April which is the dry season. Temperatures hover around 24-30ºC (75-86ºF) with tons of brilliant sunshine.

Some of my favourite experiences in Barbados

Barbados has something for everyone. Whether you want to live the high life sipping cocktails and yachting or kicking back with the locals learning how to fish or surf.

1. Swimming with Sea Turtles – Platinum Coast

The encounters with abundant & friendly sea turtles in the warm sea that surrounds Barbados were simply unforgettable. I’ve been blessed to see alot of turtles in different parts of the world, but nowhere else (that I have been) have the turtles been so curious and ready to interact with you. A big indication that they are well treated and respected by the islanders. If you’re a turtle lover, the West and South coasts are the places to be. Swim out right from the beach and with some luck, you will have a turtle visitor too.

2. Paddle boarding and Surf lessons – Brdigetown, Barbados

paddle boarding barbados The gorgeous, calm blue waters on the West coast are perfect for paddle boarding! The equipment offered by the shops is good quality and it’s easy to enjoy an afternoon on the water whether you are a beginner or not. If you’re feeling the need to up the adrenaline, there are great beaches with different levels of waves for surfing.

3. Friday night Fish Fry – Oisten Bay

oisten fish fry barbados

If you’re in Barbados on a Friday night, there’s only one place you should be. Oistins Fish Fry. Tourists and locals flock to this open air food fest featuring all things local. Fried and grilled fish, fish cakes, sweet potato, macaroni pie, and coleslaw and so much more. I had the best time checking out all the different stalls and trying different dishes. Flying fish sandwich is an island fav and a must try!

4. Sampling the island Rum – Mount Gay, Barbados

One of the things I love to do while in a new country is sample their local brews. Rum is the liquor of choice for most of the Caribbean islands and Belize has quite a few to sample in their great distillery showroom close to Bridgetown. We were told the history, shown around and then got down to the tasting. They were freehand pouring when we visited so be prepared for some tasty and lethal offerings.

5. Sunset Rituals – Payne’s Bay, Barbados.

sunset barbados Most times it’s the simple things in life that are the greatest. Every night 2 hours before sunset I would head down to wander whatever beach I happened to be on. A stop at the mini market for fresh fruits and local beers before heading to find the perfect secluded spot to watch the sky slowly turn orange and yellow. There is no problem walking alone after dark here so you are able to linger and enjoy.

Best way to travel around Barbados

Barbados is a small island. By car you can circle the entire thing in 3 hours and the roads are decent. For those looking for budget options, there is also a great network of Blue public buses that can get you to most places you want to go. I moved around the island using the bus system and found it easy and affordable.

PUBLIC TRANSIT OPTIONS:

CAR RENTAL OPTIONS:

Car rental is easy to arrange in Barbados but you do need to be over 21, no international license required. The roads are good and the driving is on the LEFT.

BUS OPTIONS:

The island is served by a network of blue buses that go to most spots on the island along with yellow mini buses that aren’t run by the government. They have bus stops but you need to wave to the driver to make sure he stops. The yellow mini buses have more ‘personalty’ and usually have some music blasting for your ride. Adult fares are $2

SHARED RIDE OPTIONS:

Taxis are plentiful on the island if you need them but there was no ride sharing like Uber available. As always ensure you know what the going rates are and negotiate your fare BEFORE getting in.

Packing Tips & Hacks for Barbados

What to bring and some tips to make life easier while you’re there!

Less is always more! No matter how long are you are travelling for, you will be packing for 7-9 days of mix and match outfits. Barbados is hot and tropical but can get breezy in the evenings or high in the hills.

Clothes

capri leggings – lightweight and comfy.
1 hoodie with extra long sleeve and hood – lightweight (plane & cold train rides)
2-3 shorts – lightweight only. Skorts counts. Casual to Dressy
1 T shirt – nice quality and flattering. Easy dry.
1-2 dresses! Weight is everything. Short, very light & colorful.
7 underwear – I split with 2 brief style/ 5 thongs
1 Bra – good quality can go with anything fall back. I usually use my bikini tops for everyday beach life.
2 Bikini Tops Bring a basic black, light colour & something fun. Doubles as bras 😉
2 bikini Bottoms – to complement or match the above.
1 pair socks ( I hate socks)
1 pair runners or adventure shoes ( flip flops with straps count if you stay on the beach)
1 pair flip flops

Other Key Gear

Sarong! Can be used as a beach towel, wrap, dress or emergency towel /blanket (key item)
Snorkel Gear
Travel Towel – worth the investment for a SMALL quick dry towel that doesn’t take up space.
Combination or keyed lock
Ziplock bags – 2 XL, 2 Large and 3 small
Waterproof Bag – bring a small one, buy a big one there
Carabineers – at least 2 good ones.
LED lights – small lightweight
Phone charging cable – extra long
Power Banks (2) light weight and charged
Day Bag – I like a drawer string type.
Unlock Phone
Mini Tri Pod
Camera of Choice

Toiletries & Medical Kit

Tweezers – a girls best friend
Mirror – plastic small
Razors – I pack one for every 3 days
Nail file
Q-tips
Tampons! Your brand may not be available- but something will be.
Liners – just a couple
Body Cream – under 50 ml and quality
Foundation – use travel size or transfer to dollar store craft paint jars
Eyeshadow – Basic trio only
Eyeliner- waterproof
Mascara – travel size waterproof
Perfume – sample vials only
Tooth brush
Tooth Paste – travel size
Floss
Deodorant – travel size
Hair bands / clips
Sunblock

Bug Spray – always bring good quality spray with a proven record. You don’t want issues, trust me.
Band- Aids waterproof.
Hydro cortisone cream
Polysporine – I usually use a tiny container.
Hand Sanitizer – keep this looped to your day bag
Paracetamol or Non Aspirin pain killers
Muscle cream (travel size or mostly empty)
Ear plugs ( Dorm life)
Vaseline – tiny travel pot (great for waterproofing ouchies)
Hair Brush

What will you spend in Barbados?

Barbados can be visited on a budget if you stick to all things local. They must import many items making costs higher than other larger islands. I found it affordable overall.

Accomodations
You can find lots of different options for accommodations across all budgets in Barbados. Beach access if free throughout the island so you don’t have to stay at the swanky hotels that tend to dominate the best beaches. Stay a bit further and just walk over every morning!
HOTELS – There are a couple of hostels on the island and many guesthouses that can keep you on budget starting at $35 CAD. Private rooms on the island start at $75.
AIR- BNB – A great option to stay in local neighborhoods and save some cash verses hotels! I’ve stayed in some great places and gotten a bit pampered. Be forewarned that peoples private homes are comfortable and have amenities according to the local way. For those like myself that love being immersed in all things local and developing longer term routines…this is the way to go. Even for short stays it broadens your location options and gives your experience more depth. Private rooms in shared homes start at $40 CAD and whole apartments can be found for $80 CAD.
Transportation
The trick to keep your budget on track is to avoid private car rentals if at all possible. You pay a premium, are subject to possible scams AND the car sits most of the time as you explore the areas. Buses are definitely the cheapest for $2 per ride. Car rentals will cost you $80-120 CAD for 48 hours with insurance coverage.
Food
Great food can be found on a budget in Barbados if you stick to the wooden huts, outside stalls and small shops that most of the locals would eat at. The Friday night fish fry is a must do and offers up great seafood platter for $20 CAD! Sticking to these kinds of choices your days meals should cost $15-25/ day. There are many local fruit vendors or head to one of the local markets for a picnic meal with big savings.“Western” food or beach side dining will increase your budget 3x per meal.
Activities
There are so many cool activities and experiences to be had in Barbados. Guided on the water, half day tours can be found for $40-70 CAD and include snorkel gear with fruit snacks. If you’re staying on the island itself, most activities and sights can be done by yourself with public transportation! Some attractions do have entry fees, but they are reasonable and usually under $10 CAD. The local tourism association even runs a FREE weekly guided tour to different parts of the island.
Drinks
In Barbados you can head to the local Rum shops in the bigger cities for great ambiance and cheap drinks. Rum is sold by the bottle and you purchase your mix separately. You can get a mickey of Rum and a bottle of Coke for appx $12 CAD. Local beer is 4/ $5 CAD, not too shabby. Expect Canadian type prices if you are in beach side restaurants.