Barbados is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists and for good reason, too! This enchanting island offers the best of both worlds – you can embark on an exciting adventure every day or enjoy the dazzling Caribbean sunshine and never even lift a finger.
Whatever type of vacation you’re seeking, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Barbados. From golden beaches perfect for watersports and colorful villages just waiting to be explored to adventure parks where you can challenge yourself and incredible street parties where you can gorge on local specialties, Barbados is overflowing with opportunities.
With so many things to see and do, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in Barbados. Add these fun activities and attractions to your Barbados bucket list, and you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time exploring “The Land of the Flying Fish!”
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The 10 Best Things to do in Barbados
1. Let Your Hair Down at Crop Over
Planning on visiting between July and August? Then you’re just in time for one of the coolest things to do in Barbados – Crop Over. This colorful festival began way back in the 1780s and marks the end of the sugar cane harvest.
There are loads of events planned to celebrate one of the top Barbados attractions. From spectacular galas, tempting food markets, and carnival-like parades to fascinating folk concerts, thought-provoking art exhibits, and lively dance competitions, the event is jam-packed with things to see and do.
Make sure you catch the Grand Kadooment. The finale of the festival, this carnival parade is unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere!
2. Go Horseback Riding on the Beach
Horseback riding is one of the must-do things in Barbados. And while riding a horse through the island’s magical forests is an incredible experience, it simply doesn’t compare with riding a horse through the ocean.
Bath Beach is one of the top spots in Barbados for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After trekking through the lush vegetation and spotting cheeky green monkeys and cute mongooses, you’ll ride your beautiful creature over the golden sands.
To help both you and your horse cool off, you’ll head into the water. Being on the back of a horse while it’s swimming is an amazing experience you’ll never forget!
3. Explore Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park
Spending the day at Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park is one of the most fun things to do in Barbados. This complex limestone cave network is made up of flowing streams, deep pools, and unusual rock formations that you can explore from the comfort of a tram.
That’s not the only thing to do here. Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park is home to a number of the top Barbados activities, including zip lining, an obstacle course challenge, rum tasting, nature walks, and bird spotting.
If you need a break, stop by the Green Monkey Pool, Bar, and Grill. Part of the park, this popular hotspot is a wonderful place to relax and reenergize with a cocktail and some traditional Bajan food.
4. Discover the Secrets of the Animal Flower Cave
If you’d prefer a more authentic experience than the one you’ll find at Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park, check out the Animal Flower Cave. One of the top things to do in Barbados when it comes to beautiful spaces, this hidden attraction can only be accessed by following a staircase carved into a cliff face.
After your trek, you’ll find yourself in a huge chamber by the sea brimming with shallow pools home to all kinds of sea urchins. Make your way to the second chamber, and you’ll discover a magical rock pool with calm waters that are perfect for swimming. You can take some incredible pictures from this spot!
5. Feast on Fresh Seafood at Oistins’ Fish Fry
Spending an evening at Oistins Fish Market’s weekly Fish Fry is one of the most unique Barbados activities that you absolutely have to experience. Held every Friday night, this hugely popular event sees half the island descend on the small village of Oistins on the southwest coast to eat, drink, and party.
There’s a fantastic mix of locals and visitors at this party, all keen to sip rum punch, dance to calypso music, and eat grilled fish and seafood. There are loads of kiosks serving up all kinds of grilled fish (usually swordfish, tuna, and flying fish), as well as local shellfish, pork chops, and chicken. Make sure you leave some room for the macaroni pie – it’s amazing!
6. Spot Monkeys in Hunte’s Gardens
When you need a break from all the action-packed Barbados sightseeing, spend a few hours at Hunte’s Gardens. Run by an eccentric horticulturist called Anthony Hunte, this peaceful space is home to towering palm trees, tropical flowers, colorful plants, and perfectly still ponds.
Hunte’s Gardens aren’t just a place to go for beautiful flora. This tranquil attraction is also home to some of the best sights in Barbados. Here you can spot all kinds of cute and friendly animals, from hummingbirds and monkeys to lizards and even the owner’s dog. End your trip by stopping for a glass of rum punch and a chat with Anthony.
7. Snorkel in the Carlisle Bay Marine Reserve
Snorkeling is one of the top things to do in Barbados, and the Carlisle Bay Marine Reserve is an excellent place to do it. The water here is shallow and crystal clear, creating the ideal conditions for both beginner and expert snorkelers.
There are five fascinating shipwrecks to explore and stunning coral reefs home to all kinds of predatory and tropical fish. The Berwyn is one of the shipwrecks you’ve definitely got to check out.
The 70-foot-long French tugboat sank in 1919 and today is encrusted in vibrant coral that attracts bright and colorful fish. It’s accessible via a short swim from the beach.
8. Get Tipsy at the Barbados Food & Rum Festival
If you’re visiting in November, you’re just in time for one of the best things to do in Barbados – the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. This annual foodie event attracts talented chefs from all around the world who are keen to show off their skills in the kitchen and wow hungry foodies eager to try their creations.
You’ll have the chance to try all sorts of local delicacies, such as flying fish, pudding and souse, chicken feet, salt bread, and guava cheese. It’s a great place to discover which dishes you love and definitely want to try again.
Make sure you try some rum before you leave. There are loads of different varieties available that are made locally on the island.
9. Be Surprised by Sea Eggs
Try to picture sea eggs in your head. Whatever you’re thinking of, you’re probably wrong! Sea eggs are a kind of sea urchin with a similar flavor to shrimp. If you’re a fan of seafood, trying them is absolutely one of the top things to do in Barbados!
Sea eggs are typically eaten raw, and because they have a very subtle flavor, a drizzle of lemon juice is usually added to liven things up a bit. This seafood delicacy has a wonderfully smooth and silky texture that pairs perfectly with rice as a simple appetizer.
Unfortunately, sea eggs are only available for a few months of the year. So, whenever you see them on a restaurant menu, you should take advantage and try them.
10. Have a Beach Day at The Boatyard
The Boatyard in Bridgetown is one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again. Offering something for everyone, this popular attraction is located on Carlisle Bay on Browne’s Beach and is brimming with things to see and do.
Here the water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and all kinds of watersports. There’s even an inflatable water park with submerged trampolines that’s great fun for visitors of all ages. There’s a cute beach bar that offers local food and tropical drinks, plus a diving platform, rope swing, and beach volleyball.
You do have to pay a small entry fee, but it includes access to The Boatyard, a beach chair, an umbrella, and snorkeling equipment. You even get to enjoy an hour-long boat ride, which takes you to one of the best places to snorkel and spot turtles on the island.
There you have it! The 10 best things to do in Barbados. What’s your favorite thing to do in Barbados?
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