Things to Do & Must-See Attractions in Barbados

The ancient shipwrecks in this protected natural harbor make Carlisle Bay one of Barbados’ most popular snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. Six sunken vessels dot the ocean floor here and attract hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, stingrays, sea stars and turtles, not to mention curious travelers.

In addition to underwater adventures, the nearby Boatyard offers jet skiing, sea trampolines and the opportunity to jump into the ocean via rope swing. Even those who prefer to stay out of the water will love the calm shores and sandy beaches of Carlisle Bay, where countless chair and umbrella rentals make it easy to while away the day here.

The Bridgetown Port is located a five minute taxi ride from downtown Bridgetown, which is Barbados’s capital city. However, this is an island that is seen at its best in independent exploration, and its recommended that, if you have the time, you rent a car to see the unspoiled and less developed parts of the island.

Speleologists and visitors alike dub Harrison’s Cave one of the ‘seven wonders of Barbados’. Known for its stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is a mysteriously lit wonderland of subterranean tunnels, streams, waterfalls and emerald-green pools.

Trams take you down into the cave to explore the cavern’s pools and waterfalls, with geological insights provided along the way as part of the tour.

Bring a hat to catch the overhead drips and wear comfortable shoes so you can take a walk around the cave and its pools.

According to an old legend, beautiful Bathsheba—the wife of King David—bathed in milk to keep her skin looking smooth and soft. Barbados locals say the white, frothy waters of Bathsheba Beach, named in her honor, have similar healing powers.

Surfers love riding the wild Atlantic waves and navigating the strong currents this beach is famous for, while the more leisurely set enjoy taking in its picturesque landscapes and soaking in the relaxing mineral pools lined by coral reefs. Huge boulders resting along the shore give this destination a distinctly wild vibe, and the nearby fishing village is filled with friendly locals, strong rum shops and quaint restaurants serving up classic Barbados fare.

If you’ve ever wondered what an agouti looks like, you’ll find out at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.

Along with these cute forest-dwelling rodents you’ll see deer, armadillos, iguanas, monkeys, flamingos and peacocks. The open reserve presents animals in their natural environment, and the reserve’s hordes of Barbados green monkeys are free to come and go as they please.

It’s a good idea to time your visit for around 2pm, when the animals emerge from the surrounding forest to be fed. After you’ve visited the reserve, drop into the adjacent Grenade Hall forest for views from the signal station, as entry is included in your ticket.

The distinctive Dutch gables and red roof of the St. Nicholas Abbey plantation are no historical pastiche. Built in 1660, the beautifully restored mansion is one of only three authentic Jacobean buildings in the western hemisphere.

Inside, the plantation’s great house boasts a Chinese Chippendale staircase, antiques, porcelain and much more, viewed on a free guided tour. The sugar plantation surrounding the mansion includes a historic processing plant and the rum distillery that produces St. Nicholas Abbey Rum. Watch a documentary from the 1930s to learn about sugar plantation life, visit Cherry Tree Hill for lovely views over the island’s east coast, try a glass of rum punch, and stay on for lunch at the Terrace Cafe.

Rum is more than a social lubricant here on the island of Barbados. It’s the history, culture, and essence of the island slowly poured over ice. Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, and Mount Gay distillery—founded in 1703—is believed to be the oldest rum found anywhere in the world. For three centuries sailors and seamen have sipped its amber silk, and during a visit to the Mount Gay Distillery, travelers can literally taste the history that’s shaped Barbados’ past. Learn how sugar cane is fermented into rum, and sample varieties of fine rum with hints of vanilla and almond. Hear the tales of how rum is tied with seafaring, sailing, and pirates, and watch as the liquid is carefully bottled for shipment across the globe. Finally, after watching a film on rum production and hearing the history of Mount Gay, sample the smooth, award-winning rums at the tasting room bar and gift shop.

Unlike some of Barbados’ other well-traveled beaches, the calm aqua waters of protected Paynes Bay are ideal for swimming. This idyllic destination attracts plenty of visitors looking to soak up the sun, wander the shoreline or go for a dip.

Shaded trees line the quiet beach, located in Saint James Parish, and cast cooling shadows where families retreat to relax and unwind. Plenty of wild water sports, like jet skiing and catamaran sailing, draw more adventurous guests out of their beach chairs and into the bay, where they can ride the waves or snorkel with sea turtles.