Discover Barbados by Land & Sea
Barbados has amazing white sand beaches and aquarmarine seas, perfect for sunbathing & watersports.
It is also home to an incredible collection of historic sites, natural wonders and beautiful gardens.
Beaches
Seaside strolls, picnics and sunbathing await
JuJu’s Beach Bar
Juju’s Beach Bar is one of the west coast’s best spots for a relaxing day with toes in sand and cocktail in hand. It’s a fun hang out for tourists and locals alike, offering a delicious selection of food from the beachside BBQ and cold drinks. The spot is ideal for swimming, and boats often moor offshore on weekends, providing a bit of a party atmosphere. There is also a nice boutique next door, selling women’s beach attire and accessories.
Crane Beach
Crane beach, located on the southeast coast of the island, is arguably one of the best in the world, and has often been included on ‘Top 10 Beaches’ lists by leading travel magazines and destination sites. Located below a cliff, it’s much more accessible than it seems, and makes for a great afternoon with family and friends. Bring a picnic (The Fish Pot Restaurant can cater for you on request), a cooler of drinks and enjoy. Nearby is Fowl Bay, a beautiful, unspoiled stretch of beach reminiscent of Castaways and Pirates.
The East Coast
The east coastline of the island is on the Atlantic Ocean, providing quite a contrast to the Caribbean coastline on the west. With dramatic cliffs, long stretches of sand and often epic waves, the rugged east coast is a magnet for surfers, but its abundance of rock pools make it a favourite with families, too. Our sister property, The Atlantis Hotel, is a great spot to stop for lunch; on Sundays they offer a traditional Barbadian Lunch Buffet that is second to none.
Explore
Discover Barbados on land or in water!
Bike Tours
A great way to see the island both on and off the beaten track and the east coast of Barbados and surrounding areas provide ideal trails for both the novice and experienced biker.
Bike Caribbean
Whether you are looking to rent a bike to explore on your own or wish to join a guided our, Bike Caribbean has everything you need to start exploring Barbados on a bike.
(246) 622-2056 / www.bikecaribbeantours.com
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, or SUP, is an exciting way to enjoy some time out on the sea. Using an oversized surfboard and a paddle, make your way along the coastline, where reefs, turtles and even shipwrecks can be seen. We recommend the following instructors, who also provide rental equipment:
What’SUP Barbados: Ryan Rodriguez
Our Instructors are WPA (World Paddleboard Association) Certified and are locals with extensive knowledge of the island and surrounding waters. Our aim is to make everyone comfortable and to have a great SUP experience!
(246) 243-7878 / www.surfsupbarbados.com
Paddle Barbados: Jason Cole
Paddle Barbados is the one-stop shop for everything SUP in Barbados, offering SUP lessons, tours and rental equipment, including paddleboards, kayaks, snorkels, boogie boards and surfboards.
(246) 249-2787 / www.paddlebarbados.com
Sailing
Explore the island's beautiful coastline with the best view possible - from the sea! Catamaran cruises are a wonderful way to spend the day soaking up our warm Caribbean sunshine. Cruises include drinks, cocktails and a buffet-style lunch. Take a dip, snorkel and swim with the turtles during the catamaran's stops along the shoreline, or simply enjoy listening to the waves or music while you sunbathe on deck. We recommend the following cruise companies:
Seaduced
Barbados at its finest! Indulge in a private charter or exclusive shared cruise, exploring our island’s pristine anchorages on board the luxury flybridge inspired catamaran Seaduced. We aim to tailor the entire experience: whether it be a fun day on the water for family and friends, a romantic celebration for two, or simply a sunset or overnight escape! Whatever the reason, we will create the perfect ambience on board and leave you memories that will last a lifetime!
(246) 432-8387 / www.warrenyachtingbarbados.com
Silver Moon
The Silver Moon crew knows how to make your day a memorable one. For the more discerning clientele, their catamarans carry only limited numbers to ensure a supreme service. Unlimited drinks are provided throughout the cruise as well as a lovely buffet-style lunch that is sure to satisfy. Snorkeling equipment and transportation are also included. A day aboard Silver Moon is a day to relax and be pampered. For that special occasion, you can maximize your experience by inquiring about our Private Charter service.
(246) 435-5285 / www.silvermoonbarbados.com
Diving
Barbados is home to several exciting and intact wrecks located along the south and west coasts of the island. Notable dive spots include Carlisle Bay, with shallow wrecks dating from WWII and the S.S. Stavronikita, a 356’ freighter sitting bolt upright. Both sites offer multi-level diving and an abundance of tropical fish, as do the reefs that line the shore.
Barbados Scuba Divers and Instructors
Experience the best in Barbados Scuba Diving - visit intact wrecks and beautiful coral reefs along the Caribbean coastline. Diving trips to suit all levels of certification and experience, including one-on-one and small group tours. PADI training and certification are also available.
(246) 240- 9872 / www.barbadosscubadivers.com
Surfing
A favourite surfing destination for many of the pros, the Barbados coastline offers an array of exciting reef and shore breaks that can be enjoyed year-round.
Ken Mayers
Little Good Harbour has its own in-house surfing instructor, Ken Mayers. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the island’s best surf breaks for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Private surf lessons and tours can be arranged at reception.
Burkie's Surf School
A multiple National & International Champion, talented teacher & professional surfer, Alan Burke has been teaching since 1993, founding Burkie’s Surf School in 2002 to share his love of surfing. Burkie's offers group and private lessons for all age groups and experience levels.
(246) 230-2456 / blog.surfbarbados.net
Historic Sites
Settled in the 17th century, Barbados has a rich history
St. Nicholas Abbey
This wonderful plantation house, built in the 1660’s, has been beautifully restored and stands as one of three remaining Jacobean style mansions in the western hemisphere. Explore the house, surrounding gardens and working sugar cane mill and distillery. Watch cane grinding on Wednesdays during sugar cane season, and sample St. Nicholas Abbey’s award-winning white and brown rums. There is also a terrace cafe and gift shop offering locally made souvenirs and food items.
(246) 422-5357 / www.stnicholasabbey.com
Nidhe Israel Synagogue
The Nidhe Israel Synagogue, originally built in 1654, is the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. It has been beautifully restored and is adjacent to the Nidhe Israel Museum, tracing Jewish history in Barbados and its contribution to Barbadian Society, including the introduction of highly skilled sugar cultivation and production, leading Barbados to become one of the world’s major sugar producers in its time. The grounds also include a full immersion Mikvah, dating back to the 17th century and the only one known in existence in the Americas.
(246) 436-6869 / www.nidheisrael.com
George Washington House
This historic plantation house, also known as Bush Hill House, was home to a young George Washington and his ailing brother, Lawrence, in 1751. Barbados is the only country George Washington visited outside of the United States. The house and outlying buildings have been restored to create a heritage site on the historic Garrison, designated as a World Heritage Site. There is a museum, movie and artifacts to see; there is also a delightful café on premises.
(246) 228-5461 / www.georgewashingtonbarbados.org
Gardens & Gullies
Beautiful tropical gardens, parks and gullies abound
Andromeda Gardens
Andromeda Botanic Gardens is an amazing, Barbados National Trust garden with an unparalleled collection of plants (including many that are rare/vulnerable in the wild), situated on the east coast. Created by multi-award winning Iris Bannochie it is the only botanic garden in Barbados with historical and cultural significance. ‘Surely one of the world's best botanic gardens'.
(246) 433-9384 / www.andromedabarbados.com
Farley Hill Park
Farley Hill Park, set within 17 acres 900 ft above sea level, provides an excellent atmosphere for picnics. The grounds contain well-manicured lawns, tropical gardens, a play park and the impressive ruins of the Farley Hill Great House, built in 1818, which succumbed to fire in the 1950’s. Farley Hill is also a popular venue for music festivals throughout the year.
www.nccbarbados.gov.bb/farley-hill-park
Hunte’s Gardens
These picturesque gardens, located on the northeast part of the island, provide a unique experience for visitors to enjoy the lush foliage and vibrant tropical flora set within a natural gully. The multi-level garden, connected by easy-to-walk pathways, creates a magical setting filled with private corners, beautiful statues and classical music floating on the breeze.
(246) 433-3333 / www.huntesgardensbarbados.com
Welchman Hall Gully
This beautiful gully, located in St. Thomas, was once part of a plantation owned by William Asygell Williams, who planted exotic trees in the gully over 200 years ago. It is said that the grapefruit, which originated in Barbados, hails from Welchman Hall Gully. The Gully Walk includes Nutmeg Walk, a section of exotic and native palms and an ornamental flora and fauna section. Barbados Green Monkeys are known the frequent the tranquil area, which is adjacent to Harrison’s Cave, filled with stalagmites and stalactites.
(246) 438-6671 / www.welchmanhallgullybarbados.com
Barbados Like a Local
Want to experience Barbados like a real local? This insider's guide is filled with exceptional tips, anecdotes and stories of our beautiful island.
The app is FREE - click to download the app for your device!
The Perfect Place To Get Windswept
This hotel is slightly off the beaten track but an ideal base for those who want to spend a few days in peace and quiet. Not much of a beach and swimming in the sea not advised unless of course you enjoy surfing, in which case you are in heaven! The hotel has its own pool and a lovely restaurant with stunning views of the Atlantic coast.