Barbados

10 days of bliss: Relaxing and exploring on the Caribbean Island of Barbados!

Date of Travel: November 2023

Dreaming of crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sands, the gentle rhythm of crashing waves, and palm trees swaying in the breeze? So were we! When we moved to North America, the Caribbean suddenly felt so much more within reach – and Barbados was calling our names. If you think Barbados is just for beach-bums, you’re mistaken. There are plenty things to explore on this island – just look at our “next time” bucket-list.

Our 10-day getaway to this stunning island struck the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. Read on to discover the hotel that truly elevated our stay, the beaches that perfectly embody the quintessential Caribbean paradise, and other must-do things you simply can’t miss!

So, WHY go to Barbados?

• Beaches: Well, of course, beaches. All beaches are public in Barbados. There are two beaches in particular that stand out as some of the best in the entire Caribbean. You’ll find out about them later on.


• Diverse landscape: Compared to its quite small size, Barbados offers a rather diverse landscape. On the Atlantic side, the landscape is rugged and windswept, with powerful waves crashing against the shore, while the Caribbean side offers a serene contrast, featuring calm waters and gentle, soothing breezes.


• Wildlife: One of the most incredible experiences in Barbados is swimming with the numerous sea turtles that frequent the island’s shores. These majestic creatures glide gracefully through the waters, and encountering them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable adventure. Unlike our previous experiences in Indonesia, where we swam with sea turtles on a guided tour around Komodo Island, here in Barbados, you don’t need a special tour to meet these magnificent animals. The turtles are so common that you’re almost guaranteed to see them while simply enjoying a swim in the ocean. You don’t even need to dip your toes in the water to spot these incredible creatures! Keep an eye out, and you’ll often see their little heads popping up between the waves as they surface for air. Additionally, we saw wild monkeys during our stay, in the area of Rihanna’s mansion.
  As always, it’s important to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance. After all, we are all guests on this planet, humans and animals alike, and it’s essential to treat each other with care and consideration.

• Surfing: Barbados is known for having the most consistent surf in the eastern Caribbean. With strong trade winds, the east coast enjoys year-round swells, while the winter months bring regular north swells that light up the north and west coasts—creating perfect conditions for surfers. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, Barbados is the ultimate destination to catch some waves.


• Caribbean flavors: The island’s cuisine is a blend of African, Caribbean, and British influences, resulting in dishes that are bold, flavorful, and full of variety. Don’t miss out on fresh seafood such as shrimp, lobster, and mahi-mahi, often grilled or fried.


• Snorkeling around ship wrecks: While snorkeling in Barbados may not compare to our experiences in places like Komodo or Egypt (one of us Cardinals snorkeled in Egypt as a child and still recalls the stunningly vibrant fish colors in the Red Sea), the marine life here still offers some charm. First and foremost, the sea turtles, as you know. However, we didn’t spot as many colorful and dazzling fish. That being said, snorkeling here is still enjoyable, especially for those who haven’t experienced much marine life firsthand. What really makes it special, though, are the six shipwrecks off the shore at Carlisle Bay. Read more on that later here.


• Kindness & Language: Everyone we encountered in Barbados was incredibly welcoming and kind. You’ll most likely be greeted with genuine smiles and a friendly attitude on Barbados. As for the second point, language, it’s not a major factor for us when choosing a destination, but it might be for others! The official language in Barbados is English, so you’ll have no trouble communicating with the locals.

WHEN to go to Barbados?

• We visited in November and found it to be the perfect timing. There were no crowds and the weather was pleasant – mostly sunny and no rain. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that it gets dark quite early, so the days are shorter.


• Peak season: In general, the best time to visit Barbados weather-wise is from December to early April. However, this comes with higher prices and more tourists, so you’ll have to factor in the crowds and the cost.


• Off-season: Some may argue that the best time to visit Barbados is between July and November. While these months fall within hurricane season, hurricanes rarely make landfall on the island. Plus, the weather is always warm, so you don’t have to worry about getting cold.

WHAT were our main highlights of this trip and what would we like to see next time?

Our main highlights were:

• Fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies from the Sunlife Juice & Smoothie Spot
• Bathsheba Beach & Bottom Bay Beach
• Our hotel (you’ll find out about it later)
• Hunte’s Garden
• Swimming with the sea turtles & surfing in the ocean
• Enjoying a sunset cocktail on the beach

Returning to Barbados, we’d like to…

• drive up all the way to the north and visit the Animal Flower Cave
• visit Harrison’s Cave
• visit Speightstown
• visit the Welchman Hall Gully
• discover the Standing Stones at Paradise Beach
• tour the George Washington House in Bridgetown
• visit St. Nicholas Abbey (though this is a “maybe” for us. We’ve read some mixed reviews and the price is steep)

So, WHERE did we go?

Beaches

We rented a car for two days from the airport and explored the beaches on the island. Our favorite beaches were Bottom Bay Beach and Bathsheba Beach.

Bottom Bay Beach is a picture-perfect representation of the Caribbean (tall palm trees, soft white sand, turquoise water). We consider this the most beautiful beach on Barbados. You most likely have already seen a picture of it somewhere! This tropical beach located on the southeastern coast of Barbados is very quiet and secluded and you’ll definitely want to rent a car to get there. There a few things to be aware of: There’s no infrastructure there (no watersports – thank God, no bathrooms, no showers, no restaurants) and we’d strongly advise against swimming there. The waves are typically rough and there are strong currents. What you’ll find here though are one or two local vendors, selling fresh coconut water. This beach is the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility away from the more crowded tourist spots. The beach is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs that provide a stunning backdrop, and the area is lined with swaying palm trees offering shade for those looking to take a break from the sun. Due to its somewhat secluded location, Bottom Bay has a serene, untouched feel, making it an excellent spot for photography.

Hidden gem: When you’re on your way to Bottom Bay Beach, make sure to stop by the Sunlife Juice & Smoothie Spot, to grab some fresh fruit or vegetable smoothie. They taste heavenly.

Bathsheba Beach, situated on the eastern coast of Barbados, is renowned for its pristine beauty and rugged landscapes. You don’t have to rent a car to get there – just hop on a bus in Bridgetown. With its untouched charm, this beach provides a distinctive experience that makes it stand out from other beaches on the island. Unlike the calm and crystal-clear waters of the west coast of Barbados, the east is known for its wild, untamed beauty. The standout feature of Bathsheba Beach is the renowned rock formation called “Soup Bowl.” This natural marvel draws surfers from across the globe, eager to catch the powerful waves it generates. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to marvel at the dramatic rock formations, especially Bathsheba Rock, on the beach.

Dover Beach is a lively and wide beach that also offers watersports. Normally, we don’t prefer these types of beaches, but Dover Beach turned out to be our favorite “busy” beach in Barbados. A few palm trees are planted along the shore, adding a tropical vibe. While it’s not the best spot for snorkeling, it’s a great place for turtle watching! Several restaurants and hotels adjoin the beach, and we enjoyed a lovely breakfast at one of the hotels overlooking the ocean. If you’re looking for a vibrant beach with plenty of water sports activities, Dover Beach could be a great choice for you. Also, check out the colorful houses along St. Lawrence Gap, behind Dover Beach.

Carlisle Beach itself wasn’t particularly attractive to us. But, just off the shore at Carlisle Bay, less than 200 meters from the beach, there are six wrecks scattered across the ocean floor, making for a great snorkeling spot. The wrecks range from 3 to 17 meters in depth, with the largest spanning over 36 meters. Over time, marine life has transformed these wrecks into a solid foundation for coral reefs, attracting a variety of fish species. We purchased an inflatable buoy in Bridgetown to help us float while swimming to the wrecks. It’s a bit tricky to locate them on your own, but if you follow the direction of the boat tours or swim along with the crowds, you’ll spot them. We also heard there’s a buoy line that leads to the wrecks, which we must’ve missed. Important Safety Tip: NEVER swim to the wrecks without a buoy – boats frequently pass by at high speeds. Always swim with a buddy, and only go if you’re a strong swimmer. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour by boat to the sunken vessels.

Heywoods Beach was the northernmost beach we visited on the island. This picturesque stretch of sand was also one of our favorite beaches in Barbados, as it was away from the crowds and largely unspoiled – except for some trash near the parking lot (yes, there’s public parking close to the beach, which you can check out on Google Maps). It was also our favorite beach for snorkeling, as the water was very calm and protected, with plenty of marine life around the rocks. There are no amenities there, so come prepared. Be cautious of poisonous Manchineel trees – sitting under one can be hazardous, especially when it’s raining.

Beach surfing

One of us cardinals surfed at Freights Bay with a surf instructor recommended by James, the owner of our hotel. This is an excellent surf spot for beginners and intermediates. Just keep in mind that there’s hardly any shade (except for two small, hidden caves), so if you’re accompanying someone who’s surfing, you might want to bring an umbrella. Additionally, there’s no real place to sit down, as the area is mostly cliffs.

Other beaches we visited: Crane Beach, Mullins Beach, Long Bay, Brandons Beach, Brownes Beach, Harrismith Beach, Miami Beach

Hidden gem: Shark Hole Beach was a true hidden gem that we stumbled upon. Unlike the more popular beaches in Barbados, Shark Hole is a small, secluded sand cove surrounded by rocky cliffs, creating a natural swimming pool. It’s not a place for lounging on the beach, but rather a tranquil spot for a refreshing dip in between exploring. The beach remains relatively unknown to tourists, making it a perfect escape for those seeking a peaceful and picturesque setting away from the crowds. WARNING: Be extremely careful – at times, the current can be very strong and may pull you out into the ocean. Avoid entering the water when there are high waves, as they could throw you against the cliffs. It’s best to stay as close to the shore as possible. There are no facilities at Shark Hole Beach, so be sure to come prepared.

Rum factory

Well, we couldn’t visit Barbados without going on a rum factory tour! At first, we considered the Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour, but after reading some mixed reviews and noting the steep price, we decided to visit the Foursquare Rum Distillery instead. Foursquare offers both guided and self-guided tours. We opted for the self-guided tour, which was free and took us through parts of the facility along with some interesting history and information. We had the factory almost entirely to ourselves; it wasn’t crowded at all. It was a great to get a little bit of an insight into the rum-making process, especially since we had never been to a rum factory before. If you’re looking for more in-depth information, we’d recommend taking a guided tour (be sure to check the schedule in advance!). Additionally, Foursquare offers rum tasting at their bar, next to the shop – also for those not on a guided tour – making it a great stop for any rum enthusiast!

Hunte’s Garden

We arrived at Hunte’s Garden right when it opened in the morning, which we’d strongly recommend. It’s a very popular destination in Barbados, so it’s best to arrive early to skip the crowds. There’s a small car park next to the road. We paid $20 USD admission per person, which isn’t cheap. Was it worth it? We’ll get to that in just a bit.

What makes this tropical garden unique is that it’s crammed into a large sinkhole. The garden is the work of Anthony Hunte, whom we had the pleasure of meeting later that day, with the help of five workers. Numerous paths lead to private seating areas, offering plenty of opportunities to sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking view down into the garden, accompanied by soothing background music. We sat down for quite a while to take it all in, admire the exquisite plants around us, and watch hummingbirds flutter by.

The garden is also filled with decorative details – small statues of Buddhas and animals scattered throughout. The whole place felt like a magical, tropical retreat. Despite its relatively small size, the garden is home to an astonishing variety of flowers and species. If you plan on rushing through without soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, you might feel that the steep entrance fee doesn’t quite match the experience. However, for those who take their time, it’s worth it.

At the end of our self-guided garden tour, we made our way to the shop, where Anthony Hunte himself was present. He handed out some free rum punch and thanked everyone for visiting his garden. We found this to be a lovely touch.

Coco Hill Forest

We wanted to take a little hike through Barbados’s jungle, which is why we went to Coco Hill Forest. This 66-acre forest is a regenerative project on former sugarcane land, where fruit and forest trees such as mango and mahogany are being replanted. It features a variety of trails of different lengths. Upon paying the admission fee, you get a map showing the different trails. We did all three hikes and really enjoyed walking through the “bamboo tunnel.” There are some very lovely views at various points of the trails. Although there are many different types of plants in the forest, when we visited in November, not many of them were blooming or even growing. Therefore, it pretty much felt like a normal “walk through untouched Barbados forest.” Definitely wear comfy closed shoes, and you can also borrow a walking stick at the entrance. We met no other hikers during our visit. Very secluded and non-touristy, at least when we were there.

Bridgetown

We only spent a short amount of time in Bridgetown, since it didn’t seem especially appealing to us. The architecture of the Parliament Buildings is pretty though and worth to check out! Next time, we would like to stop by the George Washington House in Bridgetown.

Rihanna Mansion

Fortunately, we didn’t have to walk “Under our umbrella” when circling Rihanna’s mansion, located at #1 Sandy Lane (excuse the bad joke :)). This mansion is truly fascinating and it was quite surprising to us, that you can literally walk around it. You can get a pretty good view of the backside from the public beach right in front of the house. As always, please be mindful and respect the owner’s privacy. Additionally, we encountered some wild monkeys around the area there, which was really cool.

Oistin & Oistin’s Fish Fry

Oistin is definitely touristy, but worth the experience – especially food-wise! There are a couple of very good stalls, frying fresh fish. We went to Oistin on several evenings, just because we were craving this freakin’ scrumptious fish. Our favorite place was called “Pat’s Place,” but you really can’t go wrong with either of them.

No visit to Barbados is complete without experiencing the legendary, boisterous Fish Fry. This weekly event, held every Friday night, transforms the town into a lively food and party scene – for tourists and locals alike. When we went there, we encountered massive crowds. Therefore, we recommend you arrive as early as possible. We came too late and too hungry and could hardly find a place to sit and without a long line in front of it. Luckily, we found one stall, where we only had to wait 20 minutes for our food and the order was taken right by the table. It’s very busy, loud and people are dancing to Caribbean music. There are also some vendors selling unique local art. We bought a very cool sculpture made from wood and wire, depicting a guy lying in a hammock dangling between two palm trees.

Even though this is a quite touristy thing, we’d recommend you experience it at least once during your visit. It’s quite an experience!

Finally, HOW tackle Barbados?

Where did we stay?

At the The Ocean Blue Resort, which is located in the south of the island. This hotel was simply fantastic, especially the pool overlooking the ocean. The staff and owners are amazing – incredibly helpful and attentive. They go above and beyond to ensure your stay is as enjoyable as possible. So, the service here really stands out for its warmth and professionalism. Furthermore, the place beautifully combines African and Greek architectural styles, with charming blue shutters, curvy walls, and an impressive collection of art. There are so many areas to relax and unwind, whether you’re reading, enjoying a rum punch, or soaking up the sun and shade. Due to the intimate atmosphere, we also met a few fellow guests during our stay and had such fun evenings together with them at the hotel’s bar. The bartender and waitstaff were also a joy to be around. We even exchanged numbers with some of the guests, one of whom we’ve already visited during a short layover in Dublin (blog post coming soon on the best one-day Dublin itinerary). For those who enjoy dining on-site, the resort’s restaurant serves delicious local and international dishes. That said, if you want to be in the middle of action, this might not be it!

How did we get around?

From the airport, we took a taxi to our hotel, which worked out really well. Additionally, we rented a car for three days. Even though our hotel was quite off the beaten track, we didn’t feel the need for a car beyond those few days. We also wanted to allow enough time to hang out by the pool and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views. Aside from that, public transport in Barbados is plentiful and can get you to many places, though not all – especially the more hidden spots. There are three types of public buses, including the famous Minibuses, also known as “dead buses.” The drivers of these Minibuses play loud reggae music and speed like hell – often while smoking marijuana. We paid 3.50 Barbadian dollars, that’s 1.75 US dollars, per ride. Every time we took the Minibus to Oistin it was quite an adventure. It never got to the point where we were actually scared, fortunately. It was more of an “authentic” experience, we’d say. At the time we visited, there was no Uber service on the island.

All in all, Barbados offers far more than just lying around on the beach with nothing else to do. Just take a look at our “next time bucket list,” and you’ll see that there’s always something new to discover on the island.