Things to Do in Barbados: Top Attractions and Activities

Barbados balances rich culture, vivid history, and natural beauty. Here are the top things to do in Barbados no matter what your idea of the perfect vacation is.

The Beaches

Beaches in Barbados are world-class, with a stretch of white sand to suit everyone's beach holiday needs. For example, West Coast Beaches are not only picture-perfect but also the calmest, safest and are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and relaxing with the family.

However, if you're passionate about water sports such as surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing, an East Coast Beach is ideal for you, known for huge Atlantic waves making it the ultimate destination for surfers coming from all around the world.

When in Barbados, you're never too far from a beach bar, offering snacks, a variety of food and beverages, the island famous Banks Beer, and not forgetting The Rum Punch. Sun umbrellas and loungers are always readily available. Simply lay back, relax and enjoy.

Attractions and Sightseeing

Barbados, perfect for the sun fanatic but we've so much more to offer than just beaches and sunshine.

Discover and enjoy the history of our cultured country on a sightseeing tour. Explore an extensive choice of museums, historical buildings and heritage houses. Barbados being renowned for making rum; visit one of our four production distilleries or have fun on a rum shop bus tour. For nature and eco enthusiasts, we have the botanic garden tours, underground caves, nature forests and parks and wildlife reserves. For the adventure seekers, we have the exciting Safari trips. 4×4 jeep tours where you visit remote locations with breathtaking scenery.

Shopping

Barbados is celebrated for its duty-free shopping. Proudly promoting an impressive choice of shops, malls and world-class department stores. Shopping on the West Coast is truly a shopaholic's dream. With chic designer boutiques, fine art, international designer brands in fashion and accessories and exclusive luxury jewellery outlets. For traditional arts and crafts, souvenirs and gifts; visit the local vendors, quaint chattel houses, and our various farmer’s markets.

Boat Trips & Excursions

Experience the wonders of the Caribbean Sea on a boat trip excursion. Enjoy Barbados' crystal-clear, warm and calm, turquoise waters and its captivating canvas of underworld beauty and enchanting sea life.

There's a variety of ways to tour our beautiful coastal lines; on a catamaran trip, day and sunset cruise tours, and private sailing charters. With glass bottom boats and even a submarine; swim and snorkel one-to-one with sea turtles, tropical fish and visit shipwrecks. Tours include food and beverages too. Boat excursions are just perfect for the romancing couple, friends and great for a family fun.

Watersports

Love watersports? Then visit Barbados! You really are spoilt for choice. From boogie boarding to kayaking, standup paddleboarding, kitesurfing, parasailing, scuba diving, Mono Skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, jet skis and so much more. There’s an activity to please all. With professional equipment rental, and run by experienced and trained staff, you're always in safe hands.

Sports & Recreation

Whether you participate or simply enjoy watching, we boast a diverse choice of sport and recreational activities. With internationally renowned courses, Barbados is the number one golfing vacation of all the Caribbean islands.

Tennis anyone? You don't have to stay at a resort to play tennis. Some offer a day pass to use their facilities. There are also non-membership private courts too. For the less serious, we've several mini-golf courses too. Enjoy a day at the races at the Historic Garrison Savannah. Prefer to ride and we've various riding centres offering tranquil scenic tours along the coastal tracks and beaches.

Or experience Barbados on foot with a hiking or walking excursion. Cricket, the national sport of Barbados. Watch world-class matches at the famous Kensington Oval. Locals are passionate about cricket and you're likely to find a game in session wherever you go. Whatever your preference there's always something to do or see in Barbados.

Dining

From 5* fine dining, continental cuisine to local Barbadian eateries. We've restaurants, bars, cafes and we've our street vendors too. West Coast dining, the choices are in abundance of all types to suit all tastes and budgets. Love your food, love Barbados.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Looking for Barbados nightlife and we recommend the West Coast – promoting a multitude of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Establishments include drinks, food, live music, karaoke, dancing and shows. Holetown's 1st and 2nd Street prove to be a very popular choice, bustling with a hive of activity.

Getting Married in Barbados

Golden sunshine, turquoise waters, and white sands make Barbados one of the world's top beach wedding destinations. There's nothing more idyllic than getting married on a tropical Caribbean island.

So Why Barbados?

A tropical haven of nature and natural beauty, with an abundance of must-see and must-do attractions and activities. There's something to suit every vacationer's needs. Singles, couples, friends to families, it's all here.

Come and visit, experience firsthand our beautiful island of Paradise from its past to present. Barbados – truly the holiday of a lifetime!