The island of Barbados is a rare gem in the Caribbean. It has white sand beaches, turquoise water, and coral reefs, and it's home to one-of-a-kind wildlife like the green iguana.
But that's not all! The people are friendly and welcoming, there are tons of things to do in Barbados on land as well as at sea (like hiking!), and you can find cultures from around the world coexisting peacefully.
The only problem is that without some guidance, this paradise might feel too good to be true--and it could be. That's why we've put together this guide for anyone who wants an adventurous vacation with amazing memories at any age!
1. Snorkel with sea turtles
This is a great way to explore the beautiful underwater world of Barbados. Barbados has some of the most amazing coral reefs and you can find sea turtles, stingrays, and plenty of other interesting creatures living in the waters below.
If you want to snorkel with sea turtles, here are a few tips:
- First, choose a day when there's little or no wind and low waves.
- Second (and this is important!), wear an old bathing suit that will not snag on anything under water - it could save your life!
- Finally, make sure to use sunscreen as soon as possible after getting out of the water because you'll burn easily if unprotected from the sun's rays. Ready? Let’s go! You can find a list of the best snorkeling spots in Barbados here:
2. Explore caves and coves on a boat
All around the world, people are seeking out caves and coves to explore. What could be more adventurous than paddling a kayak over coral reefs or even taking photos of iguanas that aren’t used to people?
One way you can do this in Barbados is by signing up for an excursion boat trip with Cave Swallows Dive Centre. The crew will take you through some of the most dramatic scenery in West Coast Barbados, including abandoned plantations and uninhabited islands. You'll also have the opportunity to swim with sea turtles!
3. Sail off the coast in search for dolphins
Barbados is a stunning place to visit, and it has so many things to do that will fit anyone's interests. One of the most popular things to do in Barbados is sailing off the coast, in search of dolphins!
Dolphins are some of the most social animals on earth, and they love interacting with humans. If you're looking for something adventurous to do while visiting this tropical island paradise, head out onto open water and see if you can spot these friendly creatures.
This activity was chosen because it's one of those adventures that can be done by anybody- no matter their age or abilities! It doesn't require any special skills or experience beyond being able to swim (which everyone knows how to).
4. Hike up a mountain for amazing views of the island from above!
If you’re looking for a way to escape from the busy streets of Bridgetown, Barbados has plenty of hiking opportunities. The island is riddled with rivers and coves that are only accessible by foot, making it a perfect place to get away from civilization.
The most popular hike on the island is up Mount Hillaby in St. Lawrence Gap – it takes about two hours roundtrip and offers spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. But if you’re not up for an all-day excursion, there are still plenty of shorter hikes available as well!
For instance, if you head down to Bayley Beach in Christ Church Parish or Round Hill Village in St James Parish at low tide, you’ll be able to explore the bay and find local shells and crabs on the shore.
Another popular activity for those who want to take a hike but still keep it short is Sugarloaf, which can be found along South Coast Road in St Philip Parish. While this peak only takes about 30 minutes roundtrip from beginning to end, it offers great views of both coasts, as well as nearby beaches.
If you enjoy water sports, tandem kayaking with a guide might be your best bet – they know all of the best spots for spotting coral reefs or even navigating through caves! Barbados boasts plenty of exciting opportunities for diving – whether you want to visit shipwrecks, go night diving with turtles or even see a turtle up close and personal, Barbados is definitely the place to be.
If you’re not a fan of getting wet, then sailing might be more your thing – see dolphins or whales jumping out of the water while enjoying the sun on your face.
5. Kayak over coral reefs
It's not every day you get to kayak over coral reefs.
But if your vacation in Barbados is long enough, this adventure might be for you. And it's a great way to see the marine life that lives on and around these beautiful waters.
A lot of people think they can't do this because they don't know how to kayak or where to find a guide - but it doesn't take much skill and there are plenty of places nearby that offer boat tours with guides and everything you need for an exciting experience!
6. Take photos of iguanas that are not used to people
It's not every day that you get to take a photo of an iguana, and these lizards are used to people so they will come out and pose for you. It is said they became as friendly because their favorite food is bread, which was given by tourists.
The lizards themselves are quite cute and very photogenic! However, the problem is that these animals can become aggressive while trying to get their food if they feel threatened or don't like it when someone gets too close to them. So be careful while taking photos of iguanas that are not used to people or else this could be dangerous!
Please do not feed the iguanas because it is bad for their health. They need to eat plants in order to survive. Before you go, make sure that you read the guidelines from the Barbados Wildlife Reserve carefully.
So when you're visiting Barbados, be prepared to see a bunch of friendly iguanas crawling around and taking a nap everywhere in sight!
Then hopefully one of them will come up to you and take a selfie with you!
Here are some tips on what to do during your visit:
- Visit The Iguana sanctuary
- Take lots of pictures or videos
- Do not get too close so they don't feel threatened
- Do not try to touch them
- Ask the locals for tips
- Don't feed them!
- Remember to get back on your boat or tour bus before it leaves without you
Please note that if you are living/vacationing in Barbados, you CAN touch and interact with iguanas. However, please you still can't feed them because it is bad for their health. The reason why they are so friendly is because of how tourists have been feeding them over the years.
7. Visit an old sugar plantation to learn about how they were made back in the day
Sugar plantations were once the backbone of the Barbados economy. They used to be so important in fact, that they got their own post office and stamps! It’s easy to forget how sugar was processed in days gone by with all our modern machinery and technology. Visiting an old sugar plantation is a great way to learn about this part of history.
Visiting an old sugar plantation has many benefits for people like you who are interested in learning more about how things were done back then. Visiting one will also give you the opportunity to explore where slaves would have lived, see some original buildings from when it was operational, or even take a tour around the grounds with someone who has knowledge on this topic.
There are many reasons to visit a sugar plantation including exploring how it used to be back in days gone by, taking photos of the area and the plantations, learning about the history and knowledge of things there years ago, or even seeing how slaves lived. The plantations also give you the opportunity to get involved with other aspects like cooking or baking that were done at that time too.
Sugar plantation tours show you what life was like for British families during colonial times; for example, they will tell you where people would have eaten their meals and played games together. If you’re interested in spending an afternoon getting lost in history and information like this then a sugar plantation is definitely worth a visit!
That’s all the fun things to do in Barbados!
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, then Barbados is a must-visit destination. There are so many fun things to do on this Caribbean island that it can be hard to decide what activity would suit your mood best on any given day!
So, you can choose between these 7 of our favorite activities for when you visit Barbados where you will get to explore nature while also having tons of adventures along the way.
These experiences are sure to keep anyone happy no matter their age or interests! It's time for an adventure.
