Barbados holidays

Things to do

Explore your destination

Atlantis Submarine
One of the best ways to see Barbados’s marine life is aboard an air-conditioned submarine. You can see exotic tropical reef fish and sometimes green sea turtles and whales, before going deeper below the surface to discover a sunken shipwreck.

Prices from approx. $165pp (adult); $82.50pp (child)

Rhino Rider Water Safari

Barbados’ west coast is perfect for discovering by boat, but not just any boat; by Rhino Rider! Speed through the water on this two-seater inflatable to a beautiful beach where you can snorkel around a shipwreck and see colourful fish. Refreshments included.

Prices from approx. $114pp (adult); $80pp (child)


The Grenadines – Fly and Sail

This is island hopping in style; after a short flight from Barbados to the idyllic Grenadines, spend the day on board a luxurious catamaran sailing from island to island. You’ll see deserted beaches and untouched reefs and be treated to breakfast and lunch.

Prices from approx. $640pp (adult); $540pp (child)


Harbour Lights’ Beach Extravaganza

For a real taste of Caribbean rhythm, head for Harbour Lights, Barbados’ most famous venue. The Beach Extravaganza includes a barbecue under the stars, exotic drinks and live music. Boogie barefoot in the sand, watch the amazing fire-eaters and learn to limbo on the beach.

Prices from approx. $98pp (adult); $49pp (child)

Please note: Prices are in Barbados Dollars. For further details, please speak to your Representative in resort. This is an example guide only and excursions and prices will be subject to change according to season, availability and demand.

Highlights

• Getting a close look at the Caribbean’s colourful marine life at Ocean Park aquarium, Christchurch
• Playing a round at Rockley Golf Course, the oldest golf club in Barbados, in a picturesque spot on the south coast
• Enjoying a day at the races at the famous Garrison Race Track, Christchurch. The Gold Cup Festival takes place in late February and racing continues throughout the year
• Looking back at Bajan culture and heritage at The Barbados Museum and Historical Society, in the former British Military Prison
• Feeding the turtles, explore protected rainforest and head to Mount Hillaby, the highest point in Barbados, on Adventureland’s 4x4 jeep safari
• Seeing Barbados’s underwater world onboard the Atlantis submarine, 50 metres below the surface of the sea
• Soaking up the atmosphere at a local cricket match on your holiday in Barbados
• Making a splash and try out the great watersports Barbados has to offer, from windsurfing and water-skiing to parasailing and surfing
• Exploring the totally tropical Welchman Hall Gully, an enchanting place formed by collapsed caves that’s home to exotic plants and green monkeys
• Going underground in Harrison’s Cave, and explore its stalactites and stalagmites, streams and pools
• Finding out the secret of Mount Gay Rum on the factory tour, and trying the different rums for yourself

Food and drink

Barbados’s national dishes are Flying Fish and Cou-cou, made from corn meal and okra. For instant holiday refreshment, try cooling Banks beer.

For a really special evening, splash out on a candlelit dinner at The Cliff, St James, rated one of the top restaurants in the world, and the best in the Caribbean. Located on a cliff top, the views are stunning and the food is delicious.

Nestled on the edge of Little Bay, St Lawrence Gap, you’ll find Oceans Restaurant and Wine Bar. You can choose from the a la carte menu, specialising in seafood, and relax afterwards with live music and a cocktail at the bar.

Evening Flavour

If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, head to busy St Lawrence Gap. With loads of bars, restaurants and clubs, it isn’t known as ‘the hip strip’ for nothing. Try The Ship Inn for a spot of live music.

Dance barefoot under the stars at Harbour Lights in St Michael, an open-air nightclub right on the beach. Don’t miss the Beach Extravaganza Dinner Shows every Monday and Wednesday, with live entertainment such as fire eating, Caribbean dance and acrobatic green monkeys.

Shopping

Squeeze Pelican Village into your holiday in Barbados and pick up some fantastic local handicrafts. This pretty shopping village on the outskirts of Bridgetown gives you the chance to see Barbadian craftsmen at work.

For lovely presents, visit Cheapside market in Bridgetown. The best time to go is Saturday morning when you can buy clothes, bags, leather goods and jewellery - the handmade beaded jewellery is a great memento.

Dates for the Diary

From July to August, the Crop Over Festival celebrates the end of the sugar cane season. Colourful and full of calypso music, it’s a true celebration of Barbadian culture.

Information

Language: English. Currency: Barbados Dollar/US Dollar. Barbados Tourism Authority: 263 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7LA. Telephone: 020 7636 9448. Standard GMT - 4 hrs. www.barbados.org/uk email: btauk@barbados.org

Travel money

Barbadian Dollar

You can get commission-free foreign exchange on currency notes and travellers cheques at most First Choice Travel Shops and Holiday Hypermarkets.