Barbados offers adventure and relaxation amidst white-sand beaches, clear waters and dramatic landscapes. This guide breaks down the best things to do in Barbados, all sourced from Fora travel advisors with firsthand experience on the island.
For professional assistance planning your own unforgettable Barbados vacation, book your trip with a Fora Advisor. They’ll lay out all your options — from exploring the natural beauty of Harrison’s Cave to lounging on Crane Beach — and help you find accommodations that match your travel style and budget.
The best things to do in Barbados, sourced from a Fora scouting trip in September 2024
Fora regularly conducts familiarization (FAM) trips to destinations around the world. In September 2024, Fora Advisors visited Barbados to become acquainted with some of Barbados’ best resorts, and their on-site activities. Additionally, many Fora Advisors have visited the island on their own accord. These advisors have provided more insights for building an itinerary filled with a mix of adventurous and relaxing things to do in Barbados.
The itinerary below is largely activity-focused. But chances are, you’re going to want to spend at least a couple days simply unwinding amidst the gorgeous setting. “Come to relax,” Fora Advisor Michelle Zelena said.
A Fora Advisor will help you come up with a travel plan that matches your vision. In the meantime, here are a few things to do in Barbados, to spark inspiration.
Day 1: Luxury catamaran cruise and snorkeling
On day one, our advisors arrived in Barbados in the morning and settled into their accommodations. Then they boarded a Cat & Fiddle catamaran for an afternoon cruise off the island’s southern coast. Led by a knowledgeable captain and friendly crew, the catamaran took the advisors around the island, stopping at several low-key beaches to swim and snorkel among the reefs (and turtles). They also enjoyed a gourmet lunch paired with a selection of fine wines and spirits.
This experience was a magical way to kick off the trip. Some yachts, like the Cat & Fiddle, serve excellent meals and stop at various points around the island. Others take you on a romantic sunset voyage, or specialize in island history. A Fora Advisor can break down all your options and connect you with trusted partners.
Day 2: Spa day at a Barbados resort
Image courtesy of Sandy Lane Hotel
Barbados is a destination for rejuvenation. Our advisors toured two luxurious spas, one at O2 Beach Resort & Spa and another at Sandy Lane Hotel. Both were impeccable.
The Acqua Spa at O2 Beach Club & Spa focuses on personalized treatments, and features Barbados’ only hammam. The spa menu includes a variety of massages, facials and body treatments, many of which incorporate natural and locally sourced ingredients.
The Spa at Sandy Lane Hotel is one of the most luxurious and renowned wellness destinations in the Caribbean. This elite facility offers a serene retreat surrounded by lush tropical gardens and tranquil water features. The spa menu has an extensive range of holistic treatments, from signature massages and facials to body scrubs and wraps. Indulge in treatments inspired by traditional healing practices, as well as modern therapies using high-end products. The Spa also offers a unique Rhassoul Mud Chamber experience for detoxifying and hydrating skin. After your treatment (or before), stop by the Hydrotherapy Pool, Crystal Cold Room and sauna.
There are additional high-quality spa options across the island; our article on Barbados resorts highlights a few more.
Day 3: Crane Beach, Carlisle Bay or Bathsheba Beach
No list of things to do in Barbados is complete without a beach day, and the island is home to amazing options catering to different interests.
Crane Beach, often ranked among the best in the world, is famous for its pinkish-white sand, dramatic cliffs and excellent boogie boarding conditions, thanks to the Atlantic waves. For calm waters and luxe surroundings, head to Paynes Bay or Sandy Lane Beach (where Sandy Lane Hotel is) on the west coast. In these spots, you can relax on soft sand, swim in the tranquil Caribbean Sea and even spot sea turtles. These beaches are also great for laid-back water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding. If you prefer a livelier vibe, Carlisle Bay, near Bridgetown, is perfect. This beach is also great for swimming and snorkeling; several shipwrecks just offshore attract a variety of marine life. For a more rugged, adventurous day, explore the wild beauty of the Bathsheba area, on the east coast, where massive rock formations and powerful waves make it a paradise for surfers and photographers. Many beaches also have nearby beach bars and cafés, where you can grab a bite or a refreshing rum cocktail. (Barbados is the birthplace of rum, after all.)
Related guide: The Beaches of Barbados Are Calling
Windsurfing
Barbados’ consistent trade winds and warm waters make it a great destination for windsurfers. The best area is the Silver Sands beach, on the southern coast. The beach has the ideal conditions for both beginners and advanced windsurfers. Silver Rock is another popular spot, offering a vibrant scene for wind and water-sport enthusiasts.
Day 4: Explore beyond the beaches and resorts
The island may be best known for its beaches and luxe resorts, but if you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Barbados, you don’t have to look far. Spending a day exploring offers a change of pace while offering opportunities to immerse yourself in Bajan culture.
Harrison’s Cave and Eco-Adventure Park
Harrison’s Cave and Eco-Adventure Park is one of Barbados' most iconic natural attractions. The site features a vast network of limestone caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites and crystal-clear pools. You can venture into the caves via tram tours that take you through winding tunnels and into the massive Great Hall, a massive underground cavern. Plus, the eco-adventure park surrounding the cave offers additional activities such as ziplining, nature trails and a 4x4 off-road experience.
St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway
St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway is a historic plantation house and distillery dating back to the 1600s. A well-preserved Jacobean mansion houses artifacts and antiques, while the distillery produces rum using traditional methods. The newest addition to the property is the heritage steam railway, which takes you on a scenic journey through the island’s countryside and coastline.
Animal Flower Cave
Animal Flower Cave, located on the rugged northern coast of Barbados, is the island’s only accessible sea cave. Descend into the cave to view its natural rock formations, stunning sea views through cliffside openings and unique sea anemones (i.e., the "animal flowers"). Afterward, take in the ocean views and refuel at the nearby cliff-top restaurant.
More things to do in Barbados
The FAM team’s itinerary was packed with hotel inspections. But we were still able to gather recommendations from Fora Advisors who previously visited the island. Here are a few more things to do in Barbados to round out your itinerary. And you can always reach out to a Fora Advisor for personalized suggestions and tips.
Nature and wildlife tours
Barbados has rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Guided tours will take you through the Wildlife Reserve in St. Peter, where you can observe green monkeys, peacocks, tortoises and other animals in their natural habitat. For birdwatchers, the island's wetlands and forests are home to a variety of native and migratory species. Hikes through scenic areas like Welchman Hall Gully and Farley Hill National Park provide opportunities to discover lush tropical flora, ancient trees and hidden caves. And boat tours along the coast offer chances to swim with sea turtles and explore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and other animals.
Experience Barbados’ nightlife at St. Lawrence’s Gap
Barbados’ southern coast offers a diverse nightlife scene, catering to all kinds of partygoers and night owls. The heart of the action is St. Lawrence Gap, a bustling stretch known for its lively bars, nightclubs and restaurants. One popular spot is Harbour Lights, an open-air beachfront nightclub that hosts weekly beach parties with live performances, fire dancers and known Caribbean DJs. The southern coast is also home to beachfront bars like Surfer’s Café, in Christ Church, where you can enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music.
Take a rum tasting tour
Barbados’ rich history with rum dates back to the 17th century, when it became the birthplace of commercial rum production. The island's ideal climate for growing sugarcane led to the development of a thriving sugar industry. Early Bajans discovered that molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, could be fermented and distilled into rum. Over the centuries, rum became deeply intertwined with Bajan culture. Today, Barbados is still celebrated for producing some of the world’s finest rums.
Fora Advisor Carlie Lee recommends taking a tour of the local distilleries, like Foursquare Rum Distillery, Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery and Mount Gay Rum Distillery.
Andromeda Botanic Gardens or Hunte’s Gardens
Andromeda is a six-acre tropical garden located in St. Joseph, on Barbados’ east coast. Since the 1950s, the botanical garden has featured a diverse collection of exotic plants, including rare palms, succulents, orchids and colorful flowering trees. It also offers scenic walking trails with ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Alternatively, Hunte’s Gardens — found in a lush inland gully — is a similarly enchanting attraction. Winding paths hide nooks with benches where you can sit and soak in the beauty, while soft classical music creates a quiet, thoughtful vibe.
Oistins Fish Market
Oistins Fish Market is a bustling spot on Barbados’ south coast, known for its fun atmosphere and fresh seafood. The market is famous for the Oistins Fish Fry, a twice-a-week event where both locals and travelers gather to enjoy grilled and fried fish, such as mahi-mahi, flying fish and tuna, all served with traditional Bajan sides like rice and peas or macaroni pie. The experience is more than just a meal — it’s an authentic cultural event with live music, dancing and local crafts.
Connect with a Fora Advisor for more things to do in Barbados
There are so many things to do on Barbados beyond what’s listed above. For tailored recommendations and help making an itinerary, contact a Fora Advisor. They can connect you with trusted guides, arrange transportation and provide insider information to level up your visit. Even better, when you book your Barbados resort with a Fora Advisor, you’ll unlock complimentary VIP hotel perks.
Things to do in Barbados: FAQs
Below, we’ve answered common questions about things to do in Barbados.
What is Barbados best known for?
Barbados is best known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters. It’s a premier destination for beach lovers and water-sport enthusiasts. The island is also famous for its luxury resorts along the Platinum Coast.
“Barbados is truly a hidden gem in the Caribbean,” Fora Advisor Juli Hall said. “You can get a mix of culture, history and stunning surroundings all in one place.”
But the local Bajan people are really what make the island special.
“The locals are welcoming and joyful and are passionate about sharing their culture with guests,” Juli added.
Barbados is also recognized for its rum production, and is home to some of the world’s oldest distilleries, like the historic Mount Gay Rum.
Related guide: Barbados: A Gem of the Caribbean Where Adventure Meets Paradise
Is Barbados safe to explore?
Juli noted that Barbados is indeed safe to explore on your own. You can easily rent a car (a Fora Advisor can arrange this) and drive around the island. As with any destination, it’s wise to exercise caution. But Barbados is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with low crime rates and welcoming locals.
What languages are regularly spoken in Barbados?
English is the official language of Barbados, and it’s widely spoken across the island, particularly in formal settings. Many Bajans also speak Bajan Creole, which incorporates African, British and other influences and is more commonly spoken in everyday conversations.
How many days do you need to do everything in Barbados?
A five-day Barbados itinerary will give you enough time to sample a few highlights and leave time for at least a couple days of relaxation. A longer stay gives you time to explore all or most of the island. Ultimately, most Fora Advisors recommend building your itinerary around the time you have to spend on the island.
Related guide: 4 Days on Barbados' Southwest Coast
What’s the best month to visit Barbados for a variety of things to do?
Barbados is a year-round destination; the month you visit doesn’t have a huge impact on options for things to do. The island is below the hurricane belt, and temperatures typically range between 75–85℉ — with a breeze to boot. Plus, it only rains occasionally between June and November, and even less so during the rest of the year. This dry season is when Barbados sees the most travelers (you’ll have more options for flights to Barbados, too), but don’t expect massive crowds.
If you love nature or are traveling with children, Fora Advisor Michelle Zelena recommends visiting in September specifically to watch baby sea turtles hatch and bolt toward the ocean.
Is Barbados an expensive destination?
In terms of accommodations, Barbados is one of the more expensive destinations in the Caribbean. That said, you’ll find that many of the most interesting things to do in Barbados are reasonably priced.
Where’s the best place to stay in Barbados? Do all-inclusive resorts make sense if you want options for activities?
It depends on the type of vacation you're seeking. The west coast, a.k.a the “Platinum Coast,” is ideal if you’re looking for luxury and relaxation, with calm waters and upscale resorts like Sandy Lane and Fairmont Royal Pavilion. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, the south coast is the place to be, offering a wider range of options along with great beaches, vibrant nightlife and plenty of dining choices, especially in areas like St. Lawrence Gap.
If you’re looking for an emphasis on natural surroundings or seclusion, the rugged east coast provides a more remote and tranquil experience (though it’s better suited for surfing rather than swimming). Fora Advisor Gianna Quattrini recommends splitting your stay between different sides of the island to get the most out of your vacation.
All-inclusive resorts in Barbados are a great choice if you want convenience and a hassle-free experience. These resorts include meals, drinks and many on- and off-site activities in the up-front rate. That said, if you’re looking to explore the island, dine at local restaurants or try different activities beyond what the resort offers, a non-all-inclusive option may provide more flexibility and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. A Fora Advisor can help you decide which options best meet your travel preferences.
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