Barbados

Travel Guide > Caribbean > Barbados

Introduction
Brief History
Geography
Regions/Parishes
Cities
Sights and Activities
- Barbados Wildlife Reserve
- Harrison's Cave
- Fish Fry
- Other sights and activities
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting there
- Plane
- By Boat
Getting Around
- By Plane
- By Car
- By Bus
- By Boat
Red Tape
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Quick Facts

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Capital: Bridgetown
Population: 275,000
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Religions: Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)
Languages: English
Calling Code: +1246
Nationality: Barbadian
Local name

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Introduction

Bottom Bay

The Caribbean's easternmost island, and a tiny one at that, Barbados makes up for its distance and size with an enthusiastic gearing towards tourism that deservedly attracts many visitors. The island's vibrant artistic culture reflects the Bajans' rhythmic approach to life. Perhaps it is this rhythm (undoubtedly carried over from African traditions) which draws so many to the island: a holiday to Barbados is not supposed to just be a relaxing time by the beach; it is meant to reinvigorate and rekindle fires of passion. An exciting night life, ideal opportunities for water sports, beautiful beaches... the Barbados formula is simple, yet successful.

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Brief History

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Geography

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Regions/Parishes

Barbados is divided into 11 regions, known as "parishes", a term that is the by-product of Barbados' Anglican heritage.

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Cities

Bridgetown

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Sights and Activities

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a zoo opposite Farley Hill in the central parts of Barbados. There are that lead to a mahogany forest of green monkeys, red-footed turtles and a caiman pond. Other creatures that may be spotted include brocket deer, iguanas and agoutis. The monkeys are most lively during their afternoon feed. You can also also go to a small aviary with macaws and cockatoos, as well as some caged parrots, and uncaged peacocks and pelicans. To add, there is an orchid display and an iguana sanctuary.

Harrison's Cave

Probably the best known attraction on Barbados is the Harrison's Cave. Here, you can travel deep beneath the earth and explore the wonders of nature. You will hear the streams and see the glassy pools. You will be amazed by all the different shapes and sizes of the stalactites and stalagmites. Check the Harrison's Cave website for more information about your options.

Fish Fry

On many islands in the Caribbean Friday is fishday and there is no better place to experience this than on Barbados. Oistins on the southern coast is the place to be on Friday nights for the "fish fry". This is a market where you can buy fresh fish cooked according to local recipes. Locals stay there late and dance until the early hours of the morning.

Other sights and activities

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary
Barbados Museum
Sunbury Plantation House - Barbados great house
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village
Welchman Hall Gully
The Soup Bowl - best surfing spot, on the eastcoast of the island

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

Barbados has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celcius and average nights around 23 degrees Celcius. Most rain falls between June and October with a change of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weatherwise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budgetwise these latter months may be a good option as well.

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Getting there

Plane

The Sir Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is located in Christ Church, Barbados and serves as a gateway to many Caribbean islands and places further away in North America and Europe. Leeward Islands Air Transport (LIAT) has a second hub here (after Antigua) with flights throughout the Caribbean between Barbados and the Dominican Republic. The island is served well by many airlines from Canada and the United States and especially from the United Kingdom with at least 5 or 6 airlines flying there directly from London, Manchester and Birmingham. Direct flights include those from Frankfurt and Milan as well.

By Boat

There has been talk about new high speed ferries from Barbados to islands like Saint Lucia, Grenada and Saint Vincent, but up until now they stay rumours.

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Getting Around

By Plane

As the island is small enough to get around by land, there are no flights, except the odd helicopter transfer.

By Car

Barbados is easy to get around by car, roads are ok (some potholes), especially the main ones. Driving is on the left and you need to be 21 years old. There are no big international chains, but rather local companies only. There are enough of them though at the airport, bigger hotels and in Bridgetown so shop around. You need to buy a temporary driving permit as well, accompanied with your own (inter)national driver's licence and a few dollars.

By Bus

Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Barbados has a well maintained reliable and cheap bus system. Basically you'll have a choice of government-operated public buses, which have the most extensive routes. These cover most of the island and there are flat rates for all journeys. Routes are fixed. And there are privately operated minibus systems and route taxis. Both can be flagged down almost anywhere and drop you off anywhere you like as well. Minibuses are a bit faster than regular buses. Taxis have fixed prices but arrange the price before you leave. Sometimes you can arrange a tour with the driver for a price per hour.