Barbados holds a unique place covering the polished elegance and cultural customs of its British roots (Thinking Cricket and High Tea) soaked with hues of West Indian strain. Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966, but many remains from its colonial past are still standing. Amidst all the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands, Barbados truly host a holiday-maker’s paradise.
In Bridgetown, clean and safe capital, impressive colonial buildings and historic Garrison have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With endless tropical beauty around the island, spreading Chinese gardens and historic museums. Beautiful pink and white coral-sand beaches, yellow turquoise ocean, and a dramatic east coast are all under the umbrella of top-rated tourist attractions in Barbados.
Roaring can be the warm ocean waters, but the island offers spectacular beaches with shades and pleasure of swimming and snorkeling, as well as great surfing and some popular plunge sites.
1. Crane Beach
With beautiful, pink coral sand, Crane Beach is embellished. The beach once was a boat landing where cargo was unloaded and lifted by a crane perched atop the cliff. Presently, It is one of the most famous beaches in Barbados.
All the amusement stuff like rolling surf, sunbathe on the soft sands, you can have here. Once also the Crane Beach Hotel, it is the oldest hotel in Barbados and is now known simply as The Crane. While moving down many stairs, there’s public access to the beach, while the hotel has its own elevator to sand level. Relax on the beautiful shores of Carlisle Bay, near Bridgetown, the capital.
Address: Crane Bay, Saint Philip
Major Nearby Attractions: Foul Bay, Bottom Bay, Zed’s Surfing Adventures, Hunte’s Gardens.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM*
2. Bathsheba Beach
The bizarre village of Bathsheba is the center of the tourist attraction on the Atlantic East Coast. Nearby are the Andromeda tropical botanical gardens and flower forests. Soup Bowl is another name given to Bathsheba Beach where you will find large rock structures (the remains of the ancient coral reef carved by the surf) are standing like a huge mushroom in the sea.
This beach is great for photographing and surfing, but a strong undercurrent can make a dangerous area to swim here. Want some distance from the tourist crowd? And be with the picturesque stretch of the coast, then the Atlantis Hotel and the Sea-U Guest House overlook the rocky beach.
Address: Sandy Beach, Bathsheba, Barbados
Major Nearby Attractions: Andromeda Botanic Gardens, PEG Farm and Nature Reserve, Ocean Echo Stables, Barclays Park.
3. Hunte’s Gardens
Hunte’s Garden is the creation of Antoine Hunte, a passionate horticulturist, Hunte’s Garden circumferences ten amazing acres of tropical plants on the lush slopes of St. Joseph Parish. Paths lead deep in a lane, where on the many different levels sprinkled greenery blow up. Some flourishing species include Palms, papyrus, orchids, and croton, and the creator, Mr. Hunte is an enthusiastic and fun-loving host.
Plant lovers can go on strategically housed benches and marvel at the gardens for leisure while classical music wafts through the air.
Address: Hwy 3A, Coffee Gully, Saint Joseph
Major Nearby Attractions: Soup Bowl, Ocean Echo Stables, PEG Farm and Nature Reserve, Breezing Watersports Barbados Snorkeling Tours, Calabaza Sailing Cruises.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM*
4. Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Andromeda Botanic Gardens are not only world famous for their collection but have specialization in tropical plants from across the world and also for their scenic location on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic. Praiseworthy is the breadfruit trees dipped from those collected by Captain Bligh, of mutiny fame, as well as the rare species of succulents and palms.
Large fig trees are also interesting, which once used to cover the island in the vast forests, probably prompted Portuguese sailors to name the island “Barbados” which means “bearded” The garden is also a great place to witness beautiful birds.
Address: Highway 3, Bathsheba
Major Nearby Attractions: Bathsheba Beach, PEG Farm and Nature Reserve, Soup Bowl.
Timings: 9:00 am To 4:30 pm*
Charges: 30 Barbadian dollar entrance fee*
5. Gun Hill Signal Station
Gun Hill Signal Station was built in 1818 and used to indicate the arrival of cargo ships along with the approach of enemy ships, Gun Hill Signal Station provides breathtaking glimpse throughout the island. The station is located on the Highland of St. George. In the lower part of the hill in the 19th century, a carved lion sculpture by a British soldier from a single boulder (rock).
Address: Gun Hill, St. George
Timings: 9am–5pm and Sunday – closed*
Major Nearby Attractions: Sheraton Mall, St. John’s Church.
6. Welchman Hall Gully
Formation of Welchman Hall Gully is a result of a roof of a series of caves collapsed. The Welchman Hall Gully and the surrounding rocks indicated the untouched landscape and the variety of plants that greeted the first settlers of the island.
Now, the Barbados National Trust protects the watercourse, which is home to more than 200 species of tropical plants, including wild ginger and bamboo. The stairs lead towards a pretty overlooked, you will surely be delighted to watch the families of green monkeys frolicking in the ravine.
It’s of the best places to visit in Barbados.
Address: Welchman Hall, Saint Thomas
Major Nearby Attractions: Alleynes Bay, Seaduced Luxury Catamaran.
Timings: Open all days of the week, 9 am–3:30 pm*
Charges: $12US for adults and $6US for children 6 to 12 years old and for under 5 years old – free*
7. Harrison’s Cave Tour
Also Read: Most Colorful Places In The World In Different Seasons
Harrison Cave offers a crystallized limestone cave, showcases currents, waterfalls, cascades, and deep pool. After an educational film, you can walk a distance of two and a half kilometers through an electric tram with a stop to walk down to a waterfall diving in a deep pool below.
The extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites, and cascading water are being illuminated by the lights. Near the cave, a visitor center displays Arabic Indian artifacts. Harrison cave tour is one of the best things to do in Barbados.
Major Nearby Attractions: Hunte’s Gardens, Coco Hill Forest, Apes Hill Golf Club.
Charges: Price varies by tour
Timings: Everyday, from 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
8. Flower Forest
Flower forest gives you a spellbinding panorama in the hills central Barbados and houses 53 acres of tranquil forests and tropical vegetation on the grounds of a former Chinese plantation.
Nature lovers can roam within the well-marked trails through lethargic leaves, with many places to sit and relax.
The garden’s beauty is highlighted and covered with palms, gingers, and many colorful orchids and counted amongst the top-rated tourist attractions in Barbados.
Address: Richmond Plantation, Saint Thomas
Major Nearby Attractions: Coco Hill Forest, Hunte’s Gardens, Apes Hill Golf Club.
Timings: Everyday, 8 am–4 pm*
Entry Charges: NA*
Also Read: Most Wonderful Green Flowers found on Earth!
9. Diving and Snorkeling in Folkestone Marine Park
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Folkestone Marine Park
Folkestone Marine Park has an artificial reef, which on purpose formed by a sinking of the ship Stavronikita, which is under 120 feet of water less than half a mile from the seashore. Due to depths, Stavronikita is urged only for experienced divers in the company of others. Contact local scuba diving operator explore the Stavronikita and other debris along this coast.
Address: Highway 1, Folkestone, Barbados
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Snorkelers
Found in the Recreational area of Snorkel Park, Snorkelers would love to swim around the inshore reef. The rock brings into being in one-third of a mile offshore and is home to a number of fishes and other marine life, including sea anemones, sea lilies, corals, and sponges.
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Other Watersports
The tranquil water and gentle waves at Folkestone make it a perfect spot for kayaking and paddle boarding.
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Folkestone Museum
A striking feature of the Folkestone Museum is a visitor interpretation center for public viewing and education. It houses an aquarium with many interesting and rare marine species, including corals and sponges. There is also a photographic exhibition on marine life which falls under the top-rated tourist attraction in Barbados.
Address: Holetown, St. James Parish
Major Nearby Attractions: Alleynes Bay, St. Francis of Assisi, St. James Parish Church.
Timings: Opening hours- open all year from 9:00 am To 5:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
10. Farley Hill National Park
Once on the basis of a rich plantation house, Farley Hill National Park is now a picturesque mountain garden surrounded by a mahogany tree forest. This beautiful 17-acre park is also a popular place for picnics and weddings. The house was reduced by fire and elements in a shell of stone walls, and ruins now make flowers and palms.
You can applaud the beautiful scenery of the sea and rolling palm-covered hills from the top of the hill behind the house.
Address: St. Peters
Major Nearby Attractions: Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Ted’s Tours, St. Nicholas Abbey.
Entry Charges: Free*
Timings: Open daily 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m*
11. Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Opposite to Farley Hill, at this exquisite Barbados Wildlife Reserve which is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Barbados. You can walk among the animals. The wildlife stockpile is home to agoutis, deer, turtles, iguanas, and loud collection of tropical birds under sheltered paths accompanied by the Mahogany forest.
Wild green monkeys imported from Africa by early settlers are often seen in the morning and evening time, and plant lovers will enjoy the vibrant exhibition of orchids of the park. Entry fee includes travel to nearby Grenade Hall Signal Station.
Address: Farley Hill, Barbados
Major Nearby Attractions: Cherry Tree Hill, Breezing Watersports Barbados Snorkeling Tours, Ocean Echo Stables, Animal Flower Cave, Island Safari Barbados.
Timings: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm *(last entrance at 4:00 pm)*
Charges: Adults US$15, Children US$7.50*