Revel in the Caribbean

Barbados is an island only 23 miles long, with two beautiful coastlines featuring the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. If you stay on the Atlantic Coast, I strongly advise renting a Car as various activities are often very spread out across the island.

If visiting for the day on your Cruise and you’re not the beach type, then I suggest you make your way to the Monkey Sanctuary and Flower Caves for a memorable day out. When you’re on the St Phillip Coast you could stop and visit Sam Lords Castle, the Pirate history goes back thousands of years.

If you’re lucky enough to be on the island on Race Day, then go along to Garrisons Racecourse and enjoy a fun fill day at the Races with the locals. This Course is situated in Hastings which is about 5 minutes by bus or car from the Cruise Port in Bridgetown.

If you are travelling in a small group or with children the Boatyard is an excellent day out, for just $35 you can swim with the turtles, visit the shipwreck, lounge around on sun loungers and umbrellas, receive $20 in food and drink credit, and use the sea trampoline and rope swing all day from 9am until 6pm. They even offer free transfers to and from the Cruise port.

The best and most economical and sustainable way to get around the island is via the Reggae Buses,  for just $4 Bajan Dollar you can travel the West Coast with the locals and really get to see to see the local traditions.

Dining

If you are staying on the island post and pre to your Cruise I would suggest eating out and getting a real feel to the Island itself and venture out of your hotel, my recommendation is to only book Bed and Breakfast when staying on the West Coast and here are just a handful of my Favourites to dine.

Castaways situated at the bottom of St Lawrence Gap

If you enjoy Italian by the Sea then this is the Restaurant for you, with a beautiful setting, reasonable prices and Pizzas to die for, this has to be on your list.

Bliss Café opposite Sandals

Whether you choose to dine for Breakfast or Brunch, this little family run café is a must, an Instagram worthy spot with designated selfie booths and fabulous cooking. I order the flatbread each and every time I visit.

Champneys

Located just before Rockley and you can die for Lunch or Dinner, its one place where you can dress up and dine but prices are not as high as The Cliff Restaurant.

Lone Star

Owned by Alex Ferguson the man himself and based in Saint James with the best setting on the Caribbean Sea with the finest dining.

Blush Café 

Based at Sugar Bay Hotel and next door to The Savannah Hotel in Hastings is well worth a visit, from great Gut Healthy Smoothies to Bajan Latte it’s the placed to be seen for Breakfast, Lunch and Brunch.

6Mix on Worthing Road

A must for any northern who like myself loves ‘Chips and Gravy’ and this is the only place to fins it, it’s a great Sports Bar too and Children can dine in here until 6pm and then its becomes a Adults Only Place to hang out, drink and eat.

Oistins Fish Fry Festival

Every single Friday from 6pm get down to Oistins in Christ Church early doors and grab the best seats and order a Red Snapper, the best fish on the island and the entertainment goes in until the early hours.