Ask travel experts about the fun and favorite things to do in Barbados and most will start with single words – golf, beaches, eating, rum, watersports…these are all excellent options. Yet, it is super helpful to have recommendations about the best of these options, i.e. where are the best golfing experiences, watersports or sailing options, and so on. To help travelers make the most of any time spent on this most popular of islands, we make the following suggestions of the three top things to do while on Barbados.
Golf, Golf, and More Golf
According to golfing experts, Barbados is known as the “Little England,” of the Caribbean due to the influences that England has had on its architecture and capital city of Bridgetown. However, it also has to do with the island’s many excellent golf courses. Sandy Lane is the one that stands out from the crowd, though, and it is due to the fact that it has multiple courses on one site.
As one expert said, “Sandy Lane boasts three…the most acclaimed is the Green Monkey, which is reserved for the exclusive use of its guests…The Country Club course at Sandy Lane was the chosen track for,” the World Golf Championships World Cup, as well.
Additionally, many argue that it is the Royal Westmoreland that has to win any competitions for top courses and it is due to its amazing sea views from every single hole. Though there are a few prestigious courses open to members and their guests, most travelers who happen to love golf will appreciate the options here.
And if you would rather hit the waves than the greens, there are options for watersports in great abundance, but we’d suggest that a private boat charter is the best way to experience the island’s tranquil waters and relax the entire time.
Private Boat Charters for Relaxation and Fun
Something to consider when investigating options for the best things to do on Barbados is the fact that a private boat charter lets you enjoy an entirely bespoke experience. While there are many round-island cruises and other party boat options, the use of a private charter means you see the Barbadian coast on your terms.
As a prime example, Seaduced offers private, luxury day sail adventures aboard catamarans that ensure the smoothest ride and the ability to get in close to shore. Catamarans have almost no draft and that means exploring pristine beaches or coming in close to luxury resorts for a bite of lunch is easy and possible. You can also find that they’ll make onboard dining options available, with chef-prepared meals, too.
There are options for private beach picnics, water activities like snorkeling, sunset cruising, and so much more. So, don’t limit yourself to a boat full of strangers or a boat that races across the waters without allowing you any opportunity to really experience the island. Instead, consider a luxury private boat charter that has the sort of customizable options just detailed above. This will be a fun experience, a relaxing experience, and an unforgettable part of your holiday on the island.
Naturally, you must also do the more iconic activities, too, and rum tasting sits at the very top of that list.
The Best Rum Tasting Possible
It is safe to say that any traveler can easily find a few of the island’s distilleries and spots for sampling island-made rum. You can even just do this at a premium bar or lounge that makes the many popular rum drinks. However, a distillery tour and tasting is really the best way to go about the experience, and the Mount Gay Rum Tour is a standout from the rest.
Located in St. Lucy it is a landmark building from the early 1700s and allows visitors to see the entire rum-making process. With more than 300 years of history, it is often called the birthplace of rum, and yet it also retains its reputation for impressive quality in every batch. Visitors actually see the land, the original water well, a molasses house, the fermentation house, a distillery and more. There are options for all kinds of tours here, however, and the rum enthusiast might want to book a full signature rum tasting or the Storied Evening Cocktail Experience that allows guest to whip up their very own drinks while experiencing the entire portfolio of rum options.
While in Barbados, you should also think about such options as taking a tour to swim with Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles, heading to an authentic fish fry (Oistins is the most famous), pay a visit to a Holetown or Platinum Coast lounge where live music is played, like Bubba’s or Red Door, visit Harrison’s Cave and ride through three miles of tunnels, spend time learning how to windsurf, visit the Botanic Gardens, take a hike, or just lounge around your villa or rental and savor the amazing scenery that is the heart and soul of Barbados.
The island is noted for its show-stopping panoramic views, and we suggest Gun Hill Signal Station in the center of the island. You should also try looking either south from Cherry Tree Hill or north from East Coast Light at Ragged Point for views of the entire Atlantic coast of the island, and also from Farley Hill National Park where the rugged landscape will have you in agreement with those who call the “Little England” of the Caribbean for its craggy interior so reminiscent of northern England and Scotland. If driving to such spots is not for you, there are 4×4 tours that take visitors to lesser-known areas where scenery, beaches and remote bays are waiting to be enjoyed.
There is almost too much to do on Barbados, and one trip may never be enough. The good news is that you can get a good start following the tips provided here.