Barbados is one of the most romantic islands in the world and definitely one to add to your travel bucket list. There are many things to know before going to Barbados. From where to stay, where to eat to, what currency they use etc. I was very lucky to visit the island in December 2023 with The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and it was one of the most incredible experiences. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island, this blog post includes all the things to know before going to Barbados.
Things to know before going to Barbados:
When is the best time to visit Barbados?
Barbados is a year-round destination with, as its location in the Caribbean means, consistently warm temperatures no matter what season it is. The best time to visit Barbados is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April each year. During these months, the island experiences warm, sunny weather with low humidity and minimal rainfall, making it perfect for exploring its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history.
With temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to high 20s Celsius (mid-70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit) you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, and hiking without the worry of sudden downpours. Additionally, this period coincides with Barbados’ lively festival season, including the world-famous Run Barbados in December. There are many festivals throughout this period in Barbados and I recommend lining up your holiday with one of these. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, the dry season offers an idyllic backdrop for an unforgettable Caribbean getaway in Barbados.
Run Barbados:
If you are a runner, I highly recommend visiting in December time for the Run Barbados Festival. “Run Barbados” was created by locals back in 1983 and for the first few years consisted of just two races – the Bridgetown 10km and the marathon. Today, this exciting event has evolved into one of the premier sporting attractions on the island with five running races and a walk spread over three days.
Over the past three decades the Run Barbados Series has attracted a variety of runners of varying ages and abilities from recreational to world-class and hailing from all over the world. Many famous runners have come to Barbados for this event and it holds the title of the largest marathon in the Caribbean. The unique 3 day experience includes a Fun Mile, 5K/10K Race, Half Marathon & Marathon as well as a 5K Walk.
Fun Mile
The event kicks off Friday evening on the Run Barbados event with the Fun Mile. This was my favourite part of the running weekend as some people dressed up in costumes and the atmosphere was incredible. There are prizes for the top 3 males & females runners and the prize-giving & entertainment continues after the race. This is a great one to get involved in to get the muscles going and you can walk the race if you wish.
5K and 10K Race
Both these races take place on Saturday of the Run Barbados event. The 5K is the most popular event and the 10K race is one of the oldest races in the Caribbean. Therefore you don’t want to miss either of these, especially since there is entertainment as well as food and drinks afterwards. I took part in the 10K and it was the longest I had ran in a while. It was such an accomplishment to finish it and the views along the way made the route very enjoyable.
Half-Marathon and Marathon
Most of the participants will attend Run Barbados weekend for the Half Marathon or the Marathon race. The Half Marathon and Marathon starts at 5:30am in front of Barclays Park, St. Andrew. Marathon runners complete two laps of the Half-Marathon course. I personally did not take part in this race but I hope to return one day to run the course!
5K Walk
The good news is that if you are not a runner you can still enjoy the event by taking part in the 5K. The walk takes place on the Sunday of the Half and Full Marathon at 7am. The Joe’s River Walk route starts from Barclays Park and goes along the beautiful East coast road, through the trail, which includes the spectacular Joes River Bridge, near Round House Hotel in Bathsheba, St. Joseph. The beaches and houses on the route are stunning. Walkers also get a medal at the finish line!
What is Barbados Known For:
Before you even set foot on the island it’s important to understand what makes Barbados so unique and about their people and culture. Here are some important facts to know before your trip:
- Beautiful Beaches: Barbados boasts stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts.
- Rich Culture: The island has a vibrant cultural scene, influenced by its African, British, and West Indian heritage. Visitors can experience local music, dance, art, and cuisine, including traditional Bajan dishes like flying fish and cou-cou.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Barbados is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, which offers insights into the island’s colonial past.
- Rum Production: Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, and the island has a long history of rum production. Visitors can tour rum distilleries to learn about the process and sample different varieties of rum.
- Crop Over Festival: This annual festival is Barbados’ biggest cultural event, celebrating the end of the sugar cane harvest with music, dance, parades, and elaborate costumes.
- Harrison’s Cave: This natural wonder features limestone caverns, underground streams, and impressive stalactites and stalagmites, providing visitors with a unique underground experience.
- Cricket: Cricket is a popular sport in Barbados, and the island has produced many talented cricketers who have represented the West Indies on the international stage.
- Rihanna is Barbados’ National Hero: The talented singer Rihanna, you know was born and raised in Barbados, and in November 2021 she was officially named one of the Islands National heroes. The street where her childhood home was renamed Rihanna Drive in 2017, and as soon as you land in the airport you will see posters of the star.
How to Get to Barbados
To get to Barbados from London you can catch direct flights from major airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick. Several airlines fly this route including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. We flew Virgin Atlantic and was very impressed with the experience! The flight duration typically ranges from 8 to 9 hours, whisking you away to the sun-soaked shores of Barbados in no time.
If you’re flying from Dublin, unfortunately there are no direct flights as of yet. However, you can easily make a connection to London or Manchester for a quick layover. You can then take the next flight out from any of these cities and land in sunny Barbados in approx. 11-12 hours total travel time.
Where to Stay in Barbados:
Below is a map of the island which is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. In general, most people visiting Barbados will want to stay on a beach resort to make the most of the beautiful white sand beaches. Here are my top 3 luxury hotels I recommend to stay:
The Crane
Experience the timeless allure of The Crane Barbados, the island’s oldest hotel nestled atop majestic cliffs overlooking Crane Beach. With a rich history dating back to 1887, this iconic resort seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Indulge in spacious suites boasting colonial-inspired décor and private plunge pools, all while enjoying breath-taking ocean vistas..
Whether lounging by the cliffside pools, pampering yourself at the renowned spa, or dining at the exquisite restaurants, The Crane offers an unparalleled retreat steeped in elegance and tranquillity. Come discover the legendary hospitality and captivating beauty of this historic Barbadian gem.
Wyndham Resort:
Experience the newest addition to Barbados’ hospitality scene at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle, the island’s latest all-inclusive resort. Set against the backdrop of the historic Sam Lord’s Castle, this modern retreat offers spacious rooms and suites with breath-taking ocean views.
Enjoy unlimited dining options, relax by the infinity pool, and indulge in island-inspired cocktails. With its unbeatable location and comprehensive amenities, Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle promises an unforgettable getaway in paradise.
O2 Beach Club:
Experience the pinnacle of luxury at O2 Beach Club Barbados, the newest gem in the island’s hospitality scene. Since its opening in 2021, it has quickly risen to the top as the best all-inclusive resort in Barbados on TripAdvisor, attracting clientele seeking a unique escape. Each guest is pampered with a spa treatment at Acqua Spa, including mani-pedis.
Oro, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, promises culinary excellence. The all-inclusive package features Grey Goose cocktails and lobster with no limits, ensuring an extravagant experience. With rates averaging around $700 per night, O2 Beach Club offers ocean or pool views, with the option for swim-up bar rooms. Don’t miss out on other dining experiences like the bubble light dome for an unforgettable meal under the stars.
What are the Best Things to Do in Barbados?
Harrison Cave
Situated in the central uplands of Barbados, Harrison’s Cave stands as a remarkable geological wonder, captivating visitors with its crystallized limestone formations, flowing streams, and towering columns. This natural marvel boasts deep pools of clear water and stunning speleothems, creating an enchanting environment for exploration.
Since its official opening to the public in 1981, Harrison’s Cave has become a must-visit destination, drawing adventurers from all over the world to experience its breath-taking beauty first-hand.
Hop on the tram and delve deeper into the cave’s depths, where a sprawling stream cave system spanning over 2.3 kilometres awaits your discovery. Despite the subterranean depths, the cave maintains a comfortable average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, ensuring a pleasant journey into its mysterious depths.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Great Hall, where towering caverns rise up to 15 meters high, casting shadows that dance in the flickering light. Witness the remarkable vitality of this living cave, as its stalagmites continue to grow, albeit at a pace that’s imperceptible to the naked eye.
Harrison Cave is an unforgettable adventure in Barbados and once you have taken the tour, there are many other activities. On the grounds you can do ziplining, an adventure course, rum tasting or just enjoy some lunch at Green Monkey Bar & Grill. Tickets start from $57 US depending on which experience you book on the website.
Go on a Catamaran Cruise:
What’s a Caribbean island holiday without a day spent out on the water? One of the best things you can do in Barbados is take a Catamaran Cruise for day. I was very impressed with Seaduced and the experience we had on our trip. They have options for private charters from 2 to 20 guests. The crew were amazing, the boat was so lovely and spacious, and the lunch was incredible.
Chartered catamarans include all-inclusive drinks and food – usually snacks and a lunch. You can enjoy this while seeing panoramic views of Barbados’ coastline and crystal-clear waters. Typically when you do a catamaran cruise there will be a water activities such as snorkelling with sea turtles, stand-up paddle boarding etc. These are all incredible experiences but honestly my favourite part was sitting in a sun chill with a cocktail in hand.. it was bliss!
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, a romantic sunset cruise, or a fun-filled day with friends, there are catamaran cruises in Barbados to suit every preference. Choose from half-day, full-day, or private charters to tailor your experience to your needs.
Overall, catamaran cruises offer an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Barbados’ coastline, with opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and discovery along the way. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the memories of your unforgettable catamaran adventure in Barbados.
Where to Eat & Drink in Barbados:
Before I start to talk about food we need to talk about drink. When I say drink I mean specifically Rum. As previously mentioned, Barbados is known as the ‘birthplace of rum’ and once you taste rum on the island you will never look back. Because of this you can get rum in any bar or restaurant on the island.
Rum punch is a very popular cocktail that is perfect when relaxing by the beach or by the pool. A lot of the locals will drink rum in different ways such as on the rocks, with cola, with water or my personal favourite – with ginger ale. When ordering a rum in Barbados try and experiment as it’s part of the experience! Try different brands such as Mount Gay and different aged rums like a 5 year old versus a 10 year old. Top tip: make sure you stop at a local supermarket and get some rum to take home at the best price!
3 Places to Eat:
- Tapas – If you love seafood, cocktails and dining with a view – then Tapas is where you need to go! This restaurant is located on Hastings Main Road on The Richard Haynes Boardwalk. You will not be disappointed with the food or service here!
- Oistins – Famous for its Friday night fish fry, Oistins transforms into a bustling hub of activity, offering visitors a chance to mingle with locals, sample fresh seafood straight from the grill, and groove to the rhythm of Caribbean music. Make sure you watch the sunset after eating as it’s incredible here!
- Champers – This restaurant is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a fine dining experience while you’re away. Champers, where exquisite cuisine meets breath-taking ocean views. With impeccable service and a setting that’s second to none, Champers promises an unforgettable experience in Barbados.
What else should you know about Barbados?
Currency used in Barbados: In Barbados, locals use / take both American Dollars (USD) or the Barbadian Dollar (BDS). When this blog post is written, $1 BDS is about 0.39 cents GBP, and 0.46 EUR but you can check XE before your trip.
The majority of Barbados restaurants and shops also take debit or credit card (machine/tap), so you don’t only need to use cash on the island. As always, I use my Revolut card when travelling to exchange my money and avoid over-seas charges.
Dress Code: While Barbados is a fun holiday island, there are dress codes, and because of 300 years of conservative British heritage, formal attire is still seen often and expected from tourist. A lot of resorts have a dress code of casual by day and elegant by night. So while the sun is up, your shorts, tank tops, swim suits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect attire. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required (although elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants).
Whitling Frogs: A sound I was very confused by but have since come to really miss when we think about Barbados is from the Whistling Frogs of Barbados. Some people love this sound, some people hate it (or you’ll come to love it after you leave the island). But as soon as the sun sets, the whistles start. The sound comes from very teeny tiny frogs that are native to the island. It’s like a lovely night-time song. If you are a light sleeper then maybe pack some earplugs!
I hope this blog helps with your travel planning to this beautiful country. I hope it helped to learn about things to know before going to Barbados. Most of all I hope it inspires you to visit Barbados soon, as it is one of my favourite destinations I have visited so far!
Thanks for reading,
Jess x