Barbados' heritage is displayed throughout the island. Museums, rum distilleries and plantation houses abound. Just as prominent are the islands natural attractions: caves, gardens or wildlife reserves can be found in most parishes.
| Historic Sites | Top  |
East Point Lighthouse at Ragged Point
As the most easterly place on the island, the lighthouse offers some particularly nice views of the wild east-coast surf. The strange tower apparatus next to it has a scientific function—measuring dust that blows across from the Sahara desert. Ragged Point, St. Philip.
Gun Hill Signal Station
This old military outpost was built by the British in 1818 to to signal the arrival of ships and warn plantation owners of slave uprisings. The station has a wonderful statue of a lion that was carved out of a single piece of rock by bored British soldiers in 1868—it's kept pristine with white paint to this day. Excellent views. Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm. Bds$10 adults. Gun Hill, St. George, Barbados. Phone 429-1358.
Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill
This is the only fully intact sugar-grinding windmill remaining on the island. (The ruins of hundreds more can be seen throughout the island.) The mill ceased operation in 1944 but has been restored to working order. It is put into operation one Sunday a month February-April. The engineering is a marvel. From the mill you have spectacular views of the hilly countryside and the sea. A container next to the mill houses historical information and a video about its rehabilitation to working order, but the site is currently unattended and does not offer access to the container. St. Andrew, Barbados. Phone 426-2421.
This is where young Washington stayed in 1751 with his brother Lawrence, whose doctor prescribed Barbados as a cure for his ailments. The museum upstairs explains what George saw and learned there, and how his visit to Barbados marked a turning point in his life. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-4:30 pm. Admission Bds$20 adults, Bds$5 children ages 5-12, free for children younger than 5. Bush Hill, The Garrison, St. Michael. Phone 228-5461. http://www.georgewashingtonbarbados.org.
Like most old Barbados buildings, the cathedral is made of coral stone. It also features some wonderful examples of stained-glass windows. St. Michael's Row, Bridgetown. Phone 427-0790. http://www.saintmichaelsbarbados.com.
Not a religious abbey but a rare Jacobean-style plantation house with stunning grounds, a small museum, a rum bottling plant and a rare 1930s film of plantation life, this 17th-century abbey is located in some of the island's finest scenery. Open daily for guided and self-guided tours. Bds$25 per person. Cherry Tree Hill, St. Peter. Phone 422-8725. http://www.stnicholasabbey.com.
The Garrison area is a collection of historic military buildings, including the Barbados Museum, the George Washington House and a rare collection of 17th-century iron cannons left over from the years when Barbados was an important military base. Southeast of Bridgetown, St. Michael. Phone 426-8982 (Main Guard House).
This is the flagship property of Barbados National Trust. Built in 1854, the onetime home of Sir Grantley Adams is the centerpiece of this authentic craft village featuring traditional Bajan chattel houses, a blacksmith shop and a rum shop set in 3 acres/1 hectare of gardens. The village is open Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm. Bds$14 adults, free for children younger than 16. Codrington Hill, St. Michael. Phone 424-2074.
Arlington House
Housed in an restored 17th-century building, this museum offers interactive exhibits on three floors, all of which have their own themes. The third floor was designed as a wharf and the second floor as a sugar-cane field. Open Monday-Saturday 9 am-4 pm. Admission is Bds$25 adults, half-price for children. On the island's west coast, Speightstown. Phone 422-4064.
Sunbury Plantation House & Museum
More than 300 years old but completely restored after a fire, this is the only plantation home in Barbados that opens all of its rooms to the public. There are guided tours, and a fascinating array of farm, carriage and domestic equipment. The full-service on-site restaurant offers breakfast and lunch, and elegant candlelit dinners are available for groups by advance reservation. Open daily 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Bds$15 adults, half-price for children younger than 12. In eastern Barbados, St. Philip. Phone 423-6270. http://www.barbadosgreathouse.com.
A relaxing place to spend a few hours—its exhibits depict the island's colorful heritage, including the colonial era. The museum has a hands-on children's gallery, a map gallery, an African heritage gallery and a natural-history gallery, as well as a research library and a classy gift shop with cards and crafts. Admisson is Bds$11.50 adults. St. Ann's Garrison, St. Michael. Phone 427-0201. http://www.barbmuse.org.bb.
Those with a passion for vintage cars will want to visit the Mallalieu Motor Collection. Owner Bill Mallalieu will tell you about his dozen-plus antique autos and may even take you for a spin in one of them. At historic Pavilion Court, Christ Church Parish. Phone 426-4640.
This museum tells the surprising story of the Jewish presence in Barbados. Also of interest is the synagogue next door, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. The original 17th-century building was destroyed in an 1831 hurricane. Its replacement, dedicated in 1838, was restored and now hosts religious services December-April. It's open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-noon and 1-4 pm. Museum open Monday-Saturday 9 am-4 pm. Bds$25 adults; half-price admission for children. Phone 436-6869.
This museum is dedicated to explaining how sugar was processed in the past. It displays machines from the 1700s and 1800s, and also explains the colonial industry's political and economic context. The museum is located at the Portvale Sugar Factory, which is still in operation. If you visit during harvest season (February-May), you can get a look at how sugar is made today. Open Monday-Friday. Portvale Sugar Factory, east of Holetown, St. James. Phone 432-0100 or 426-2421.
This rustic museum supplies an intimate look at daily life in bygone days and a short nature walk. Open Monday-Friday 10 am-3 pm. An artist's studio and gallery on the premises is open longer hours. Bds$10 adults, Bds$5 children. Scotland District, St. Andrew Parish. Phone 438-7011.
From 1977 until the airline's demise, Barbados was one of only four regularly scheduled Concorde destinations. One of the revolutionary, supersonic planes is displayed in The Concorde Experience, a state-of-the art, interactive aviation museum located next to the airport. Open daily 9 am-6 pm. Last entry 5 pm. Bds$35 adults, Bds$25 children ages 2-12. Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church Parish. Phone 420-7738. http://www.barbadosconcorde.com.
Harrison's Cave
Offers a one-hour ride past spectacular stalagmites, stalactites, underground rivers and waterfalls on a subterranean tram. There's a light-refreshment area, handicraft shops and an Arawak Indian exhibition at the cave. Tours to the cave are available from Bridgetown. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is Bds$40. St. Thomas, Barbados. Phone 438-6640. http://harrisonscave.com.
Orchid World
Orchid World is a botanical delight. You can wander the grounds, which have 30,000 different orchids and excellent views of the countryside. Open daily 9 am-5 pm. Bds$20 adults. Twin-pack for Flower Forest and Orchid World Bds$30. Groves, St. George, Barbados. Phone 433-0306. http://www.barbados.org/sightseeing/orchidworld.
Welchman Hall Gully
Take time to explore this deep, 0.6-mi-/1-km-long ravine planted with an array of citrus, spice-bearing and other rare trees. (The monkeys there like the nutmeg trees.) Wandering through the serene gully, which is actually a split in the coral limestone, is a great way to spend time in Barbados. Admission Bds$15, less for children. Welchman Hall, St. Thomas, Barbados. Phone 438-6671. http://www.welchmanhallgullybarbados.com.
Contains the private gardens and botanical collection of the late Iris Bannochie, who was a world-renowned horticulturist. It's worth a visit of several hours to explore the beautiful hibiscus, bougainvillea, orchids, palms, ferns, philodendrons and other flora. There's a lovely gift shop, too. Open daily 9 am-5 pm. Bds$17.50 adults. Bathsheba, St. Joseph Parish. Phone 433-9384. http://andromeda.cavehill.uwi.edu or http://www.andromedagardens.com.
This large sea cave in the cliff has several chambers and pools, and rock formations, but few if any remaining sea anemones that give it its name. Swimming in the pools is allowed with permission, but they're often closed when the weather is bad, so check ahead. North Point, St. Lucy Parish. Phone 439-8797. http://www.funbarbados.com/sights.
One of the biggest area attractions, the Barbados Marine Reserve offers coral-reef diving and snorkeling as well as a small museum. Open daily 9 am-5 pm. Museum admission Bds$1.15. Folkestone, Holetown. Phone 422-2314.
There you can roam freely among the local wildlife, enter a walk-in aviary and see an iguana sanctuary. The reserve is a great place for kids, especially at feeding time for the rare green monkeys when they descend from the trees to join a slew of tropical beasts and birds. At Grenade Hall, which dates back to the 1800s, you can explore the tranquillity of the forest and learn how messages used to be sent across the island via signals along a line of towers. One of the towers has been restored, and you can climb it for a view of the entire island. Open daily 10 am-5 pm; last entry 3:45 pm. Admission Bds$23 adults, Bds$11.50 children ages 3-12. Includes the reserve, signal station and forest. Across from Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter. Phone 422-8826. http://www.barbados.org/reserve.htm.
This 50-acre/20-hectare park and botanical garden offers plenty of benches along the footpaths. It's magical. Admission Bds$20 adults, Bds$10 children ages 5-12. Twin-pack entry for Flower Forest and Orchid World Bds$30. On the site of the old Richmond Plantation, St. Joseph Parish. Phone 438-8152. http://www.barbados.org/sightseeing/flowerforest/index.htm.
For nature lovers, this is the largest expanse of inland water in Barbados and home to more than 40 bird species. It has a walk-in aviary for viewing parrots and other birds, as well as a boardwalk-style nature trail designed to allow close access to the native vegetation and local birds. Open daily 8 am-6 pm. Worthing, Main Road, Christ Church Parish. Phone 435-7078. http://www.graemehall.com.
Compact but with a breathtaking aesthetic, Hunte's Gardens offers coffee, tea or a drink and an encounter with its eccentric owner, while classical music wafts through the orchids and other vegetation. Open daily 9 am-4 pm. Bds$20. Castle Grant, St. Joseph Parish. Phone 433-3333.
| Parks & Gardens | Top |
This park offers a quiet respite from the hurly-burly of traveling, and you can relax in the shade of its 1,000-year-old baobab tree, or visit the art gallery there. Near St. Michael's Cathedral, Bridgetown.
| Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries | Top |
Banks Beer Visitors Center
Enjoy a tour of the brewery and bottling plant, including a stop at the beer garden and souvenir shop for a sample. Open weekdays 9 am-4 pm; tours are at 10 am, noon and 2 pm. Bds$12. Wildey, Barbados. Phone 228-6486. http://www.banksbeer.com.
Foursquare Rum Factory and Heritage Park
The island's first rum distillery, built in the 20th century. Free self-guided tours; samples are for sale at the bar. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm. St. Philip, Barbados. Phone 420-9954 or 428-6846.
The Malibu Visitors Centre offers a lunch tour Monday-Friday that includes hotel pickup, lunch and four drinks for Bds$65. Regular tours are Bds$20 and include a Malibu Rum beach chair and a free drink. Spring Garden Highway, St. Michael. Phone 425-9393.
Mount Gay Rum is the best known of the Barbados rums and also has the longest history: It was probably first produced in the 1600s (accounts vary as to the exact year, anywhere from 1663 to 1703). Opening hours fluctuate with the season, and closing time is usually determined by the last customer—call ahead if you're making a special trip. Guided tours with tastings are offered Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm (Bds$14 adults), as well as special lunch tours by reservation on Tuesday and Thursday with a Bajan buffet (Bds$80) and a cocktail-making tour on Wednesday at 2:30 pm (Bds$50). Spring Garden Highway, St. Michael. Phone 425-8757 (Mount Gay Visitors Centre). http://premierattractions.bb/mountgayrum.htm.
| Zoos & Wildlife | Top |
Ocean Park
This continually evolving attraction centers around dramatic aquariums, but also offers wet and dry play areas for kids, a marine petting zoo and miniature golf. It's best to go at shark and ray feeding times; call for information. Open daily 9 am-6 pm, with golf until 10 pm Friday-Sunday. Bds$35 adults, Bds$20 children ages 4-12. Discounts available for families, seniors and groups of 10 or more. Minigolf available as a separate activity. Phone 420-7405. http://www.oceanparkbarbados.com.
| Other Options | Top |
The Future Centre weighs old and new Barbados on the scales of sustainable development. It's a homemade kind of place with a correspondingly low price, but it presents an enlightening point of view that you won't find elsewhere. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Bds$10 adults. Edghill, St. Joseph Parish. Phone 425-2020.
Those with an interest in astronomy will enjoy the Harry Bayley Observatory, which has a 14-in/36-cm telescope. The observatory is also home to the Barbados Astronomical Society. Open on Friday 9-11 pm when skies are clear enough. Groups can arrange to visit on Saturday. Admission is Bds$15 adults, Bds$7 children younger than 12. Clapham, St. Michael. Phone 426-9117.
The best beaches for swimming and beautiful calm water are along the western shore—some of our favorites are Paynes Bay, Sandy Lane Bay (at the site of world-class golf resort Sandy Lane) and Mullins Beach. West-coast snorkeling is best at Paynes Bay, Folkestone Marine Reserve, Fitts Village, Port St. Charles and the southern end of Speightstown.
Along the southern coast, Rockley Beach, also known as Accra Beach (5 mi/8 km from Bridgetown), has a boisterous atmosphere and good body-boarding. Farther east, Crane Beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has big waves suitable for bodysurfing. The best swimming beaches along the south coast include Carlisle Bay, Accra Beach, Sandy Beach, Dover Beach and Enterprise (also known as Miami) Beach.
Expect some of the west- and south-coast beaches to be narrow—even those in front of some "beachfront hotels." They've eroded in recent years because the coral reefs are dying, leaving the beaches unprotected. Though the waters of the west coast are far safer than those of the east coast (which receives heavier surf), even the west-coast beaches can have undertows. Don't swim if warning signs are posted or if no one else is in the water—even if the water appears calm. Many beaches now have shower and changing facilities as well as lifeguards, though their alertness is not notable.
Cattlewash Beach and Bathsheba Beach on the eastern coast are rugged and generally too dangerous for swimming, but the cliffs and crashing waves do offer memorable vistas. There are some exceptions: Though often seaweedy, Bath Beach is popular among locals for its shaded shore, good beachcombing, picnic and playground facilities. Bathsheba has some tide pools that invite immersion—watch where the locals go. Bathsheba is popular for surfing, especially September-January, but you had better know what you're doing before you venture into the heavy seas. Two of the better breaks are the Soup Bowl and the Parlor. The tiny village at Bathsheba is home to one of the most popular dining spots on the island, the historic Atlantis Hotel. George Lamming, Barbados' most famous author, lives there when he's on the island.
You can reach quiet Gibbs Beach (about 10 mi/16 km from Bridgetown) via a lovely taxi or bus ride. Along the way, you'll catch brief glimpses of resorts and other beaches. The bus ride can be long if you go during rush hour.
Private mountain-biking tours with experienced guides can take the adventurous (and physically fit) visitor to rarely seen places you can only get to on foot or by bike. Highland Adventure Centre arranges tours. Phone 431-8928.
| Boating & Sailing | Top |
Boat cruises around the island are popular: Many give you the chance to view the coral, and some include lunch buffets.
Barbados has never been noted as a destination for sailboats because of the distance to the next destination, unfavorable wind directions and the lack of good anchorages. However, now that Port St. Charles is operating, more yachts are dropping anchor there.
Barbados is considered among the world's top windsurfing spots. Windsurfers generally head to the southeast coast, especially to a 3-mi/5-km stretch between St. Lawrence and Silver Sands Beach. November-July consistent 15- to 35-knot winds can be counted on to keep the sail full.
Provides undersea tours for those who don't want to get wet. A 45-minute tour will set you back about Bds$198, half-price for children ages 3-12. The Shallow Draught, Bridgetown. Phone 436-8929. http://www.atlantisadventures.com.
Rub shoulders with real enthusiasts. Two locations, in Silver Sands and Oistins, Barbados. Phone 428-7277. http://www.club-mistral.com.
Catamaran cruises and charters. Carlisle House, Carlisle Wharf, Hincks Street, Bridgetown. Phone 436-0911. http://www.coolrunningsbarbados.com.
Champion windsurfer Brian "Irie Man" Talma offers rentals, expertise, kitesurfing and radiant good vibes. Supposedly open daily 8 am-5 pm, but call ahead. Silver Rock on the east coast, Barbados. Phone 826-7087.
Offers smaller, more-personalized cruises. Cruises leave from the Colony Club beach on the west coast, Barbados. Phone 421-6419. http://www.smallcatscruises.com.
This company offers several different experiences: If you want to drink and socialize while you sightsee, try the party cruise on the 100-ft-/31-km-long MV
Harbour Master, with one of the largest floating bars in the Caribbean, or the catamaran
Tiami. Both leave from Deep Water Harbour. Expect to pay about Bds$165 (half-price for children) for a five-hour
Tiami cruise including lunch, drinks and snorkeling equipment;
Harbour Master cruises are Bds$135 for adults and Bds$85 for children ages 4-12 for lunch (five hours) and Bds$155 for dinner (four hours). The Shallow Draught, Bridgetown Port, Bridgetown. Phone 430-0900. http://tallshipscruises.com.
Barbados is not known for its sportfishing, but the sport's popularity is growing. The waters around the island have a fair number of blue marlin, but perhaps not as many as a serious angler might like. January-April are the best months. Typically, the catch falls into the hard-to-find deepwater-fish category such as wahoo and sailfish. However, barracuda, mackerel and bonito are often caught along the coastline. The Barbados Game Fishing Association (BGFA) organizes tournaments July-April, with international events in March. The biggest of these is the Sagicor/Mount Gay Rum International Tournament. The BGFA practices conservation and encourages tag-and-release for billfish. The chart of seasonal fish on its Web site is useful. http://barbadosgamefishing.com.
Many boats are available for half- or full-day fishing trips—you can find them moored along the Careenage in Bridgetown. Rates and services vary widely but usually total about Bds$950-$1,800.
Bill Fisher II
This boat docks at the picturesque Careenage, where your fishing triumphs can be witnessed by strollers and cafe diners. Phone 431-0741.
Cannon Charters
This family-owned company offers deep-sea fishing. Phone 424-6107. http://www.fishingbarbados.com.
IOU Charters
Run by a British captain with more than 40 years experience and his cheerful wife, the full-service charter takes up to six people for Bds$900 a day, and can slot in individuals for Bds$300. Accommodations also offered. 6 Hope Park, Middleton, St. George, Barbados. Phone 429-1050 or 238-9638. http://www.iouchartersbarbados.net.
Operates three sportfishing boats and offers deep-sea and bar fishing as well as night and bottom fishing. It will organize a package to suit you. Sometimes individuals can join groups for Bds$300 a person, which includes bait and tackle, refreshments and hotel transport. Durants, Christ Church Parish. Phone 429-2326. http://www.bluemarlinbarbados.com.
This resort has a nine-hole golf course and offers an all-inclusive day pass for Bds$240 that includes dinner and allows use of all its facilities. Smaller packages, such as a lunch pass with golf, are also available. Phone 422-4900. http://www.almondresorts.com/Resorts/AlmondVillage.
Has an 18-hole championship course. Greens fees start at Bds$230, plus caddy. Durants, Christ Church Parish. Phone 428-8463. http://www.barbadosgolfclub.com.
Open to the public and affordable. Bds$78 for nine holes, Bds$98 for 18 holes. Rockley, Christ Church Parish. Phone 435-7873. http://rockleygolfclub.com.
The 18-hole course is pricey, but challenging. Greens fees Bds$500. Phone 422-4653. http://www.royal-westmoreland.com.
Tiger Woods got married and played golf at this prestigious resort south of Holetown. Its two-plus courses total 45 holes, all open to the public. In high season, greens fees run Bds$115 for the Old Nine to Bds$470 for the Country Club to (are you sitting down?) Bds$8,000 for the Green Monkey course, not including caddy. Cheaper twilight rates also are available. Sandy Lane, St. James. Phone 444-2500. http://www.sandylane.com.
| Hiking & Walking | Top |
These Speightstown-based trails are maintained by the National Trust. Two trails—one more vigorous than the other—take you through the town into magnificent Whim Gully and past plantations, forts and beaches. Allow about three hours. Neither trail is navigable on your own, so book a guide. You must book by 3 pm the previous day. Bds$100 per person. Phone 234-9010 (Victor Cooke). http://trust.funbarbados.com.
Conducts nature hikes every Sunday at 6 am and 3 pm. Contact the trust for starting points—the itinerary varies from week to week. Though the three-hour walks are not strenuous, they aren't Sunday strolls either: Wear a sturdy pair of walking shoes and insect repellent. Afternoon hikes offer three speed levels. Meeting places vary, so be sure to confirm where you'll join your guide. Free, but contributions are gratefully accepted. Wildey House, Wildey, St. Michael. Phone 426-2421. http://trust.funbarbados.com.
| Horseback Riding | Top |
There are several stables in Barbados that offer horseback riding to visitors for about Bds$130-$230, with helmet rental usually included in the price.
Polo
The resident professionals at Waterhall Polo offer group or private lessons for novices, intermediate and experienced players, stick and ball rentals (and a horse, of course), and can also arrange chukkas and tournaments. Waterhall Plantation, St. James. Phone 262-3282 (Jamie Dickson) or 230-3286 (Neil Dickson). http://www.waterhallpolo.com.
Leads tours on the east coast of the island. Bds$140 for one and a half hours; Bds$180 for two hours. Also offers jumping, dressage and English-style riding lessons. Cleland Plantation, St. Andrew Parish. Phone 422-7433. http://www.funbarbados.com/activities/moreinfo/ridebarbadosmore1.cfm.
A friendly family offers scenic rides ranging from Bds$130 an hour to Bds$170 for two hours. The popular three-hour picnic ride to Bath Beach is Bds$230. All rates include transfers, helmets and a drink. You must weigh less than 200 lb/91 k. Newcastle, St. John. Phone 433-6772. http://www.barbadoshorseriding.com/ocean-echo-stables.html.
| Scuba & Snorkeling | Top |
Although Barbados is not known for great snorkeling or diving, it boasts more than two dozen dive sites. If you want to snorkel, try the shallow reefs fringing the west coast or the south coast from Carlisle Bay to Worthing, both of which have an abundance of colorful fish, sea fans and corals. Most watersports places have gear to rent, and many sailing cruises provide it in the package.
Good wreck diving is also possible: There are more than 10 wrecks (some deliberately sunk) lying in 25-60 ft/8-18 m of water off Carlisle Bay and the west coast. Particularly interesting is the SS Stavronikita, a 365-ft/110-m-long Greek freighter sitting upright in 130 ft/40 m of water. Its enormous masts are within 20 ft/6 m of the surface.
Expect to pay Bds$25-$35 a day for snorkeling gear and Bds$110 for a one-tank boat dive, Bds$230 for a two-tank boat dive, including transport to and from your hotel. You must be a certified diver and present your C card to rent tanks and go diving, although some shops offer a supervised "resort course" dive for about Bds$180; check locally.
In the event of a diving emergency, the Divers Alert Network (DAN) will provide treatment advice and, if necessary, arrange for evacuation. Phone 919-684-8111 or 919-684-4326 (both lines connect to DAN's headquarters in the U.S. and accept collect calls). DAN also answers health-related questions about diving. For more information, call 919-684-2948 or 800-326-3822 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada). http://www.diversalertnetwork.org.
There is a decompression chamber in the Garrison area, St. Michael; your dive operator will know the drill.
Staffed by marine biologists. Also offers kids' programs. Aquatic Gap, St. Michael. Phone 434-5764. http://www.divebarbadosblue.com.
One of the most appealing areas for family snorkeling. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. Church Point, St. James. Phone 422-2314 and 422-2871.
Offers a full range of dive experiences, including night dives. Coral Reef Club, Holetown. Phone 432-0931. http://www.divehightide.com.
Specializes in taking small groups to the northern portion of the west coast reefs. Speightstown, St. Peter. Phone 422-5450 or 262-6677. http://www.scubadiving.bb.
Located just minutes from the best dive sites. Aquatic Gap, St. Michael. Phone 426-9947. http://www.divebds.com.
Fully equipped dive shop offers all levels of instruction. Bay Street, St. Michael. Phone 426-0655. http://www.underwaterbarbados.com.
Offers trips for experienced and novice divers. Baku Beach, Holetown. Phone 432-2558. http://westsidescuba.com.
Surfing is nearly a religious pursuit in Barbados, and the island offers many opportunities to join in the camaraderie. Board rentals run around Bds$50 a day, and lessons range Bds$150-$360 for six hours over a three-day period. Tours run Bds$200-$300. Barbados is a good destination for family surfing; all ages do it there. Surf pros are good guides to local conditions, and shops often offer a variety of boards, such as body boards, sailboards and kiteboards. Packages with accommodation are easily found. Bathsheba's Soup Bowl is the site of international competition in the summer and attracts world champions.
Dread or Dead Surf Shop
These folks offer full extreme sports on anything with a board. Hastings, Christ Church Parish. Phone 228-4785 or 826-7873. http://www.surfinbarbados.com.
Sea-U Guest House
Offers attractive accommodations in a popular surfing area with packages that include surf lessons with a certified Level Two instructor. Tent Bay, Bathsheba, St. Joseph Parish. Phone 433-9450. http://www.seaubarbados.com.
Surf Barbados
Provides lessons, board rentals, tours and accommodations. Locations are mobile, depending on wave forecasts and participants' skill levels. Phone 256-3906. http://www.surfbarbados.com.
Zed's Surfing Adventures
Perhaps the best for beginners, with multiple offerings. Locations at Surfer's Point and St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados. Phone 262-7873.
| Tennis & Racquet Sports | Top |
Aside from those on resort and hotel properties, there are several tennis courts on the island. Holetown's Folkestone Park has free tennis on a first-come, first-served basis (phone 430-7700). The other public tennis court is located on the south side of the island at Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in St. Michael. Reservations are a must, and court fees are Bds$16-$24 per hour (phone 427-5300).
Club Rockley
Four tennis courts. Bds$13.50 per hour; Bds$20 per hour with lights. Rockley, Christ Church Parish. Phone 435-7873.
Three squash courts, two of which are air-conditioned. Lessons are available. About Bds$34 for 45 minutes. Hastings, Barbados. Phone 427-7913. http://www.squashbarbados.org.
Courts can be rented for Bds$20 per hour or Bds$25 per hour with lights. Needhams Point (beside the Hilton), St. Michael. Phone 228-4863.
Expect to pay Bds$14-$24 an hour or more, not including racquet or ball rental. Sunset Crest, St. James. Phone 432-2050. http://www.tennis.bb.
| Other Options | Top |
Clay-target shooting in a country-club atmosphere. All the necessary equipment is supplied, and there's a restaurant, a pool and bar for afterward. Carrington, St. Phillip, Barbados. Phone 437-5306. http://www.kendalsportingclaysbarbados.com.
The island abounds with nightclubs. They get quite lively by midnight and stay that way until 4 am. Most charge a cover of Bds$10 or more. No beach attire allowed.
The core of the island's nocturnal scene is St. Lawrence Gap on the south coast, where many restaurants and pubs are within easy walking distance of each other.
On the west coast, there's usually entertainment on weekends at the various restaurants and bars that line First and Second streets in Holetown.
| Bars, Taverns & Pubs | Top |
A local favorite on the south coast, with decent food, an active bar and extra tables out on deck where it doesn't matter if you're barefoot or sandy. There's a DJ on Sunday from late afternoon, and its packed on Friday night for live music. Both result in dancing. Worthing Beach, Christ Church Parish. Phone 435-8540.
There's always something going on there, from beach parties to free-drink nights with DJ music. Youth euphoria. Bay Street, Bridgetown. Phone 436-7225. http://www.harbourlightsbarbados.com.
Sophistication meets sing-along at this hot spot whose exuberant hosts are entertainers par excellence. Cocktails, substantial bar snacks. Open daily except Monday 8 pm-2 am. Second Street, Holetown. Phone 432-5399. http://www.lexypianobar.com.
Offers live music or a DJ most nights. Also a billiards table. Friday night salsa party includes a group lesson and line dancing. Plenty of fun. St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Parish. Phone 435-6352. http://www.mcbridesbarbados.com.
Big outdoor area with music nightly, often live. Happy hour 5-7 pm. St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Parish. Phone 420-7447. http://shipinnbarbados.com.
One of the longest-running beach bars on the west coast, with a loyal, local, laid-back following. Reasonable meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and a great location, especially at sunset. Five-monitor sports bar. On the beach, Holetown. Phone 432-2105.
| Dance & Nightclubs | Top |
Youth in a frenzy? Depends on which zone of this high-concept disco you go into. Tuesday night's casual and dub-laden; Saturday night's dress is more upscale, and the music includes hip-hop, reggae, dancehall and alternative. Friday hosts special events only. Ladies free 10-11 pm. Worthing, Christ Church Parish. Phone 435-4455.
After dinner the place turns into a dance palace, with DJs or live music. St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Parish. Phone 420-7615.
A rootsy, love it or hate it kind of place, where a lady will never be lonely and the dancing can get dirty. Check which nights have live music. If Biggie Irie is playing, go. St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Parish. Phone 435-6462.
Revelry and carousing reign there, several nights a week. Bay Street, Bridgetown. Phone 436-2622. http://www.theboatyard.com.
In July, during the Cropover festival, numerous venues (few of which are really tents) hold shows featuring the current calypsos and party anthems as well as broad, topical comedy. Check local papers for dates and places.
Our little secret: One of the most gracious small properties of the west coast, this hotel offers low-key live entertainment many nights of the week in a tasteful bar lounge with the comfiest chairs imaginable. The music is good background for romance or serious conversation, but is also worth pausing to pay attention. No sloppy attire, please. St. James Beach, St. James. Phone 422-2251.
A leisure landmark for more than 20 years, the Waterfront features Caribbean food, a lively bar and hospitality so abundant that it sometimes spills from table to table. Jazz Wednesday-Saturday nights. If you can sing, they might let you. The Careenage, Bridgetown. Phone 427-0093. http://www.waterfrontcafe.com.bb.
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Bajan Roots and Rhythms is a tropical dinner show with colorful choreography, steel bands, limbo dancers and fire eaters. Performances are Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 pm. Bds$170 adults, Bds$132 teens for hotel transportation, the show, buffet and unlimited drinks; Bds$99 adults, Bds$66 teens for show and drinks only. For the latter option, go at 8 pm. St. Lawrence Main Road, Christ Church Parish. Phone 428-5048. http://www.theplantation.bb.
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All variety of performing arts are available in Barbados. Towering stiltmen, green monkeys and shaggy bears (actually humans in costume) make appearances at festivals and also entertain hotel guests with their considerable acrobatic feats.
Pantomime is the thing to see late November-Christmas. Alternating each year between St. Winifred's and the convent schools, these big productions star a huge cast of lavishly costumed children capably singing and dancing their way through some twist on a classic story, with lots of silliness.
From ballroom to hip-hop, liturgical to jazz, ballet to Afro-Caribbean, dance abounds in Barbados. Troupes and choreographers to watch for include The Barbados Dance Theatre, Louise Woodvine, Pinelands Creative Workshop, Praise Academy and Dancin' Africa. The all-male Spin Pooch Ink specializes in amazing gyrations.
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Tickets to performances are usually available at the venue. Sometimes additional outlets are used. Prime among these are C.S. Pharmacy on Broad Street, Bridgetown, and the Shell stations at Warrens and Black Rock. You have to ask at the stations; there's no booth or signage.
Located on the campus of the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, this arts center hosts theater, music, poetry, fine art exhibitions and lectures. Cave Hill, St. Michael. Phone 417-4776. http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu.
This elegant and acoustically balanced hall hosts numerous performing arts events and lectures year-round. Located at the Tom Adams Financial Centre, whose Grande Salle also functions as an art gallery on occasion. Central Bank of Barbados, Spry Street, Bridgetown. Phone 436-9083 or 436-9084. http://www.fch.org.bb/fch/coming_events.shtml.
Performances are not frequent there, but the fairs, lectures and expos it hosts can give great insight into Barbados and provide something different to do on a rainy day. Two Mile Hill, St. Michael. Phone 467-8200. http://www.bcslbarbados.com.
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The horse races at Bridgetown's Garrison Savannah on Sunday are a fun way to sample Bajan social life. Cricket is the national sport, so expect to see cricket matches all over the island on weekends. Polo, road rallies and field hockey are also popular.