So this time last week, I was enjoying my final day in Barbados by partaking in an island tour provided by the Barbados Tourism Authority. While on the tour, we made so many stops and got tons of great information about the island’s history and culture as well as the best places to go while you’re there. On top of the sights I took in on this island tour, there were plenty more I discovered on my own while on the #CaribbeanCrawl with the girls. Check out my top 10 things to do in Barbados (in no particular order):
1. Swim with Sea Turtles
My absolute favorite activity while on vacation is snorkeling. There’s something so cool about being one with the ocean and the marine wildlife below it. If you’re heading to Barbados, one must-do is a boat ride or catamaran tour to go swim the the sea turtles of Barbados.
For our excursion, we went with Seascape Customized Cruises and they did an excellent job. They took pictures of us underwater, served us rum punch and snacks while on board and most importantly they found the sea turtles and took us to them! SO MUCH FUN. This is a must-see. Ask for Bim. He was our tour guide and he is so good at what he does.
2. Eat at Brown Sugar Restaurant
I’m a foodie at heart. I love to eat. Sue me. Anyway, when you’re on vacation all restrictive diets are out the door. If you want real, authentic (and delicious) Bajan cuisine you must head to Brown Sugar Restaurant on Bay St in the Aquatic Gap of Barbados.
On the pricier side but for good reason, this eatery has all the traditional Bajan dishes you’d want to try (like their famous Flying Fish & Cou Cou) as well as other fusion dishes. I had the Curried Shrimp (pictures above) and straight cleaned my plate. Their seafood dishes are just…bomb. The cocktails aren’t too shabby either. (Rum punch, anyone?) So good, trust me.
3. Explore St. John’s Parish Church
One of the stops on our island tour, the St. John’s Parish Church is a historic monument in Barbados. If you’re an architecture buff you will love it.
Constructed in 1846, this Gothic and grandiose church is situated at the top of a beautiful cliff that overlooks the east coast with sweeping views of the land and ocean.
4. Sip a Glass of Rum Punch
Or two. Or three. I thoroughly enjoyed the rum punch in Barbados. It is absolutely delicious and you can even take a few bottles of it home with you from the airport. Their local punch is manufactured by Cockspur and can be poured straight from bottle to glass. Just add ice. Delish.
5. Try Chefette
So me and the girls received numerous recommendations from Bajan locals about Chefette. Nope it’s not a fancy restaurant. It’s a little fast food joint equivalent to McDonald’s in the states. Only they sell dishes like Chicken Roti! I mean, does it get any better? I had the Chicken & Potato roti and was pleased. Go there at least once just to say you did it.
6. Go to the Beach
I mean, this is a no-brainer obviously. You don’t come to Barbados to go hiking. Beachside lounging is a must! We had the pleasure of having a beach right in front of our vacation rental at the St. Lawrence Beach Apartments in St. Lawrence Gap (if you’re looking to stay someplace more affordable than a hotel but just as luxe, this is a GREAT option).
If you want a great public lounging beach, try Miami Beach on the south coast.
7. Have Breakfast at Moonbay Bar & Grill
This is one I stumbled onto randomly. No, there’s nothing extra special about this restaurant inside of the Yellow Bird Hotel but the breakfast I had was superb and the service was top notch. The waiters were so incredibly sweet and we ate breakfast facing the beach and the pool which was so nice and serene. Great way to start your day.
8. Head to Hackleton’s Cliff
This place by far as the best views of the island. It is just SO beautiful.
A great place for pictures.
9. Shop the Local Artisans
One thing I love to do is shop (obviously) but when I go to destinations I stay away from the “touristy” shops and search for local artisans who make jewelry, home goods and more.
While in Barbados, I found a man who makes jewelry and more out of coconut shells. Explore the island and you’ll undoubtedly find gems.
10. Go to Oistins Fish Fry on Friday Night
Image Courtesy: The Telegraph
This has to be the highest recommended activity for my party girls who love to eat. On top of having the best fried fish on the island, head to Oistins for the scene – great food, great music and great company.
Have you ever traveled to Barbados? Considering it? Share with the group!
Click HERE for my Caribbean Crawl Recap from Barbados!
Special thanks to the Barbados Tourism Authority for providing us with an exclusive tour of the island during Caribbean Crawl 2014. Go to VisitBarbados.com for more information on things to do while visiting the island.
This looks like such a good time! I can’t wait to get my passport 🙂