7 Must Do Activities when Vacationing in Barbados

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If you’re a regular visitor here you know all about my love of travelling! From the Maldives to China, the US to Europe I get a real frisson of excitement from exploring new places. One of my bucket-list destinations is Barbados.

First visited by Spanish navigators in the early 15th century, Barbados is nevertheless arguably the most English of the Caribbean islands gaining independence as recently as 1966. For holiday-makers, it has an incredible range of leisure activities, catering to all tastes and ages. Here are some of the best things you can do during your stay on this piece of paradise in the Caribbean.

Experience the Harbour Lights Club

The Harbour Lights Dinner Show is the perfect destination for those looking for an introduction to Caribbean night life. Get into the rhythm as you while away the hours dancing to the live calypso band.

Caribbean cuisine

Bajan cuisine is known for its array of flavours and Barbados itself is home not only to upscale restaurants but also to numerous street markets where you can sample the local produce. Champers is one of the best restaurants on the south coast, renowned for its seafood, while the Waterfront Café is a popular local eatery serving exceptional jerk chicken. Live jazz bands in the evening make it an excellent spot for an evening drink.

Have a flutter at the races

Perhaps not something you would associate with Barbados, but the Garrison Savannah is a historic track that hosts up to 25 different races a year. The most popular race in the southern Caribbean is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup. See you there!

Take a step back in time

Explore the history of the island with a trip to Sunbury Great House, a plantation house in the peaceful area of St Philip. Take a tour to discover what domestic plantation life entailed. The afternoon tea is apparently rather good as well and I love a good afternoon tea!

Enjoy the ocean

Before the little people came along the husband and I were avid scuba divers and if you enjoy swimming in clear, shimmering water then Barbados is definitely the place for you. Atlantis Submarines adventure is a family-friendly ocean expedition, which gives you the chance to experience the aquamarine Caribbean Sea at a depth of 130 feet. Definitely one on my bucket list!

Get into the festival experience

If you’re travelling to Barbados in the summer, then take in the island’s Crop Over Festival. This celebration of Barbadian culture lasts for twelve weeks and encompasses music, dance, and local arts and crafts. It sounds like lots of fun and not to be missed.

Don’t forget the beach!

Barbados may be about more than sun, sea and sand but if you have little ones (or not so little ones) these three will probably still be essential parts of your vacation! Take the weight off your feet by spending a day on the beach sipping cocktails, relaxing, and, if the mood takes you, taking part in the dizzying array of water sports and beach activities on offer.

Has this whet your appetite? And this is a mere selection of the fun things that you can do on Barbados! Have you been to Barbados? What would you recommend?

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Images by Ben124 and ben.ramirez used under Creative Commons licence