Barbados / Special Interests / Eco/Nature

Barbados has a limited selection of wildlife, however one of the main activities now includes swimming with turtles, on the many lunch cruises (see Barbados Day Sails for more information). The green or vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus), which originates from Africa, can be seen in the more wooded areas of the island, and even frequents some of the private villas on the West Coast. A word of warning, these are wild animals and should never be encouraged to venture close, and should not be fed (local farmers regard them as a pest).

An animal you are certain to spot will be the mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), which looks somewhat like a weasel, and always seem to be in a hurry. The heron-like cattle egret (Bulbulcus ibis) is very common and you will find them amongst cattle, where they feed off parasites found on the animals and worms turned up by their grazing.

Barbados attracts its fair share of migratory birds, and there are a number of swamps on the south of the island where they can be spotted.

For nature lovers, try the following:

Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Farley Hill - A popular outing for families, the reserve allows you to walk through trails in the forest where monkeys, deer, otters, tortoises and other wildlife are free to roam. Feeding time for the monkeys is 2pm and is the best time to be sure to see them. There is also an Aviary, an Iguana Sanctuary and a Serpentarium. Information centre, gift shop and snack bar.

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, Worthing - The largest coastal mangrove and sedge swamp in Barbados and declared a national heritage site by the government. It provides a natural habitat for up to 40 species of birds both resident and migratory, and also has a large family of green monkeys. Board walks and trails through the forest and lake, plus two of the world’s largest fixed-frame aviaries. The sanctuary sadly closed on 15 December 2008, however certain facilities are still available for special events. The Sanctuary Cafe and Lakeside Lawn are open to the public on a limited basis. Please refer to their website for further information and updates.

See a video of the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary.

Joe's River Tropical Rain Forest, St Joseph - Covering about 85 acres of woodlands with Hackleton's Cliff on one side and the picturesque Atlantic Ocean on the other. The National Conservation Commission has plans to develop trails, picnic areas and rustic wooden houses for overnight stays. Wander through rows of Fiscus, White Woods, Cabbage Palms, Mahogany, and Bearded Fig Trees.

Welchman Hall Gully, St Thomas - A jungle-filled limestone ravine bursting with exotic trees and plants, and a good place for spotting the Barbados green monkey, early morning or late afternoon. If you would like to imagine what Barbados looked like before sugarcane arrived, this is the place to visit. The gully is part of the same geological network as Harrison’s Cave, and you can see limestone formations along the trail. One of the few places where you will find nutmeg trees on Barbados and a rare clove tree. Self guide although guided tours are available with 24hrs notice. A Barbados National Trust property, acquired in 1962. Open daily, 9am-5pm.

The Barbados National Trust offers an excellent hiking option ‘Hike Barbados’, which meets at points of interest and beauty spots across the island on Sundays throughout the year. Reservations are not required, simply turn up (on time) at the designated meeting spot. The National Trust Sunday hikes are free and all guides work on a voluntary basis.  The Trust, also runs the Arbib Nature & Heritage Trail in St Peter. Hikes are available with head guide, Victor Cooke, a volunteer guide for Hike Barbados. See our Barbados Hiking Section for more details.