Barbados / Things to do

Barbados has a stunning array of activities and attractions on land and at sea.  If you are keen to pursue something specific, do look through our Special Interest sections which give an insight into the island's depth. 

In terms of  the activities and attractions on Barbados, highlights include:

Aerial Trek Zipline Adventures, St Thomas - A thrilling experience which whisks you through the forest canopy of Jack-in-the Box gully, which lies to the south of Harrison’s Cave in the parish of St Thomas. A series of seven cables traverse the gully between eight platforms, with the first two runs from between 60-90ft long (to allow you to get used to the adrenaline rush) and the rest between 280-300ft. The heights vary from as little as 15ft above ground to 100ft when travelling above the gully.

Atlantis Submarine - Experience the world beneath the sea without getting wet aboard a 65ft passenger submarine. Descending to maximum depth of 130ft, the sub holds 48 passengers and has 26 view ports, with day and night dives of up to 45 mins.

Barbados Sea Turtle Project  - During the hatching season, which runs from mid-July through to mid-October, there is a release programme for rescued hatchlings and you can join in by signing up on their website.  The BSTP operates a 24-hour ‘Turtle Hotline’ and encourages people, including visitors to the island, to report any sea turtle nesting or hatching activity. The nesting season is between 01 June and 31 October during which time BSTP patrols the beaches and carries out tagging and research. For more information and contact details see under Conservation.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Farley Hill - A zoo, with two areas - first an open, walk-through compound with deer, monkeys, caymans, otters and tortoises, and a closed aviary with parrots and toucans. Secondly a reptile house with iguanas and snakes. Also a fine collection of orchids. Snack bar. Co-located with Grenade Hall Signal Station and Signal Station.

Barbados Concorde Experience, Grantley Adams International Airport - A unique opportunity to step onboard G-BOAE, one of the seven supersonic jets that were flown by British Airways from the 1970s until they were retired in October 2003. Barbados is one of just a handful of destinations around the world to which the jet flew, but it did so during the winter season for over 20 years. The 28,000 sq ft centre, which opened on 16 April 2007, is situated next door to the airport and features a gift shop, interactive exhibits and a multi-media show about the aircraft. 

Cherry Tree Hill, St Andrew - One of the island’s beauty spots with sweeping views across the sugar cane fields to the rugged Scotland District and Atlantic Ocean. The hill is around 850ft above sea level and sits along a popular scenic route, which passes through a delightful shady avenue of mature mahogany trees belonging to the historic St Nicholas Abbey and down past Morgan Lewis Mill towards the East Coast.

Harrisons’ Cave, St Thomas - Underground tram ride through natural limestone caverns with streams, waterfalls, pools and stalagmites and stalactites. An Interpretive Centre, which also includes the tram departure point and a 40 seat media room is down at gully level. Also down on the gully floor is a landscaped area with craft and refreshment kiosks, and there are scenic ‘self-guided’ walking trails in the surrounding woodlands. At cliff top the Visitor Reception Centre includes a ticketing area, an amphitheatre, meeting room, administration offices, restaurant and bar, and a gift shop. Visitors can travel down to gully level by way of three glass-fronted elevators, a timber stairway or a scenic trail. 

Harry Bayley Observatory, Clapham - The observatory has a 14” reflector telescope which is open on Fridays from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. A half hour video is shown before viewing starts.

For more ideas you may also want to see our Culture & Heritage section and Eco Conservation guide.