Barbados Shore Excursions, Day Trips & Island Tours

Barbados offers a diverse range of sightseeing day trips from visiting a Rum Factory or plantation house, to exploring the Island's beautiful Scotland District. If you're looking to visit the island, we recommend Barbados Holidays from Expedia or try Lastminute.com for cheap deals to the Caribbean. Find the best Barbados day trips, island tours and many fun things to do from this sightseeing guide. Click the detailed Barbados map (left) to find places of interest on the island.

1. Andromeda Gardens
Andromeda Gardens, situated near to the east coast of Barbados, were the private creation of the late Iris Bannochie who was well known horticulturist. Starting in 1954, Iris created trails of magnificent flowers and palms to run alongside the Ocean at Bathsheba below. Blooms from this Andromeda Gardens have won awards at the Chelsea Flower Show. Andromeda Gardens has a cafe serving food and refreshments.

In 1988, Iris left the gardens in her will to the Barbados National Trust to ensure the garden would always be available to the public to learn from and enjoy. Two paths exist, "Johns Path" taking approximately one hour and "Iris's Walk" taking about 30 minutes. Many rest areas exist along the paths.

2. North Point & Animal Flower Cave

At the rugged, northern tip of Barbados, North Point and The Animal Flower Cave gives views of the lashing Caribbean ocean and cliffs below and contains some interesting sea anemones. Don't forget to stop by at the North Point Cafe and paste your business card on the walls. Many thousands of cards are on the walls already, some have survived for many years. The waves at North Point rise 50 feet up the cliffs, so don't get close to the edge! It can be very slippery in the caves too.

When approaching Barbados' North Point there are a number of quite 'pushy' Bajan traders. If you want to buy something, always haggle on a price otherwise they graciously accept defeat and let you pass.

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3. Harrisons Cave

Harrisons Cave is one of Barbados most visited attractions. It is an natural array of underground caverns with streams and waterfalls. Stalagmites and Stalactites abound and there are good photographic opportunities. If you have an SLR camera, try using a long exposure  on a manual setting without a flash to get the best results. An electric tram takes you through Harrisons caves and there is an official guide who provides commentary.

4. Mount Hillaby and Hackleton's Cliff

Barbados' highest point, at 1,115 feet is Mount Hillaby, offering excellent views over the east and west coasts together with the whole northern section of the island. Hackleton's cliff is slightly lower, but offers panoramic views of the east and north east coasts on a clear day. It is a little difficult to find as the signing is very poor. We found the best way to get there was to drive through Sherbourne and Villa Nova. A small track takes you to the top of the cliff, from where you can walk to the edge. Watch your step as it's a long way down!

5. Oistins and Enterprise Beach (South Coast)

Oistins, Barbados derives its name from Edward Oistine, who owned a large plantation in the area. Oistins is now the principal fishing town of Barbados' south coast. Excursions to Oistins provide a very good insight to the fishing industry of Barbados  and there is a lively market which is colourful and busy. Just along the coast (going east) take the right fork in the road and visit the excellent Enterprise Beach which is popular with the locals.

6. Bathsheba and Martin's Bay

No visit to Barbados would be complete without visiting the East Coast at Bathsheba. Huge waves exist and crash against boulders at the so called "soup bowl". The crashing waves form foam which adds to the effect. It is the venue for many international and local surfing championships. Martin's Bay is an attractive fishing village to the south of Bathsheba. Good photographic opportunities exist later on in the day at these points when the evening colours make them spectacular.

7. Sam Lord's Castle, Barbados

Situated on the south east corner of Barbados is this superb mansion which has an interesting and somewhat notorious past. Built in 1820 by Samuel Hall Lord, who made his fortune by luring ships onto the nearby rocks! The castle features magnificent mahogany columns in the main living room. The property used to be owned by Marriott Hotels, who have recently sold it and unfortunately in our opinion the standards have slipped in terms of the hotel's service. If you are not staying there, Sam Lord's Castle is still an excellent Barbados day out with its well kept, large gardens and excellent beach. The property charges a small entrance fee to non-residents as it is run as an all inclusive hotel. Sam Lord's Castle beach opens out away from the hotel and is very pleasant, click here for a picture. The waves can be high though and swimming in the sea here can be dangerous.

8. Bottom Bay, Crane Beach and Foul Bay

Situated a few miles from Sam Lord's Castle are the wonderful secluded beaches of Bottom Bay and the large expanse of white coral sand at Foul Bay. These are considered by many as two of Barbados' best beaches and are frequently deserted except for a few locals surfing; ideal for that lazy day away from it all. Click here for another great picture of beautiful Bottom Bay. Between the two beaches (in fact only a short distance away from Foul Bay) is Crane Beach which is home to the world famous Crane Hotel. This beach is world renowned and the hotel is rather special too!

9. Welchman Hall Gully

Situated close to Harrisons Cave, Welchman Hall Gully is a fascinating contrast to other parts of the Barbados. It is lush densely wooded gully which contains many unique plants and trees such as massive areas of Bamboo. Welchman is also a good place to spot green monkeys especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. There are about seven monkeys living in the area according to the receptionist. It contains plants that descend  back from the days of the Dinosaurs. Parking and main entrance is at the north side of the gully. There is also an entrance at the south side of the gully, but no easy place to park. Wear mosquito repellent here.

10. Caribbean Island Hopping - The Grenadines

Caribbean Safari Tours (based in Barbados) run excursions to the Grenadines and the neighbouring islands of St. Lucia, Grenada, Martinique, St. Vincent and Mustique. Day trips to the Grenadines involve a short flight on Mustique Airways on a 6 or 8 seat plane before boarding the Schooner at Union Island in the Grenadines. Click here for a map of the Grenadine Islands.

Having been on the Mustique and Grenadines tour on the 80-foot wooden Schooner Scaramouche, I can highly recommend this companies tours. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included on the boat. The trip can be a "merry occasion" as you can see here! I can assure you that it would be very hard to forget the Grenadines such is the beauty of the Tobago Cays. To make the point click here! You can call Caribbean Safari Tours to make a booking on +1 (246) 427 5100; Fax: +1 (246) 429 5446 or e-mail them at caribsafari@caribsurf.com.

11. Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Barbados Wildlife Reserve, situated close to Farley Hill in St. Peter it offers visitors to see many species of animals in their natural setting. You can take time to see the Vervet Monkeys, Brocket deer, otters, porcupines and otters in this 4 acre mahogany forest reserve. This is one of Barbados's most popular day's out. Nature trails are provided through the interesting wooded areas. This attraction is very enjoyable for kids who may be seeking an alternative to the beach.

12. St. Lawrence Gap

St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados is situated on the south coast of the island. It's the "nightlife hub" of Barbados, offering an excellent array of bars and nightclubs together with some fine restaurants such as Pisces and Josefs. The Ship Inn has a pleasant atmosphere and is an excellent place to stop off for a beer or two. St. Lawrence Gap is located within walking distance from the Turtle Beach Resort, which is recommended in our Barbados hotel reviews.

13. Holetown

Holetown, Barbados is situated at the centre of the fashionable west coast of the island. It was the first settlement on Barbados back in 1627. The site reminded the sailors of "Limehouse Hole" on the river Thames, hence they named it Holetown. Holetown is home to the Portvale Sugar Factory and Museum which gives an interesting insight into the history of sugar manufacture on the island.

When taking shore excursions to Holetown Barbados, continue north up the coastal road to reach world famous Mullins Bay.

14. Francia Plantation House and Gun Hill Signal Station

Francia Plantation House, Barbados, is an elegantly furnished plantation house set in a working plantation. Antique paintings and elegant furnishings are located on the ground floor. There is also a collection of ancient maps of the West Indies. Near Francia, Gun Hill Signal Station (see "activity 22" below) houses a selection of military artefacts.

15. The Jolly Roger Barbados Pirate Cruises

Fancy walking the plank during your Barbados holiday? Well, it may not be quite the same as in the days of the real pirate ships, which is quite a relief, but a cruise on board the wooden Schooner Jolly Roger can be a lot of fun. Just remember not to annoy the captain of you could end up over-board! You can even get married on board the Jolly Roger too!

16. Codrington College

Codrington College was originally the plantation home of Christopher Codrington, who at 30 years of age became Governor of the Leeward Islands. The college was founded under his will dated 1702 and opened in 1745 as a theological college, this being the oldest seminary established in the Western Hemisphere. You approach down an impressive driveway lined with immaculate palm trees and enter the impressive grounds containing water-lily ponds and a forest trail.

17. Sunbury Plantation House

Sunbury Plantation House, Barbados is a restored 300 year old house containing many priceless antiques such as Bajan mahogany furniture, silver, crockery and silver. All rooms are open to view and four course plantation style dinners are served in the house twice a week.

18. Swimming with Turtles

Just off the west coast of Barbados near the Almond Beach Hotel you can moor up a boat and swim in the warm Caribbean waters with the turtles. They actually take sardines from your hand and you can snorkel to see their true beauty and underwater grace. This is truly a magical experience. The turtle picture was taken from the boat. Boat trips run from most west coast Barbados hotels.

19. Barbados Sailing Excursions

Barbados is "the" place for a relaxing sailing excursions. Why not take a sunset cruise on a 36' Catamaran to experience the true beauty of the Caribbean sunset? Cruising on a Catamaran is also one of the most relaxing ways to spend a day. If you want a glimpse of some of Barbados tropical reefs and sea life then why not try the Atlantis Submarine which explores the crystal clear Caribbean waters off Barbados to a depth of 150 feet. The submarine is well equipped and comfortable and different tour options are available.

20. Bridgetown

Founded in 1628 by the British, Bridgetown, Barbados is worthy of mention as the busy capital of Barbados, which is home to around half the islands population. Popular places to visit are "Trafalgar Square" which has a great statue of Lord Horatio Nelson together with the Dolphin Fountain and War Memorial. Barbados excursions to the Mount Gay Rum Visitors Centre (close to Bridgetown) offer a fascinating insight into how the island's famous Rum is made.

21. Gun Hill Signal Station

Built in 1818, Gun Hill Signal Station is a signal station originally built to sight ships approaching Barbados and to warn them of nearby vessels. Suffice to say, there is a captivating view of the whole island and the site has been restored by the Barbados National Trust. You can even get married at this location!

22. Barbados Flower Forest and Scotland District

A visit to the Flower Forest makes a great Barbados sightseeing day trip. It offers panoramic views of Barbados' spectacular Scotland District. The 50 acre Barbados Flower Forest makes a great day out and has Scotland District viewpoints from which to sit down and relax. It's a botanic garden rich with diverse palms, Heliconia and abundant hibiscus flowers. You may even spot Vervet Monkeys here. Access to the Flower Forest is off Barbados Highway 2 and admission is in the region of Bds $14 per person with children half price. Wheelchair access is provided, but some paths are steep and slippery after rain.