Barbados Travel Information & Island Guide

The island of Barbados is the furthest east of all Caribbean islands. We provide comprehensive Barbados information and travel tips on this page to help you get the most from your Barbados holiday. This guide helps lists cheap car rental companies, provides details of the best beaches and give tips on the island's hot nightlife. Our Barbados weather and climate information also gives the best times to visit the Caribbean. Any visit to Barbados will be a pleasure as the island has a wonderful laid back lifestyle. It is home to wonderful gardens and beaches as well as warm hospitality. It is also an excellent diving and sailing destination, or for the less adventurous, there are great snorkelling opportunities in calm warm Caribbean waters. The beautiful gardens of the Tamarind Cove Hotel are shown in the pictures (left) - see our Barbados hotels page for more details.

Barbados History

Barbados was first settled back in 1627 and was owned by the British until 1966.

Island Location and Geography

Barbados is located at approximately 13 degrees North and 59 degrees West. It is 21 miles (33.6km) from North to South and 14 miles (22.4km) from East to West. The West and to a lesser extent the South Coast have calm Caribbean waters. Both the South and West coasts boast excellent beaches.

Barbados Population and Official Language

Approximately 254,000. English is the official language of Barbados.

Timezone

Summer: GMT minus 5 Hours (same as USA Eastern time)
Winter: GMT minus 4 Hours

Detailed Barbados Map

Click here to view a detailed Barbados map which can be downloaded for personal use or purchased online. For copyright reasons, we cannot reproduce any Barbados map on this page.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados' capital is Bridgetown, which is located on the south west part of the Island with a population of 99,000 people (2004). Bridgetown is Barbados major tourism cities.

Bajan People

We particularly like the warmth of Barbados' Bajan people and their 'laid back' approach to life. Many business people take a trip to Barbados just to unwind and relax.

Drinking Water

The water supply on the Barbados is perfectly safe to drink. The island is however at times feeling the pressure of many tourists and the water infrastructure is being continually improved to cope. Until then, at times, the water pressure can vary at times and there are occasional outages.

Wildlife

Barbados is home to  some a number of species of Hummingbirds which can often be seen darting between flowers at your hotel poolside. The Green Throated Carib Hummingbird is a common visitor to Barbados hotels and gardens. It is also home to some colourful Bananaquits which have vivid yellow plumage and are often seen raiding sweet food from deserted Barbados hotel meal trays!

Barbados is also famous for turtles which live a small distance off the coast and if you speak to your tour representative, you can take a boat out and swim with them! Swimming with turtles in Barbados is a truly unforgettable experience.

Best Barbados Beaches

Barbados island has 65 miles of coastline with some fantastic beaches. Choosing the beach that best suits you depends largely on whether you are looking for good swimming conditions or larger waves for challenging water sports. Barbados has beautiful beaches with rugged coastlines and big waves along the east coast of the Island, particularly around Bathsheba. The sea temperature rarely drops below 79 degrees F! The picture (right) is of the fantastic beach at the Tamarind Cove Hotel, Barbados which is a member of the Elegant Hotels group. Click on the picture to enlarge and clarify the image.

West Coast of Barbados

For safe and relaxed swimming in calmer waters, we'd recommend the west coast Barbados beaches from Brighton in St. Michael to Speightstown in St. Peter. There are a number of all inclusive hotels in this area, including many of the best west coast resorts.

 Mullins Bay

Mullins Bay near Speightstown is a popular beach with a variety of water sports available. There is also a beach bar serving food and drinks with nearby parking. Mullins Beach can be crowded at times and you have to pay for a chair which is a downside. Mullins Bay is located in a sheltered cove which means it is one of the best places to swim in the tranquil Caribbean sea.

 Holetown

Holetown has some of Barbados's best beaches offering a wide variety of water sports. There are lots of nearby places to take refreshments together with some fine restaurants.

 Paynes Bay

Close to the world-famous Sandy Lane Hotel in St. Thomas and with a nearby Beach Bar, Paynes Bay is home to a large beach with plenty of water sports facilities.

South Coast of Barbados

The beaches around Barbados' south coast have a refreshing breeze year-round. We particularly recommend the beaches in Worthing and those on the eastern part of St.Lawrence Gap.

 Casuarina Beach

Is a large beach with a cooling breeze. Home of the Casuarina Beach Hotel (all-suite resort) this is a very inviting beach. This hotel also has good value food and refreshments.

 Sandy Beach

One of the best beaches in Worthing. This beach has white sand and a refreshing breeze from the prevailing south easterly Trade Winds.

South East Coast of Barbados

To get away from the crowds, we recommend the south and south east coast of Barbados. These beaches are less suitable for all but the most experienced swimmers as they have big waves and there is always a refreshing wind blowing which helps with the midday heat. Barbados south coast offers many budget hotels and all inclusive resorts. Many resorts still offer the popular All-Inclusive terms, which can save you a lot of money. Eating in the Island's best restaurants can prove expensive, although it must be said that the standards of Barbados cuisine often warrant the prices.

 Foul Bay

Foul Bay beach is located about half a mile south of the famous Crane Beach on the coast road and is well signed. This is a beautiful beach and it is normally very quiet. There are no facilities, so we recommend taking your own food and drink. This is an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic.

 Bottom Bay

Further south east and quite close to Sam Lord's Castle, is the beautiful Bottom Bay beach. This beach has large waves and excellent surfing conditions. There are steps down to the beach from the cliff overlooking it. Again, this is a secluded and idyllic beach which is not geared up for mass tourism, so take your own food and drink.

 Crane Beach

This is a spectacular beach and the setting for the world famous Crane Hotel, Barbados. You can park at the hotel (local charge) and walk down to the beach. Take a memorable lunch and refreshments at the Hotel.

Barbados Weather and Climate Data

Barbados has the driest climate anywhere in the Caribbean and one of the sunniest, averaging eight to 9 hours of sunshine most days of the year and a yearly total of an impressive 3000 hours of sunshine. This compares to England's 4 hours of daily sunshine average. Rainfall on Barbados comes mainly from sporadic heavy showers and thunderstorms.

A particularly good time to visit Barbados is January or February, months which generally boast the lowest rainfall and the highest sunshine hours. Christmas is also a very special time on the Island although the weather is often showery at that time. The Barbados climate figures show the dry season is between January and May. At night, even in January, the Barbados weather is warm enough to sit outside without the need for a sweater. The wet season (which mainly consists of showers) starts in mid June and goes through into November. The summer months are hot and humid and be prepared for humid nights (book hotels with air conditioning!). Check out the current Barbados weather and satellite image here.

Because Barbados island is located fairly close to the equator, there are about 11 - 13 hours of daylight every day of the year!

Barbados Currency

The official currency of Barbados is the Barbados dollar, although US dollars are widely accepted at most island venues and restaurants.

Barbados Dollar - US $1 = BDS $1.98
Barbados Dollar - £1 = BDS $2.85

Barbados Island Taxes

15% VAT is charged to most services including hotels and restaurants

Driving tips

A temporary Barbados driving license costs BDS $10 is available upon showing a full driving license to the car rental company and it lasts a full year. Barbados island drives on the left (same as the UK). Most Barbados highways have a 60kph (40mph) speed limit. Some minor roads are very rough, but Barbados has a reasonable number of well maintained highways. Avoid travel at peak times on the major highways to Bridgetown, the west coast and St. Lawrence Gap, as traffic can be very busy.

When hiring a car in Barbados always check that you have full accident coverage as many car rental companies have a very high insurance excess in the event of an accident (it can be as much as US $1000).

Stoutes Car Rental seem to offer some of the best insurance coverage and pricing. All Barbados hire cars have an 'H' prefix license plate. Consider an air conditioned car if you don't like the heat or have small children!

Barbados Car Hire

The following Barbados car hire companies offer cheap car rental services on the Island. Always check the insurance policy excess before signing. In some cases this can be as high as BD$1000:-

Tipping in Barbados

Most Barbados hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge (tip). If not a 10% service charge is the expected rate. Most petrol stations are "Full Service" (I.E. attended fill-up) and tipping is not usually expected. Tips to Barbados hotel porters should be about BDS $1 per bag.

Travel Precautions

Barbados Sun Protection

The Caribbean sun is extremely strong at all times of the year. Even wearing high factor sun cream may not afford complete protection for long periods of Barbados sun exposure. It is best (until your skin adjusts and tans) to avoid sitting in the sun between 11am and 3pm. Your skin can also burn when it is cloudy and even when you are under a canopy in complete shade. To protect yourself from the strong Barbados sun, always wear a good waterproof and sweat proof sun cream with Factor 30+ protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.

Manchineel Trees

You should avoid a native Barbados tree called the Manchineel, which bears a small green apple, resembling a crab apple. These apples are poisonous and the juice of this fruit can blister your skin. Avoid sitting under these trees when it is raining. Most of these poisonous Barbados trees (particularly those on hotel properties) are identified by red painted rings on their base or warning signs.

Mosquitoes

Beware of Mosquitoes at any time of the year. Although Barbados island has no Malaria risk, Mosquitoes can ruin your holiday by biting your ankles and legs particularly. Always take a good mosquito repellent and use it before 10am and after 4pm or when you are in a dark shaded area (all day).

Crime in Barbados

Barbados has a very low crime rate so even if you are driving through rural areas there is little risk. However, common sense rules apply, such as not carrying large quantities of cash around with you. Some less upmarket areas of Bridgetown are also worth avoiding at night.

Dinner Dress Code

There is a formal Barbados dress code in all major hotels for dinner. This is smart casual (with no shorts - even dress shorts are not permitted). Pack thin trousers considering the evening heat. Ties and jackets are not normally required.

Barbados Island Transportation

There is a reliable, frequent bus service on Barbados! Reggae music often blasts away and it's fun meeting Bajan people. Fares are cheap too; at just BDS $1.50 per single trip. Don't forget to put your arm out to stop the bus and there is a limited service late at night. You will marvel at the narrow Barbados roads they drive these buses down!

Fine Dining in Barbados

For fine dining, we recommend Pisces Restaurant at St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados. It is romantic, intimate and offers good value, compared to west coast restaurants. Click here for a list of some of the fine dining restaurants on Barbados Island.

Barbados Night Life

Barbados has a very hectic nightlife which should satisfy most people. Most night clubs open at about 9:30pm and start swinging at about 11pm. The main centre for nightlife on Barbados is St. Lawrence Gap which has excellent bars and a find selection of good restaurants.

St. Lawrence Gap

St. Lawrence Gap is an excellent place to head for if you want to find some Barbados nightlife. Situated on the south coast, it has numerous pubs, bars and restaurants. We recommend:-

• McBrides Pub - With entertainment most nights and the "Dance Net" disco.
• The Ship Inn - Probably one of the best known pubs on Barbados. Good bar snacks and a friendly clientele.
• Cafe Sol - Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar.

Check out the St. Lawrence Gap night life. Visit "The Gap" and have some fun during your stay!

The Boatyard

West of St. Lawrence Gap Barbados, you will find "The Boatyard" (on Carlisle Bay, five minutes from Bridgetown). The Boatyard is the best known nightclub venue on Barbados. The Boatyard has live music from some of Barbados' best bands nightly and on Tuesday and Saturday nights a cover charge of BDS$25 covers your entrance and gives you free drinks between 9pm and 2am.

To encourage dining, there are also some Happy Hours during the early evening and at lunchtime. Call the Boatyard to reserve a table on Tel: 436-2622.

Barbados Visitor Information Network

Get more Barbados information by calling the visitor information line on +1 (246) 426 5017. The voice prompts guide you to information about Barbados cruises, bars, dining, shopping, tours, shows and other pastimes.