I had so much fun on my visit to The Bahamas. While I spent most of my time on Paradise Island and the capital of Nassau, the undisputed highlight of my trip was a day spent in the Exuma Cays. This remote, picture perfect destination …
I had so much fun during my stay at Atlantis Resort in The Bahamas. The Aquaventure Water Park was a major part of that. Covering 141 acres, this water playground is the signature attraction on Paradise Island (and the largest water park in the Caribbean, …
Only got time to do one thing in the capital of The Bahamas? Make it the Pirates of Nassau museum. On my recent trip to New Providence, I was really impressed by this immersive experience, right in the heart of Downtown Nassau. The Pirates Museum might seem like a tourist trap, but its actually a really interesting attraction that transports you back to the days of Nassau being its own Pirate Republic. There’s no better way to experience this era of Bahamian history. Admittedly, I didn’t know what to expect from my visit. In this post, I’m going to take you through the Museum so that you don’t have that issue.
The Pirates of Nassau Museum chronicles the rise and fall of the Pirates’ Republic of Nassau. The so called Golden Age of Piracy took place in the region from the late 1600s to early 1700s and saw Nassau’s population of privateers and swashbucklers significantly dwarf the civilian population. It all started when Henry Every arrived in Nassau in 1696 aboard a ship loaded with loot from the Indian Empire. Bribing the governor of the time, Nicholas Trott, Every’s precedent would lead to the outpost becoming an established base for buccaneers.
The pirate power base in Nassau became stronger following French and Spanish attacks in 1703 and 1706, which resulted in many English settlements being abandoned. Lawless bands of pirates took over in their absence and were able to maintain a presence, protected by the shallow waters of The Bahamas, which weren’t deep enough for large Man-o-War ships to traverse. From their outpost, the pirates carried out hit and run attacks on merchant shipping routes, though they would avoid attacking English navy vessels early on. As more and more privateers joined the ranks of the Pirates’ Republic, that restraint would fade. As attacks on naval frigates became more common, the English sent out a cry for help. King George I dispatching Woodes Rogers in 1718 was the beginning of the end for the Pirates of Nassau.
Your journey at the Pirates of Nassau Museum begins at the height of the Golden Age of Piracy. A plaque at the entrance sets the scene, telling you that you’re about to travel back in time to 1716. Through a set of doors, you immediately enter a set that blew my mind. Stepping into a recreated Nassau wharf one 18th century night, you’re in an actual pirate shanty town. Hearing the sounds and sights, its like stepping onto the set of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Alongside the wharf is a life-sized replica of the pirate ship, Revenge, which your path takes you aboard.
The Revenge was a captured French corvette ship. At 130 feet long and bolstering 16 guns, it would be commandeered by 200 pirates at a time. In its earlier life as a merchant vessel, it would only have had 35 men aboard, however pirate crews were significantly larger, which proved advantageous both in overpowering other ships and plundering their loot. On board the Revenge, you get some insight into life aboard a pirate ship. Perhaps not surprisingly, daily life aboard was filled with lengthy periods of gambling and drinking, but a crew would hustle quickly to arms when it was time for action. While moving through the hull of the vessel, you’ll see recreated living quarters and information about things such as food, surgery and general conditions at sea.
Leaving the vessel behind, your Pirates of Nassau experience continues upstairs into a series of halls. Filled with dioramas and other displays, the next section of the Museum focuses on the female swashbucklers. While not traditionally the pirates that most will think of, there were actually quite a few legendary female pirates, the most notable being Anne Bonney and Mary Read. Both were originally mentored by Henry Jennings, an adversary of Benjamin Hornigold, a pirate that would play an instrumental role in the downfall of the Pirates’ Republic. Both Read and Bonney joined the crew of Jack Rackham in 1720, but were captured a short time later. They were both pregnant at the time and received suspended sentences for their crimes, with Read dying in custody.
The next section of the Pirates of Nassau experience takes you through the all important rules that governed life aboard a pirate vessel. Most pirate captains adopted articles that regulated the behaviour of their crews. While pirates were a lawless bunch, they had to be disciplined in order to survive while sailing and navigating the treacherous waters of the Caribbean. A few examples of these pirate codes are displayed throughout the exhibit. I was surprised to learn that walking the plank was never actually a thing! The ultimate punishment for a pirate was instead being marooned – left alone to fend for themselves. This was often referred to as becoming “Governor of your own island”.
Once you’ve learnt a bit more about life at sea, its time to come face to face with one of the most fearsome pirates of all. Setting the scene before entering the next section, a plaque indicates that you’re aboard a vessel bound for Antigua on December 5, 1717 while a black flag looms on the horizon. Stepping through the doors ahead, you come face to face with Captain Edward Teach himself. Better known as Blackbeard, the pirate leading an attack on your vessel is arguably the most famous swashbuckler to ever sail the seas. There’s actually excellent use of lighting in this exhibit, as the figures of his crew just appear out of the shadows. It would have been an occurrence feared by many at sea in Blackbeard’s day!
Blackbeard’s reputation was unmatched in the Pirate’s Republic. Part of the “Flying Gang”, he actually became the ‘magistrate’ of Nassau, with carte blanche to enforce a lawless state of law and order as he saw fit. He was a force abroad as well, being involved in a blockade of Charleston in the Carolinas, successfully repelling an attack from the Royal Navy. He met his end on November 22, 1718 however, when he was cornered by the English at Ocracoke Inlet. Legend has it that his headless body circled his vessel three times before vanishing following his death!
The last few halls of the Pirates of Nassau Museum take you through the fall of the Pirates’ Republic. It all began with the arrival of Woodes Rogers in 1718. He arrived with a Royal Pardon for all pirates to give up their ways and refrain from further plunder. While many did give up their ways, it was his calculated use of Benjamin Hornigold that accelerated the end of piracy in New Providence. When Hornigold accepted the pardon, Rogers commissioned him to hunt down and capture any of his fellow swashbucklers that had turned down the offer. Well versed in their ways, Hornigold brought down many of the most famous pirates in the region.
There’s a series of displays in this section that document the fates of the various pirates you’ve already learnt about on your journey. There’s also a section dedicated to Hornigold’s most significant accomplishment. When Hornigold captured 10 pirates who were all executed the following morning on 12 December 1718, the Republic fell and the English re-established control over Nassau. The events are followed from the perspective of Dennis McCarthy, who met his fate at the gallows that day after being convicted of piracy.
Despite being instrumental in stamping out piracy in Nassau, Hornigold didn’t live much longer. He was supposedly wrecked on a reef and drowned the following year. Meanwhile Woodes Rogers fell ill and died in Nassau on 15 June 1732.
Your journey with the Pirates of Nassau ends with a few displays of pirate artefacts and a small gift shop, followed by a courtyard filled with cannons and pirate models. Overall I was really impressed by the exhibits. I was honestly expecting a few rooms with information about pirates, but the immersive nature of the experience really takes you through the years of Nassau’s Pirate Republic comprehensively. You learn about all the key players and come out understanding this time of Caribbean history. While a trip to the Pirates of Nassau only takes around 45 minutes, its quite affordable and something I highly recommend doing on a trip to The Bahamas.
Have you been to the Pirates of Nassau? What was your favourite part?
When looking up things to do in Nassau, one of the suggestions that always comes at the top of the list is the Queen’s Staircase. I know what you’re thinking – what’s so special about a set of stairs? To be honest, that was my …
The Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the Caribbean, especially those coming from the United States. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Florida, its no wonder so many people come to this island nation every year. Pristine beaches, …
Barbados is so famous for its beaches and natural beauty, but one of my favourite places I visited in the country was far away in the country’s rural north. St Nicholas Abbey is one of the best places to get a sense of Barbadian history. The property is surrounded by picturesque hill country and is the site of one of only three Jacobean houses in the western hemisphere. In addition to touring the historic mansion, when you come to the Abbey (not a real Abbey, but more on that later…), you’ll have the chance to see a working rum distillery, taste its products and tour the scenic plantation by steam train. Needless to say, you’ll want to spend a few hours here on any Barbados itinerary. St Nicholas Abbey is filled with stories. Come along and learn some as you tour this historic property.
Before diving into what you’ll see at St Nicholas Abbey, lets first take a look at the interesting tale behind this historic property. Shout out to my amazing guide Asha for filling me in on all this!
St Nicholas Abbey dates back to the 17th Century. Originally called Berringer Plantation, the Jacobean mansion was built in 1658, making it one of the oldest heritage buildings still standing on Barbados. The plantation was built by Benjamin Berringer, who lived there with his wife Margaret, and their three children. Their romance would meet an untimely end however. Following an argument with his wife, Berringer left the property in January 1661, and died by poisoning shortly after. Ten weeks later, Mrs Berringer married her late husband’s business partner and neighbour, John Yeamans, and there is speculation that he may have been behind Berringer’s death. Regardless, Yeamans’ plantation was merged with Berringer’s following the marriage, with the borders of the site remaining unchanged ever since.
Yeamans would go on to found the American colony of Carolina, relocating with his new wife to Charlestown and becoming Governor. Meanwhile, the property, now known as Yeaman’s Plantation would pass down family lines to Margaret’s granddaughter Susanna. Already married to George Nicholas, it was at this time that the plantation’s name changed to Nicholas Plantation. Susanna’s hatred of Yeamans for his supposed role in her grandfather’s murder was a key reason for the change.
In 1720, Nicholas Plantation was purchased by Joseph Dottin, the Deputy Governor of Barbados. He gave the property to his daughter as a wedding gift in 1746, following her marriage to Sir John Gay Alleyne. With no surviving heirs following her death, the property fell into legal limbo, all while considerable debts accrued. The plantation was eventually sold to the Cumberbatch family in 1810.
The property was inherited by Sarah Cumberbatch and her husband Charles Cave in 1834. It was during their time as owners that Nicholas Plantation took on its current name – St Nicholas Abbey. Never a religious institution, the name came from combining the existing name with ‘St Nicholas Parish’ (Sarah’s home in England) and Bath Abbey (the place the couple were married).
St Nicholas Abbey stayed within the Cave family for many generations, though it faded into obscurity. It was finally purchased by Larry and Anna Warren in 2006. Since acquiring the property, the Warrens have overseen a massive restoration effort. They were also the driving force behind the Abbey recommencing its sugar and rum production. Under the Warren Family, St Nicholas Abbey has blossomed into a heritage attraction, with a goal of sustaining the historic property’s legacy for future generations.
Being so far to the island’s north, it takes a bit of time to get to St Nicholas Abbey (I was deceived by how small Barbados looks on a map!). I got to the Abbey around lunch time, having visited after a trip to Harrison’s Cave. I actually hadn’t planned on going to the Abbey that day, but after paying my ride-share driver (originally booked through the PickUpBarbados app) to drive me around the island, it was the perfect opportunity to see the sights of Barbados’ rural north.
If you’re planning on taking in the full St Nicholas Abbey experience (house, grounds and train), you should factor in at least 2 hours to explore the property. That’s about the time I spent at the Abbey, though I feel like I could have spent longer if I wasn’t also wanting to visit the Animal Flower Cave further north before it closed for the day! There’s no need to book your tickets in advance for St Nicholas Abbey (just be prepared to pay the admission fee in cash).
Getting to the front entrance of the main house, I was greeted by tour guide Asha. She offered me a free tour of the whole property. It lasted about an hour, and since I was visiting in the quiet season, it was basically a private experience. While you’re free to explore the property on your own if you choose, I can’t emphasise enough how great my tour was. If you do take a tour, be sure to tip your guide generously!
The headline attraction at St Nicholas Abbey is the Great House itself. Built in the Jacobean style, notable for curved gables, arches and chimneys, the house is architecturally striking, and you can’t help but be hit with a sense of wonder as you approach the front entrance on the short walk through the lush plantation. Only three rooms of the house are open to guests, with the upper floor’s seven bedrooms and connecting fireplaces off-limits. You can see photos of the upper level in the main hallway if you’re interested however.
My tour of the Great House began in the Drawing Room. Effectively the main living area, my attention was immediately drawn to a pair of cats that were lazing around on one of the colourful rugs. I was told about the various artefacts throughout the room, many of which dated back to the early 1800s. They ranged from Wedgwood tea sets to a Sailor’s Valentines collection. The original furniture has also been preserved and its really like walking into a house from another century. Hanging above the room, a shell covered chandelier is a prominent feature. I didn’t actually notice the shells until I looked closer!
Up next was the Dining Room. The contents of this room dated back even further, with the English Sheraton sideboard dating all the way back to the tenure of the house’s original owners. Obviously the prominent contents of this room are the impressively ornate dining table pieces. They were carved from Barbadian mahogany around 1850.
Finally, through the hallway (passing the Stranger Things style grandfather clock and all), we entered the Study. Here, the focus of our stay was the Gentleman’s Chair – the epitome of luxury in 1936. With adjustable tables, book holder, reading lamp and rests for the foot and back, this was a rather impressive contraption for its time. It could even be wheeled around if its occupant wanted a change of scenery. We finished up the house tour with a look at the portraits of past owners of the house, whom I thought bore a striking resemblance to one another.
Exiting the house into the rear courtyard, my tour of the Abbey continued towards the Boiling House. On the way, we passed Lance and Baby, two Moluccan Cockatoos that were bred in captivity. With an expected lifespan of 100 years, these birds are sharp as a tack, and Lance in particular can be rather cheeky!
The property’s Steam Mill was sadly not operating when I visited St Nicholas Abbey. Built in 1890, the steam powered engine drove the Abbey’s increased production at the turn of the century, though profitability fell as sugar and rum began to be produced in other regions by the 20th Century. When the Abbey ceased operations in 1947, the original mill was scrapped for parts. It wasn’t until the Warren family purchased the Abbey that it was restored and sugar grinding recommenced. The annual crop season running from early January to May, so this is the time to come if you want to see it in action.
Up next was the Distillery. Rum has been distilled at St Nicholas Abbey for over 350 years. Unlike the more commercially renowned Mount Gay Rum, the St Nicholas Distillery creates smaller batches of excellent quality rum through traditional distillation techniques. The affectionately named ‘Annabelle’ pot and column plays a key role in this process, with the copper vessels responsible for the smooth texture and incomparable flavour of the final product. At St Nicholas Abbey, its all about quality over quantity.
With all that rum talk, you knew we weren’t finishing the tour without a tasting. This is Barbados after all! The Rum and Sugar Bond houses small museum at the back of the property, and this is where I got to taste a range of St Nicholas Abbey’s finest products. They were all excellent! Of course, you can buy bottles of anything you taste afterwards from the wide range on sale (and there’s also a regular souvenir stall connected to the chamber). In the area, you’ll also see workers carefully bottling the final products in impeccably crafted bottles.
The Rum and Sugar Bond is also connected to a theatre, where you can watch a film about the history of the Abbey. It provides further insight into past life on the property, as the footage is actually sourced from the Cave Family’s 1930s archives. I didn’t have time to watch it on my tour, but it runs for about 20 minutes, with regular screenings throughout the day. Also nearby, you can stop for a bite at the Terrace Cafe, an outdoor dining area serving light meals and refreshments. Surrounded by greenery, you’ll take in views of the local wildlife (monkeys included) while re-energising.
With the tour concluded, I had time to wander around the grounds and gardens of the Abbey. Starting in the Courtyard at the rear of the house, the Sandbox Tree which dominates the area is over 400 years old. Indigenous to the Caribbean, this type of tree is covered in dark pointed spines. Its definitely not something you want to touch, despite its fairly innocent looking appearance. The spines have actually given the tree the nickname “monkey-no-climb”.
The Formal Gardens can be found to the left of the main house, and date back to the 17th century. Filled with hibiscus, orchids and roses, along with an abundance of trees, the area is luscious and green. While stopping by this part of the property, my attention was captured by a slow moving tortoise, waddling along undisturbed after a brief Barbadian downpour.
While it costs extra, I highly recommend capping off your trip to St Nicholas Abbey with a ride aboard the plantation’s Heritage Railway. As the newest addition to the Abbey (the railway only opened in 2018), you can see the rest of the property aboard a restored steam train. Along the way, the train conductor provides commentary, filling you in further on the history of the property and its surroundings. Leaving the Great House behind, you’ll pass a lake on your way to Cherry Tree Hill. This elevated observation point overlooks Barbados east coast, providing sweeping views out to sea. You’ll stop here briefly while the train turns around (manually), before taking the same journey back to the main station.
All up, the train ride takes about 40 minutes (including the Cherry Hill stop), and you’re asked to arrive 20 minutes before departure time to ensure things run to schedule. I caught the 1.30pm train, but most days there are also departures at 10.00am, 11.30am and 2.30pm. You don’t need to book in advance, just rock up 20 minutes beforehand at the main station (right at the entrance to the property) to secure your spot. You could theoretically pay $60 BBD (as an adult) to only ride the train when visiting St Nicholas Abbey, but I feel like you’d be missing out if you came all this way and didn’t see the Abbey itself. Grab that combo ticket to get the most out of your visit.
I hadn’t planned to check out St Nicholas Abbey on my trip to Barbados. I figured it was too far out of the way and difficult to get to. As it turns out, I’m extremely glad that I decided to get my driver to take me there. It was one of the more memorable places I visited on the island and I found the story behind the place fascinating. If you’re into history and want to learn more about Barbados’ plantation history, a trip to the Abbey is essential. Drag yourself away from the beach, buy the combined ticket and see it all in a few hours on a day trip to the north of the island. Its a day in Barbados that you won’t regret.
With so many things to do in Barbados, it can often be difficult to decide how to spend your time on the island, particularly if you’re on a short trip. One thing you absolutely MUST do however, is swim with turtles in Barbados. Barbados is …
One of the most unique things you can do when visiting Barbados is taking a trip to Harrison’s Cave. This popular tourist attraction sees thousands of guests each year and is something you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean. A site of unmatched wonder, …
Are you planning a trip to Barbados? If so, you’re likely picturing pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, fresh fish and so much rum punch. Let me be the first to assure you that this Caribbean paradise offers all that and so much more. I spent a few days in Barbados while travelling through this part of the world. While it took a while for the island to grow on me, I enjoyed my time in Barbados and highly recommend it to those looking for an island getaway filled with plenty of tourist attractions. There’s genuinely so much to do in Barbados. I definitely didn’t get to do it all on my trip, but in this post I’m going to give you an idea of some of the best things I did experience during my stay.
Barbados is a relatively small, pair shaped island in the East Caribbean. It is actually the easternmost island in the entire Caribbean. If you look at a map of the region, you’ll see Barbados jutting out from the main Lesser Antilles chain. Its located due east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Barbados covers an area of only 167 square miles, though I found it actually took much longer to get from one side of the island to the other than expected.
Barbados was originally inhabited by Arawak people, however they were displaced around 1200 AD, following the arrival of the Caribs. They also left the island around the time of European discovery, and Captain James Powell claimed Barbados for England in 1625. An English settlement was established on the island two years later at Jamestown (now called Holestown), which by the 1640s had become one of the first sugar plantation settlements in the Caribbean. The British imported large numbers of African slaves to their new colony, while the sugar industry boomed.
While slavery was abolished in 1834, Barbados’ plantations continued to prosper. This was due to the owners of the plantations owning most of the land on the island, forcing the freed slaves to continue to work on the cane fields. The tide began to shift with the 1930s as tourism became the island’s main industry, and the political system became more accessible to the Black population. Attaining self-governance in 1961, Barbados became an independent nation on 30 November 1966. Erol Barrow became the first prime minister, and a stable democracy has continued since.
As with most Caribbean nations, the main factor to consider when planning a trip to Barbados is hurricane season. It spans from July to November, though September and October are generally the peak months. In saying that, Barbados generally doesn’t see as much in the way of hurricanes as its other West Indie counterparts. Being further east, it tends to escape the main storm path, meaning Barbados is actually a pretty good choice to visit most times of the year.
The peak tourist season is from December to April. This coincides with the dry season, so you’ll typically get less rain if you come to Barbados at this time of year. On the downside, its also when accommodation prices soar. I actually came to Barbados in July. While it was the wet season, I found the rain didn’t tend to last long on the island, and often cleared up within half an hour. Regardless of the time you visit, you’ll be greeted by warm tropical days in the 30s (Celsius).
The Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is the only airport in Barbados. Its in the south east of the island, about 16 kilometres to the east of Bridgetown, the capital. As the largest airport in the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados receives flights from North America and the United Kingdom, as well as other closer locations in the Caribbean and Latin America. The airport is small, but has modern amenities, including a food court and retail outlets. I flew into Barbados from Antigua and Barbuda, which was only about an hour flight on a fairly small plane.
As always when travelling internationally, you need to check the entry requirements depending on your country of origin. Generally speaking, you won’t need a visa for Barbados if you’re a citizen of a western nation, though you will need to show proof of onward travel (i.e. your departing flight) when coming through immigration.
Depending where you’re staying in Barbados, you should be able to get there from the airport by public transport. There are a number of bus services that run along the main road for a fixed fee of $3.50 BBD (about $2.50 AUD). It will take about 35 minutes to get from the airport to Bridgetown. Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis available at the airport, though they will cost upwards of $40 BBD (about $30 AUD) or more, depending on where you’re headed.
There’s resorts and hotels all over Barbados, with most located around the coasts of the island. While Barbados is a fairly expensive destination, accommodation options range across all budgets. Many of the island’s famous luxury resorts are located on the west coast and are very pricey. If you’re looking for a more budget friendly place to stay, the southern coast of the island around St Lawrence’s Gap offers affordable options in a relatively central location.
As a rough guide, you can expect to pay the following per night for a double room in Barbados:
I stayed at a guest house called Beach Vue Barbados in Worthing on the island’s south. While it wasn’t the quietest spot at night (it was directly across the road from a fun bar with live music called Mojo’s), it was a really good place to stay for what I paid. For a relatively affordable price, you get a beachside apartment with a communal terrace area, and plenty of deckchairs and other beach equipment that you can use whenever you like. I particularly liked being able to sit on the deck with other travellers overlooking the beach nearby.
Getting around Barbados is fairly easy. There’s a regular bus service that goes along the main highway on the coast of the island. Buses run from 6am to midnight. Wherever you’re headed, there’s a fixed fee of $3.50 BBD. Note that they generally won’t give change, so make sure you have the right fare. If you’re going further afield, to use the bus network, you’ll likely have to connect through Bridgetown or Oistins.
As of the time of writing, Uber doesn’t operate on Barbados, although there is the local PickUpBarbados app, which works in a similar way. I found it useful to get out to some of the tourist spots further north. If you do use the app, you’ll want to grab the contact details of your driver before getting out at your destination, as internet reception can be a bit patchy the further north you go. Of course, you can also take taxis if you get stuck, but they tend to be more expensive.
The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian Dollar (BBD), however the US Dollar (USD) is also readily accepted across the island. The BBD is pegged to the USD at a 2:1 exchange rates, which makes currency conversion quite easy. You’ll find most tourist destinations will quote prices in both currencies. ATMs are widely available, especially in Bridgetown, though you’ll want to check withdrawal fees for foreign cards. The best ATMs tend to be those operated by the Republic Bank.
Given Barbados’ British past, it should come as no surprise that English is the official language.
I found Barbados to be extremely safe. I never felt uncomfortable during my stay, though you’ll want to exercise the same common sense precautions that you would anywhere in the world. One thing I did notice is that along the main highway, I was frequently offered drugs by local taxi drivers and vendors. Barbados has strict drug laws, so I’d strongly recommend declining such offers.
Its no wonder that tourism is booming on this island – there are so many things to do in Barbados. Whether you want to get away from it all and soak in the sun, or you want to dig deeper and experience everything that the country has to offer, you’ll need at least a few days to get the most out a stay on the island. While there’s plenty more things you could do than what I’ve covered in this post, I’ll now list some of the things I did while staying in Barbados.
Okay lets face it. When you think of Barbados, you’re picturing yourself on a pristine beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm Caribbean waters. With so many amazing beaches around the island, you’ve got quite the choice here. The most popular with tourists is at Carlisle Bay, and for good reason. This stretch of sand sits just of Bridgetown. The waters are calm and shallow, making for a family friendly day (or days) at the beach. You can participate in water sports, rent a deck chair and umbrella, or stop in at one of the many beachside bars. I don’t need to tell you how to enjoy a day at the beach, but know that there are many waiting for you at Carlisle Bay.
If you’re looking to get off the tourist trail, you might want to try Miami Beach. Near Oistins on the island’s south, its a small and shady hidden gem when it comes to Barbados’ beaches. The same crystal clear waters can be enjoyed here (though admittedly they get deeper quicker), but with significantly less crowds. In between the two, you’ve also got Rockley Beach, which you can get to by following the boardwalk towards Bridgetown as you pass through Hastings. My hotel backed onto Worthing Beach, which also a quiet spot to relax.
Swimming with turtles was the absolute highlight of my trip to Barbados. If you only have time to do one thing when you’re in the country, make sure you book a tour to swim with Barbados’ famous turtle population just off shore in Carlisle Bay. There’s tons of tour operators that run similar trips, but I absolutely loved the snorkelling cruise that I did with Tranquility Cruises. We had a relatively small group, and an excellent crew as we boarded a small vessel and sailed out into the Carlisle Bay Marine Reserve.
My Tranquility Cruise experience lasted just over an hour, and it was amazing, especially considering how affordable it was. We got to snorkel at two spots in the bay (equipment was all included). At the first stop we saw a shipwreck, before moving on to the area where the turtles tend to hang out. While there’s no guarantee that you will see turtles when you book a tour, my understanding is that its pretty rare that you don’t. We saw a fair few, and our guide was great at pointing them out from in the water. We also saw tons of other marine life. When I look back on my time in Barbados, this tour is one of the first things that I think of.
I always like to visit the capital when exploring a new country. Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados, and is located in the south west of the island. The town centre is a short walk north of Carlisle Bay. For a Caribbean city, is fairly built up and there are tons of shops and restaurants. The main draw for me was the colonial architecture, with the entire downtown and Garrison area being a UNESCO World Heritage site. The most striking example of Bridgetown’s architecture is the Parliament Building, which bears something of a resemblance to London’s Westminster Palace (though obviously on a much smaller scale). I just strolled past and took some photos of the clock tower, but there’s a small museum inside that details the nation’s democratic governance.
While you probably didn’t come to Barbados to spend the day inside museums, there’s a few decent ones worth checking out in and around Bridgetown. The Barbados Museum is housed in an old military prison and chronicles the history of the island to the modern day. Sports fans may want to check out the Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum, while the George Washington House is notable for capturing the spirit of Barbados during the 1750s, during which time the first President of the United States stayed in the now restored house.
One of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, Harrison’s Cave takes you deep into the heart of Barbados. Located in the central hillside, the main reason to come here is to take the tram tour, which is included with your admission. On board, you’ll be driven through a number of large open caverns amongst limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations, which were created by erosion and exploration. The caves are beautiful, and are filled with natural streams and pools, which contribute to the island’s supply of fresh water. One chamber that you’ll see on your tour is even rented out for private wedding ceremonies!
In addition to the tram tour, the new operators of Harrison’s Cave have established an eco-park filled with additional activities you can participate in. There’s zip line trails and adventure courses, with much more to come in the future. You’ll need to get a driver to take you to Harrison’s Cave (it took about 45 minutes to get there from the south side of the island). Be aware that internet reception at the site can be quite patchy, so I highly recommend paying your driver to stay, or getting their contact details so they can pick you up later.
Those wanting to delve deeper into Barbados’ colonial history will want to make the trip up to St Nicholas’ Abbey. Located in the island’s north, the property was never the site of a church (despite the name), however what you will find is one of the oldest houses in all of Barbados, dating back to 1658. Built in the Jacobean style, the mansion was part of one of the Caribbean’s first sugar plantations, though nowadays it operates as a rum distillery (which means a tasting is definitely on the agenda!).
I highly recommend taking a tour of the Great House at St Nicholas’ Abbey. While you’re free to wander around at your own pace, the staff will be more than happy to show you around. I spent about an hour learning about the history of the property with my guide Asha (who was equal parts knowledgeable and hilarious). After finishing up with some rum, you can stop by the small terrace cafe before going on with your day. You can also pay extra to take a trip around the property aboard a steam train.
Speaking of rum, there’s no brand more famous in Barbados than Mount Gay. You can’t come to Barbados without trying it, and if you’re keen to learn more about how its distilled, I really recommend taking part in a tasting experience at the Mount Gay Visitor’s Centre. Just north of Bridgetown’s main harbour, you’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about this national liquor. The servings are quite generous as well (if you’re renting a car, you do not want to drive to this one!). Of course, you’ll have ample opportunity to buy some bottles after the tour (and might I say that the rum is an excellent choice to enjoy on your hotel veranda after a busy day on Barbados!).
If you hadn’t heard of an animal flower before coming to Barbados, you’re not the only one. The term is used to describe the brightly coloured sea anemones found in the waters of this cave at the very northern tip of Barbados. The cave was formed from erosion, with its heart shape ‘window’ to the sea carved out from the rough Atlantic waves smashing up against it. If you’ve ever seen Peter Pan, the cave gave me those kinds of vibes, and it was actually used historically as a base for sea smugglers.
The Animal Flower Cave is a dream destination for photographers, and those wanting to cool off can also take a dip in the calm waters of the cave’s natural rock pool. Bring a towel and reef shoes. Note that depending on the weather, the pool may be closed, as waves can enter the cave in rough conditions. You can also learn more about the cave’s ecosystem by taking one of the guided tours, which run sporadically throughout the course of the day. If you’re hungry, dine at the excellent on-site restaurant, which overlooks the cliff face.
Did I mention being hungry? I ate some of the best fish that I’ve ever tasted during my time in Barbados. The national dish is the flying fish (yes, its a thing, and its super tasty), but there are so many kinds you can try on this tropical island. They all taste so fresh! If you’re staying on the southern side of the island like I did, there’s a great number of restaurants at St Lawrence’s Gap, which is something of a nightlife hub on weekend’s. I especially enjoyed my meal at the Castaways Restaurant here. For something less fancy, there’s a number of beachside bar and grills, such as the Chill Cafe near Hastings.
If you’re in Barbados on a Friday night, you have to grab a feed at Oistins Fish Fry. This is where the locals come to celebrate the end of the week. Prices are affordable and the rum flows strong here. You’ll find a festival like atmosphere if you stop by, with dancers and musicians among the various food stalls. I definitely recommend it.
With so many things to do in Barbados, hopefully this post has helped you decide how to spend your time in this wonderful country. There’s no doubt more to do on the island, but I found that this list saw me through the few days I spent here on my trip. If you’ve been to Barbados and I’ve missed your favourite thing to do, or your best tip for enjoying a stay, please let me know. If you haven’t been, hopefully you’ll have the chance to experience Barbados some day soon.
Did you know that Antigua was home to the only Georgian era dockyard in the Western Hemisphere? Nelson’s Dockyard sits at English Harbour, to the south of the island. This part of the island makes for an interesting day trip regardless of where you’re staying …