Barbados
An island that you will find white-sand beaches, a top rated golf courses and international brand duty-free shopping plaza in the Caribbean. Barbados is a sovereign island country in the Lesser Antilles, Caribbean. Visitors and local relax to the bittersweet Mount Gay Rum, jam to calypso song, while watching a game of cricket. Other visitors choose Barbados for beaches, but the island has plenty more to explore on this Caribbean gem.
The name Barbados is either the Portuguese word Barbados or the Spanish equivalent los Barbados, both meaning “the bearded ones”. It is unclear whether “bearded” refers to the long, hanging roots of the bearded fig-tree (Ficus citrifolia), indigenous to the island; or to the allegedly bearded Caribs once inhabiting the island; or, more fancifully, to a visual impression of a beard formed by the sea foam that sprays over the outlying reefs. In 1519, a map produced by the Genoese mapmaker Visconte Maggiolo showed and named Barbados in its correct position. Furthermore, the island of Barbuda in the Leewards is very similar in name and was once named Las Barbudas by the Spanish.
Locals and Travelers Recommended
Harbour Lights
Whether you like partying to the hypnotic beat of the best live local band, liming under the stars while sipping tropical cocktails or just simply relaxing by the water’s edge, Harbour Lights is the place to be. Our Beach Extravaganza is the perfect place for Barbados dining, fusing a fantastic local BBQ with amazing cultural entertainment including the Fire Eater, Stilt Walker and Limbo Dancer. What better way to eat out in Barbados than to have the sand between your toes, the star lit skies above and a great show!
St Nicholas Abbey Tour
Explore one of the only authentic Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere on this tour to St Nicholas Abbey in northern Barbados. With an abbey guide, learn about the sugar plantation’s history, which goes back to the mid-1600s, and tour the great house to see antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy a glass of rum punch, see the old mill and rum distillery, and admire the estate’s lush grounds. Lunch at the abbey’s Terrace Cafe is included. So after hotel pickup by luxury van, head to St Nicholas Abbey in the parish of St Peter, approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of Bridgetown. Despite its name, the estate has no religious affiliation — it is a sugar plantation and great house that dates back to the mid-1600s.
Treasures of Barbados Sightseeing
On this tour you will visit Harrison’s Cave a limestone cave that is called the 8th wonder of the world. Then we will make a short stop in Bathsheba famous for its breathtaking beauty and pounding surf. The route then takes you past Morgan Lewis Windmill and Cherry Tree Hill. Next you will be off to St Nicholas Abbey which can be correctly categorized a historical treasure of Barbados. This sugar plantation great house is a 17th century Jacobean Mansion one of only three in this side of the world.
George Washington House
The young George Washington and his ailing brother Lawrence resided in this historic plantation house, also known as Bush Hill House, for two months in 1751. Barbados was the only country ever visited by the future “First Father” of his country and Bush Hill House the only house he ever lived in outside of the continental United States. The visit is a little known but very important chapter in the life of the then unknown 19 year old man, who would go on to become, as later described by Light-Horse Harry Lee, “first in war, first in peace, first in hearts of his countrymen”.
Official Language: English
Size (Area): 439 sq. km. (166 sq mi)
Population: 278, 000 (2010)
Head of the Country: Prime Minister
Capital: Bridgetown
System of Law: English Common Law
Electricity: 220/110 volts, 60Hz. Most hotels have both non-American and standard plugs
Things to know:
– Time Zone – EST (UTC – 5:00)
– Currency – Bajan Dollar (BBD)
– USD accepted – $2 BBD = $1 USD
Major Airlines:
– American Airlines
– Jet Blue
– Air Canada
– Virgin Atlantic
– British Airways
– WestJet
Travel Time from major cities:
– Miami: 3hrs 40 min
– New York: 4hrs 20 mins
– London : 8hrs 40 mins
– Montreal: 5hrs
– Sao Paulo: 5hrs 40 mins
Car Rentals:
– Avis
– Hertz
– Budget
– Enterprise
Places to Stay:
– The Club, Barbados
– Oceans Two Resort
– Sea Breeze
Weather: Fair, Sunny
Popular Event(s): Market Fair, Night Town Party
Best Time To Visit: November thru May
Key Feature(s): Tropical Weather
Things to know: Crop Over Festival
Locals/Travel Recommended Destinations
Harbour Lights
Whether you like partying to the hypnotic beat of the best live local band, liming under the stars while sipping tropical cocktails or just simply relaxing by the water’s edge, Harbour Lights is the place to be. Our Beach Extravaganza is the perfect place for Barbados dining, fusing a fantastic local BBQ with amazing cultural entertainment including the Fire Eater, Stilt Walker and Limbo Dancer. What better way to eat out in Barbados than to have the sand between your toes, the star lit skies above and a great show!
St Nicholas Abbey Tour
Explore one of the only authentic Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere on this tour to St Nicholas Abbey in northern Barbados. With an abbey guide, learn about the sugar plantation’s history, which goes back to the mid-1600s, and tour the great house to see antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy a glass of rum punch, see the old mill and rum distillery, and admire the estate’s lush grounds. Lunch at the abbey’s Terrace Cafe is included. So after hotel pickup by luxury van, head to St Nicholas Abbey in the parish of St Peter, approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of Bridgetown. Despite its name, the estate has no religious affiliation — it is a sugar plantation and great house that dates back to the mid-1600s.
Treasures of Barbados Sightseeing
On this tour you will visit Harrison’s Cave a limestone cave that is called the 8th wonder of the world. Then we will make a short stop in Bathsheba famous for its breathtaking beauty and pounding surf. The route then takes you past Morgan Lewis Windmill and Cherry Tree Hill. Next you will be off to St Nicholas Abbey which can be correctly categorized a historical treasure of Barbados. This sugar plantation great house is a 17th century Jacobean Mansion one of only three in this side of the world.
George Washington House
The young George Washington and his ailing brother Lawrence resided in this historic plantation house, also known as Bush Hill House, for two months in 1751. Barbados was the only country ever visited by the future “First Father” of his country and Bush Hill House the only house he ever lived in outside of the continental United States. The visit is a little known but very important chapter in the life of the then unknown 19 year old man, who would go on to become, as later described by Light-Horse Harry Lee, “first in war, first in peace, first in hearts of his countrymen”.
Things to Do
Atlantis Submarines Barbados Tours
Atlantis Submarines offers truly unique, fun, family friendly, natural underwater (and over-water) Caribbean adventures. It’s one of the top things to do in Barbados! Explore the options below to learn more about our “must-do” Barbados tours.
Seafari and Island Adventures
Seafari Adventure: Experience the thrill of high speed as you blast across the waves on a powerboat! This is Barbados’ fastest adventure!
Island Safari: jeep tours offer an experience of a lifetime! Head off the beaten track to explore gullies, enjoy coastal views and discover many hidden island secrets!
Bushy Park
Bushy Park Barbados is the leading circuit-racing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean. Following three years of planning and consultation, work started in August 2013 on a comprehensive redevelopment of a venue which has hosted motor sport since it opened as a dirt track in the early 1970s. A grant from world governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), supplemented by local funding, created the Master Plan on which the redevelopment was based; support from the Government of Barbados, the Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF), the FIA and a group of local investors turned that plan into a reality.
Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises
Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises, voted 2nd Most Popular Attraction by the globally recognised Zagat Survey as ‘the Rolls-Royce of catamaran excursions’ in Barbados. Our unique charter company specializes in personalized cruises, ensuring the utmost in comfort, service and enjoyment. Our elegant, custom-built catamarans sail with a limited number of passengers, to guarantee a superb day of sailing in an uncrowded atmosphere.
Transfer and Tours Services
For peace of mind, you can secure your hotel transfer in advance.
Airport Transfer To The Club, Barbados
1 - 4 People
$65
- Private Transfer
- One Way
Airport Transfer To The Club, Barbados
Group of up 10 People
$65
- Shared Transfer
- One Way