The East Caribbean Island That Offers So Much More Than Rum

While the Caribbean nation of Barbados is best known to some as the birthplace of Rihanna, there’s far more to the island than its prowess at launching global pop sensations. The island’s craggy sea caves and sprawling underground caverns offer plenty of adventure for daring travelers to explore. To sweeten the deal, Barbados offers a plethora of sun-drenched beaches and lush forests for nature lovers who prefer their excursions above ground.

Amidst the flora, fauna, and natural landscapes, the island boasts a vibrant culture unlike any other in the Caribbean. From the historic capital city of Bridgetown to the quiet fishing village of Bathsheba, the nation’s many communities offer glimpses into the complex history of the island.

Although Barbados draws visitors in droves thanks to its high-profile distilleries and has earned international acclaim for its rum scene, the country’s culinary offerings cannot be ignored. The island serves up a wealth of savory, fresh seafood dishes all along its shores that will be sure to satisfy the cravings of even the pickiest of gourmand.

Though it may be small in size, Barbados offers something for visitors of all types, whether you’re looking for adventure or indulgence. Here’s how to make the most of it, while avoiding the crowds at the island’s better-known sites.

See: The depths of Harrison’s Cave. While it is a popular site for visitors to experience, this ancient cavern also acts as a crucial lifeline for the people of Barbados, with much of the island’s drinking water purified within its limestone aquifers. As an added bonus, it’s also underappreciated as a top spot for discovering native Caribbean flora and fauna, with resident species ranging from colorful birds including the green-throated carib and Antillean crested hummingbird to endemic reptiles like the Barbados anole.

Touch: The soft sand between your toes at Brownes Beach. This strip of shoreline can be found just south of downtown Bridgetown, and while it’s known as a destination ideal for sunbathing and jet skiing, ambitious visitors can dive alongside its many coral reefs as well, with all sorts of tropical fish and even sea turtles calling the Bajan shores home.

Smell: A pour of aged Bajan rum. A tangible reminder of the island’s once-mighty sugar industry, this spirit has been produced across Barbados for centuries. Esteemed distillery Mount Gay has been in business for well over 300 years, while other lesser known but equally vibe-filled destinations span from Foursquare—a relaxed distillery with an open house policy for tours—to the West Indies Rum Distillery, a storied site that dates back to the 19th century.

Hear: The nightly chorus of the Barbados whistling frogs. These tiny animals flourish in flower gardens and forests alike, imbuing the island with a distinctive, high-pitched song that carries into the early hours of the morning each night.

Taste: Coucou and flying fish, the national dish of Barbados. While this hearty plate is traditionally prepared on Fridays and Saturdays, modern-day visitors can sample it seven days a week, with venues spanning from the east coast’s Dis Ole House to the beloved Friday night fish fry in Oistins.

The Caribbean is no stranger to vibrant dining scenes—islands like Puerto Rico and Jamaica have rightfully earned acclaim for their many contributions to North American cuisine—and Barbados is no exception. The sparkling waters surrounding the nation are renowned for not just their beauty, but also their bounty, offering a diverse array of marine species that play a key role in what the locals are serving up. Though beloved national dishes span from fish cakes to macaroni pie, flying fish is by far the star of the Bajan food scene.

While these fish are certainly a sight to witness in action—they come equipped with lengthy wing-like fins that allow them to glide above the surface of the water in short bursts—they’re an island sensation thanks to their rich flavor. The animals can be fried, steamed, or grilled, and they’re typically paired with coucou, a hearty blend of okra and corn meal that can be found in abundance across the island’s many restaurants. Barbados residents love to accompany their meals with a pour of local rum but the island also excels at the art of brewing, with treasured local beers like Banks and 10 Saints available at bars all across the nation.

9:30 am – Kick off your morning with a trip to Calma Beach Club, an open-air venue in the heart of Holetown. During morning hours, it’s a top spot for trying local staples like Bajan fish cakes as well as salt bread, a popular side dish that’s noted for its lack of sweetness.

"When you visit Barbados, you have to try our fish cakes—they're a true Bajan favorite. Made with salted fish—perfectly seasoned—then fried until crispy,” Tenisha Holder, senior development officer at Barbados Tourism Marketing, says. “For the full culinary experience, ask for 'bread and two,' which is fish cakes in a salt bread roll with plenty of pepper sauce.”

11 am – Brush up on your kitchen skills with a workshop at Explore Accent. Operated by Bajan native Melanie Trotman, this activity provides guests with an opportunity to craft a traditional dish packed full of locally-sourced ingredients—like saltfish or coconut rice—all while gaining insight into the rich cultural heritage of the island. It is customary to cap off your class here with a local beer, mauby, or sorrel drink.

1:30 pm – Enjoy an upscale lunch at Colony Club’s Rum Vault. While Barbados is renowned for its rum, few venues can match the sophistication of this spot. Launched in 2018, this polished space provides guests with an opportunity to enjoy high-end dining and a deep dive on the history of rum, with more than 150 different options from across the globe all up for grabs.

4:30 pm – Take in the sunset withappetizers at Fusion Rooftop. Once you’ve got a good buzz going, you can head south. While this upscale venue guarantees a bird’s-eye view of Holetown, it also offers a glimpse into the island’s prowess at Japanese cuisine, with salmon and cream cheese-infused Alaska rolls, crazy tuna nigiri, and unagi mango rolls being just a few of the seafood dishes found on the menu.

8 pm – Hit the town in Oistins. After an elegant dinner, it’s time for a casual night out in Oistins. This southern Barbados settlement comes equipped with bars like Cocktail Kitchen and Johnny Cools Bar, but for a truly memorable night out, be sure to head to the Friday night fish fry. "The fish fry isn't just about the food. It's where the whole island comes together,” Holder says. “You'll find fresh, seasoned fish straight off the grill. The vibe of island music. Locals and visitors sharing a laugh, swapping stories. It's the real Barbados.”

In addition to plenty of musical performances and souvenir booths to peruse in the village, guests can also dine on fresh swordfish, mahi-mahi, and flying fish all prepared right in front of you on a flaming grill.

Barbados stands out from its Caribbean counterparts in many ways, including how it was formed. Rather than being the result of volcanic activity, like Martinique and St. Lucia, Barbados is the result of countless layers of coral limestone being thrust to the surface of the ocean—and the island’s unique composition has paved the way for some truly dazzling natural sites to flourish.

In the interior of the island, visitors can encounter a whole host of fascinating creatures during a stroll through its many botanical gardens. The island appeals to birdwatchers in particular thanks to its many colorful hummingbirds and passerines. And of course, the perimeters of the island are equally as gorgeous as its inner depths. Barbados is rife with idyllic beaches spanning from Brownes Beach to Morgan Lewis Beach, and just beyond the shoreline, its waters are teeming with colorful reef fish like the queen triggerfish, spotted scorpionfish, and rock beauty—and lucky visitors might be able to catch a glimpse of the region’s native green sea turtles lazing atop the water as well.

9 am – Start the day with a tour of Walkers Reserve. This sprawling preserve was established to act as a “haven for native biodiversity and a testament to sustainable tourism” in the words of Kierra Clarke, communications officer at the preserve’s Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research Education and Design. The preserve plays host to scores of native hummingbirds and lizards—but for visitors in particular, the local honeybees are the main attraction. During the reserve’s Bajan Bee Experience, guests will venture over to the reserve’s hives in full beekeeping regalia, earning an opportunity to get an up-close view at the honey-making process and even hold a honeycomb in their hands.

11:30 pm – Take it all in at Coco Hill Forest. After coming face-to-face with Bajan bees, it’s time to head south to one of the island’s top spots for ecotourism. This gem comes equipped with nearly two miles of hiking trails, and while native bird species like the bananaquit and Barbados bullfinch abound across the preserve, it’s best known for its resident green monkeys. An introduced species from West Africa, these curious mammals can be found all throughout the forest during a hike.

2 pm – Admire the scenery at Flower Forest Botanical Gardens. Once you’ve had your fill of the woods, it’s time for a stop next door to get a closer look at the island’s florals. Measuring in at 53 acres, this colorful attraction boasts towering trees and a whole lot of vibrant lilies, roses, and begonias—all of which are perfect for attracting the island’s native hummingbirds. After exploring the space, be sure to swing by the on-site Forest Cafe for a hearty lunch of fish cakes and sandwiches.

3:30 pm – Bask in the beauty of Animal Flower Cave. While this seaside cavern boasts some of the most stunning cliffside views in all of northern Barbados, it also offers some much-needed relief from the midday sun. Visitors are welcome to take a dip in the calm waters of the cave, with some sections reaching up to eight feet in depth—and post-swim, the on-site restaurant is perfect for a refreshing rum punch.

6 pm – Enjoy an elegant dinner at The Cliff, one of the island’s most highly respected restaurants. The property is best known for its gorgeous seaside views and high-end dishes spanning from blackened snapper to Dover sole meuniére, but be sure to keep watch for marine life down by the beach below, with native sharks and fish seen surging through the water at all hours of the night.

While Barbados traditionally played host to small Indigenous settlements over the centuries, the early 1600s saw the arrival of English colonists en masse, ultimately leading to the permanent settlement of Bridgetown—the national capital—in 1628. Throughout the centuries, this seaside city has amassed its fair share of historic structures and landmarks, ultimately earning its historic core recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011—but there’s far more to explore across the island than just its largest city.

In centuries past, Barbados was a prominent player in the sugar trade across the Americas, and this legacy is forever intertwined with the nation’s colonial past and centuries of participation in the transatlantic slave trade. This history is preserved and can be explored at the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, and there are currently plans underway for a new Historic District featuring a new museum, memorial, and research center dedicated to the island’s history of slavery.

The large-scale sugar production process in Barbados inadvertently led a second industry to take precedence in later years—distillation, to be precise. Rum reigns supreme across the island, with the oldest still-surviving rum company on the planet operating in its northern reaches. While sugarcane-growing conditions are optimal on the island, Barbados also benefits from its interior caverns, with the porous limestone acting as a filter that imbues its underground aquifers with fresh water that’s perfect for both drinking and using as a base in the local rum.

9 am – Walk among historic sites in downtown Bridgetown. The banks of the Constitution River play host to landmarks like the 1870s-era Parliament Buildings and picturesque Independence Square, while the Nidhe Israel Synagogue shines a spotlight on the island’s Jewish history. Founded back in 1654, this institution serves as one of the oldest synagogues in all of the Western Hemisphere.

10 am – Take a scenic drive across the island. Take in some of the most iconic historic sites on Barbados by buckling in for a Coast to Coast Scenic Drive. This tour will offer views ranging from the National Heroes Square and Parliament buildings in Bridgetown to St. John’s Church and Bathsheba. Make sure to have your camera ready for the many photo opportunities you’ll encounter along the way. *presented by Norwegian Cruise Line

1:30 pm – Dive into Bajan history at the Barbados Museum & Historical Society. While downtown Bridgetown is a treasure trove of storied sites, newcomers can gain ample insight into the inner workings of the island’s complex history at this prestigious institution. It’s home to exhibits highlighting African customs within the Bajan diaspora and the island’s Indigenous history. Post-visit, guests can make their way next door for lunch at George Washington Coffee House, a venue that’s acclaimed for its ultra-flavorful arepas.

3 pm – Head to the heart of the country to explore Harrison’s Cave. "Harrison’s Cave is more than just a stunning natural wonder; it’s a vital part of Barbados’ water filtration system,” Holder says. During a Signature Tram Tour here, guests can don hard hats and pile into a train car to descend deep into the interior caverns, with natural formations like the 50-foot-tall Great Hall and The Altar—a pair of stalagmites that bear a slight resemblance to a couple in the midst of a marriage proposal—serving as two particularly notable stops.

And while the depths of Harrison’s Cave are certainly impressive, visitors should be sure to spend some time exploring the lush gardens and forests found outside the mouth of the structure. The many towering trees act as a haven for native bird species, many of which can be spotted from over 100 feet in the air during a ride on the on-site zip line.

5 pm – Get a taste of Bajan history at the Mount Gay Visitors' Centre. Once you’ve emerged from the depths of the cave, head back to Bridgetown to sample the offerings of the oldest operating rum producer not just in Barbados, but on the entire planet, with concrete evidence in the form of a deed dating back to 1703. “This is more than just rum; it’s the very essence of Barbados,” says Trudiann Branker, master blender at Mount Gay.

While sugarcane distillate is certainly the main draw for tour participants, this polished facility is also a top spot for cocktails, with the on-site mixology workshops offering a chance for visitors to brush up on their bartending skills. During a class, guests can enjoy a deep dive on the history of rum production at the facility’s museum before sitting down for a tasting, then make their way into the cocktail-crafting space to try their hand at beloved island favorites ranging from the mojito to the rum punch.

8 pm – Wind down your day at Round House. On the island’s idyllic eastern shore, the community of Bathsheba is renowned for its top-tier surfing opportunities—and when it comes to dining, this local restaurant is an essential spot. In business for just under 150 years, the beachside venue has had plenty of time to master the art of classic Bajan cuisine, with dishes like flying fish pâté, ital curry, and jerk pork and plantain skewers all appearing on the menu.

Barbados uses the Barbadian Dollar, a type of currency that was adopted in 1973. The Barbadian Dollar is pegged to the United States Dollar at an exchange rate of roughly two to one, so just divide the local price in half and that will tell you (almost exactly) how much it costs in USD.

None, if you’re traveling from the US.

December to April is often considered peak season in Barbados due to the lower chance of rainfall, but you can visit year-round without issues.

George Washington left the modern-day United States just once in his life, and his destination was Barbados. Back in 1751, the future president left the East Coast to accompany his brother on a journey to the Caribbean, spending six weeks on the island in total before heading back to Virginia.

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