r/Barbados Dec 05 '21

Advice If you want trip recommendations when you come here, I can help you!

271 Upvotes

Hey,

I've been getting chat requests on things to do in Barbados and I love to help how I can. I was born in Barbados and live there half the year with the other half between the US and UK. Even though I may not be here when you arrive, feel free to ask any questions. I will add a suggested 7 day break down here, but ask away if you have any specific requests or queries!

**Day 1**:

Relax. Literally, do nothing other than go to the beach and lay there and settle in. International travel is so incredibly difficult right now. So take a day to appreciate that all the choices you made in life led you to laying on a beach in Barbados with a drink in your hand. Get some good local food. Macaroni Pie with Fish and salad from Oistins, or some food from near your accommodation or a place nearby. I know when we go on holiday we want to go right away, but trust me. Today is a chill day.

**Day 2**:

Catamaran cruise. I don't have any recommendations on particular ones, but they all usually leave by the boardwalk in Bridgetown and travel up the west coast. Bonus points if they stop in Carlise Bay at the beginning or at the end so you can swim with the turtles and shipwrecks. In my experience, they usually offer unlimited drinks and a full Bajan meal on board! After that you may be pretty tired, so you can find a nice evening activity, the food you want to try, or meet up with friends at a bar for a drink and chill. (Chilling will be a running theme :) )

**Day 3**:

You would have gotten lots of sun yesterday on the boat and that really drains you, so you can find some tours you would enjoy doing. When my friends visit a staple is the Mount Gay Rum factory tour near Bridgetown. It was the first rum ever invented, and they tell you the whole process down to how they source the barrels and how they get different colours and flavour rums. They give you 5 or so shots to try, so be sure to eat before or you may get knocked off your rocker ( looking at you Sarah L).

Food I recommend before is either Tim's restaurant on Broad Street or Mapp's in Eagle Hall. It's a local favourite and in a very local area. Lots of Bajan culture to be found by Mapp's! Simple menu. Medium or Large portion of the best-marinated chicken you can find and chips/fries. It's worth it. Trust me. Another tour you can do this day is the Harrison Cave tour. It really shows how Barbados was formed as an island compared to other islands. They are volcanic, and we are limestone. There is a tram that goes through the cave, and the cave is huge huge huge. the tram ride in 45 minutes through the cave. They have done an amazing job lighting it and the guides are incredibly knowledgeable.

**Day 4**:

Island Tour time! You can rent a car for around $75 US per day including full insurance, and get a visitor's driver's license for $5 US, just show your license from your home country and you are good. We drive on the left side of the road, so it will be par for the course for Brits, but if in your home country you drive on the right no problem. I lived in the US for a long time, and the rule I use when switching to driving here is, the driver is always in the middle of the road. Our steering wheel is on the right side of the car, so driving on the left the driver is in the middle. In the US it's the opposite, the cars are left-hand drive, so driving on the right side of the road the driver is in the middle. 15 minutes or so and in my experience it becomes like clockwork.

Alternatively, you can also get a local taxi to take you. I recommend local ZM taxis over big tour buses, it's a more personalized experience, and they give you TONS of great information and answer questions, etc. I usually do tours up the west coast, then down the east coast. Suggested sports of interest starting from the south: Gun Hill Signal Station, Welchman Hall Gully to see the monkeys being fed, up to Speightstown, Animal Flower Cave, Cherry Tree Hill ( in my opinion the most beautiful view in Barbados), drive along the east, to Bathsheba, St. John's Church, Bottom Bay ( if you are in luck the man will be there that climbs Coconut trees with no equipment or ropes, picks you a coconut, the makes a Pina Colada in it the fresh coconut he just picked for you!), Oistins for food and drink. That was a full loop of Barbados and could go through every parish. This is just a general guide, feel free to add to take away as you like!

**Day 5**:

Open to whatever you want to do. This is usually a chill recovery day. It's easy to get lost in time here, but you just spent 3 days seeing and experiencing so many amazing things! So take it all in. Usually, I take my friends snorkeling this day and have some nice local food. I've snorkeled all along the west coast (new COVID lockdown hobby in 2020), the best spots are the Shipwrecks in Carlise Bay. It's kind of far out, and I'm going to urge caution before anything else, you can pay for a tour boat to take you to the spot and provide life jackets and for people, I do not know I will recommend that option first and foremost.

For those that want to swim out, go to the gazebo, swim straight out from there, and by the buoys, you should start to see them. There are 5 wrecks some sunk during the wars, some sunk on purpose to form a marine park, and one drug runner boat! There are thousands of fish, lots of coral, with luck and timing. with may see turtles and stingrays! The second spot that is kind of unknown is Reed Bay or Thunder Bay. There is a beach bar here, so it is great to get a drink after a nice memorable swim! There is snorkeling on the left side and right side of the beach. The right side is good for beginners and intermediate, and the left side where the waves break out into the water is for intermediate-advanced. The waves break out there because it is a very shallow reef. You can swim behind the waves and out, but do not swim where the waves break because you can bash into the reef and that's real bad.

I suggest you take a buoy marker with you since jet skis and boats frequent this area and may not see you without a red diver below the marker! Lots of coral as far as you can swim. IMPORTANT! Before you go snorkel check the tide, google tide in Barbados. At high tide, the water is rougher and this causes the sand to get churned up and visibility is really bad and you won't see much. I usually go out in the middle of low tide, then the sand has had time to settle. Please please please be safe! We have a saying the ocean has no backdoor, so while snorkeling is an amazing hobby, take every precaution possible and I never recommend snorkeling alone, always take someone with you. The Buddy system is best!

**Day 6**:

You may be leaving this day or preparing to leave. Going to Bridgetown to spend some time getting souvenirs, and good food is a good option. Hero's Square, walk Swan Street and Broad Street. Walk the boardwalk, get some food, walk over the bridge that gave Bridgetown its name. It's a good time. I also recommend getting on a yellow bus. They are privately owned and it's a good experience. They play reggae music, and locals use them a lot, so you will really feel like you are in Barbados when you are on one. Something that may not cross the mind, but a bus ride is a great way to see any place you are in. It's $3.50 BBD or $1.75 US for a ride anywhere on that route. I really like the Speightown route, Sam Lord's Castle, or Bathsheba.

The blue buses are government-owned and only take exact money, the yellow and white ones give change. Locals are friendly, so feel free to ask any questions and we are usually happy to help. If it is your last day, I also recommend going back to the beach and relaxing. Go on a jet ski, a glass-bottom boat. A gentle swim or something to chill and relax before you head back home.

**Day 7**:

Similar to day 6. Take some time to bless the moment and enjoy that all the choices you made in life led you to be in Barbados making memories. :)

There is the end of my suggested week in Barbados. I've has a dozen friends come to visit me, and they have all enjoyed the pace and activities. I hope you enjoy your time here. If you need anything or have any questions, you can reply here. I hope you enjoy our beautiful island!


r/Barbados 6h ago

New pickUP Barbados App – rebuilt from the ground up

31 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Over the last year, we threw out our old codebase and completely rebuilt the pickUP app from scratch. We knew the previous version had its fair share of quirks and limitations, so we wanted to build something faster, more reliable, and tailored specifically to how people actually get around the island.

The new version is now live on iOS and Android. A few of the main features we worked on (and were specifically requested based on user feedback) include: (1) Favourite Drivers: You can now save your preferred drivers to request them again; (2) Smoother GPS tracking, OTP verification to start rides, and better card payment processing; (3) Added referral codes (so both you and a friend get ride credits) along with milestone rewards for frequent riders; and (4) Better map handling for island locations (naming of locations is much better), saved go-to spots, and local Bajan design/artwork throughout.

Since we built this specifically for users in Bim, we really want to hear from the local Reddit community. If you get a chance to take a look or use it, we’d appreciate your feedback.

Please feel free to DM us with your thoughts, critiques, or suggestions – or comment below.

Cheers!


r/Barbados 8h ago

Question Bajans, what do you think of beans?

2 Upvotes

I am on a mission now to ask each country subreddit what people think about beans (my favorite meal), just to see how people like or dislike them all around the world out of curiosity and for fun. If you like beans, hate them, they a big part of the culture, anything else, just share your thoughts 🫘

Bajans, Barbadians, (Barbajans?) it's come to you now! Your country is shaped like a tiny little bean too :)


r/Barbados 15h ago

School Project of Barbados Scholar System

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m a student from Switzerland, and a classmate and I are currently preparing a presentation in which we have to compare the school systems of Switzerland and Barbados.

We would really appreciate some first-hand insights into what school life is actually like in Barbados. Instead of relying only on websites or different AI tools, we would like to hear directly from students and learn about their personal experiences.

It would be great to connect with students from different grades so that we can get a better understanding of everyday school life in Barbados.

If anyone is willing to help us, we would be very happy with a reply to this post. You can also feel free to contact us via DM.


r/Barbados 1d ago

Jug jug

3 Upvotes

I coming over for Christmas - anyone know anyone selling JugJug for collection for Christmas Day?


r/Barbados 1d ago

Food Recs GF Addition

3 Upvotes

A couple of recs from my short trip. Any other places I should try?! I’m here for one more day

Roti Haven 246- Offers gluten free roti and Cassava balls, and more. This place was SO good. You order through the whats app link in their Instagram : roti_haven246. Order ahead of time, it’s a take out place. This was my favorite meal of the trip. Ive never been able to find gluten free roti so this was so special to me!

Yelluh Meat- A close second! This place does breadfruit and sweet potato bowls. You build your own bowl. I got the lamb stew which was cooked to perfection.

Dessert:
Apage Chocolate Factory- yummy ice cream, the chocolate coconut was delicious!

Cafe De Paris- had a couple gluten free pastries, I got the coconut cake which was really yummy

Churn ice cream- they label their ice cream that’s gluten free, I got the ricotta stracatella which was so good!


r/Barbados 1d ago

Welcome Stamp - how to find longer-term accom that's close to everything

4 Upvotes

Hello,

I've just applied for the Welcome Stamp and hoping to move mid October. Somewhere like St. Laurance Gap would be good but whats the best way to find longer term accom in the busier areas at a decent price? I'll be going on my own and most likely won't buy a car, but maybe buy a little scooter or something if needed i.e. I really cant find somewhere that's within walking distance of everything. Should I try find someting before I arrive or wait until I get there? Any thougths on location? Thanks


r/Barbados 1d ago

Good locations to live in

1 Upvotes

I was looking at places for rent on facebook and have been running into lots of housing in the st phillip area. I am moving to barbados for about 6 months so I want to live somewhere that I can commute to work easily, I have not secured a job but I would want to work while there, also I want to be around a gym or maybe a park so I can workout. Where I am now is terrible with public transport so trying to avoid the same .


r/Barbados 2d ago

Short film with Bajan nature and surfing!

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11 Upvotes

hopefully somebody likes it!


r/Barbados 2d ago

I made a Vinyl DJ set celebrating Bajan music from Spouge to Soca, hope you enjoy!

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11 Upvotes

r/Barbados 2d ago

Is it possible to make clients and friends before moving to Barbados?

0 Upvotes

I was supposed to move to Barbados this month but had to postpone. Now I'm wondering if there's a way to get clients and make friends before moving?


r/Barbados 2d ago

Pharmaceuticals in Barbados

0 Upvotes

I have a layover in Barbados and wondering how lenient pharmacies are with selling codeine/tramadol without a prescription


r/Barbados 2d ago

Question Visiting Bridgetown Barbados for a weekend

5 Upvotes

Will be alone. Planning to watch CPL. Looking for some fun time. Please let me know or reach out to me in private. Sep 11-13


r/Barbados 3d ago

Question Solo Travelling Oct4-9

4 Upvotes

Anyone travelling around that timeframe? Will be staying in the Inch Marlow area. I'm a big foodie and love to try out new things and experience the local lifestyle. I'd say I'm pretty easy going and not a strickler for having a well planned itinerary.


r/Barbados 4d ago

Sandy Lane

6 Upvotes

Looking at a trip to Sandy Lane to celebrate a 15 year wedding anniversary. I’ve read all the reviews I can find, but haven’t found much that’s recent. It seems to have less info online available than other places we’ve looked at. Is it still the amazing experience it once was? I’ve read some places that it’s fallen off and living on a reputation that doesn’t match what it is currently. Any insight?


r/Barbados 4d ago

Taking my drone

4 Upvotes

Dear all,

I am going to visit Barbados in November and would love to take my drone. I found all the legal necessities in order to take my drone into Barbados legally, however I have seen some conflicting comments about the discontinuation of handing out permits by the Barbadian authorities. Does anybody have any recent experience with requesting and/or getting the permits?

Thanks in advance!


r/Barbados 4d ago

Male UWI Student Looking for Accommodation Near Campus

3 Upvotes

Hi, I’m a male UWI student looking for somewhere to rent near the UWI campus. If you know of any available rooms/apartments or have any leads, please let me know. Thanks!


r/Barbados 5d ago

Advice When is it appropriate to contact the seller's attorney to end this nightmare?

13 Upvotes

I had the unfortunate misfortune to be connected by my real estate agent to a psychopathic, verbally abusive property attorney. This attorney is rarely available. The attorney is not even available by email. All attempts to replace this attorney and get a new one failed. I have received most of the money from the sale of a property that was completed last year. I have not received one of the documents I need to apply to central bank for the money to be transferred to where I live. My question is when would it become appropriate to reach out to the seller's attorney to get the required documents? I just don't have faith that my attorney won't drag this out another year!


r/Barbados 4d ago

Question Where can I do wrestling in Barbados

2 Upvotes

I’m looking to add wrestling to my wallet of combat sports does anyone know any places I can learn including the price and place?


r/Barbados 5d ago

Have you tried Sendada? What are your reviews of it?

4 Upvotes

For those unfamiliar, Sendana offers anyone in the Caribbean a virtual US-based account. This allows content creators and online freelancers to get paid in USD by international companies. Last week they released their physical VISA cards (you were able to get virtual ones from the start) which allows you pay for anything at card terminals with a tap or withdraw cash from any ATM.

EDIT: Ops...mispelt Sendana in the title...cant change it.


r/Barbados 5d ago

Question How are you doing?

10 Upvotes

Just 😎 chilling.


r/Barbados 5d ago

Breakfast / Brunch spots

1 Upvotes

Hi! My partner and I will be visiting soon. What are some good breakfast / brunch spots that you guys recommend?


r/Barbados 5d ago

Non fish vendors at Oistins fish fry on fridays?

1 Upvotes

Hi! I’m going to be visiting and I know that the Oistins fish fry on Friday’s are pretty popular & my partner and I are interested in going because we heard the vibes are immaculate there, but neither of us eat fish. Are there any spots with good non fish or seafood options? and if so, which spots do you recommend?


r/Barbados 5d ago

Question 有没有人知道我怎么把我的罗威纳犬从特立尼达带到巴巴多斯?

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0 Upvotes

r/Barbados 5d ago

Tv services

5 Upvotes

Considering getting a tv service but not sure which ones will work in Barbados? I have done the firestick and the companies are blocking the apps because it all pirated. Netflix is crap in my opinion. Does anyone know which subscription service is good?