You’ve finally made it to Barbados but for this trip you don’t want to just stay in and enjoy your accommodation. After the pandemic and several months of isolation, you’re longing for safe, social activity that will make up for the time you’ve lost staying indoors. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of fun things to do this winter for your getaway to the Gem of the Caribbean Sea. Here are our top 10 recommendations for a winter vacation in Barbados that you’ll never forget:
- Swim with turtles
Dive headfirst into your vacation by swimming with Barbados’ kindest sea creatures, like the hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles. Popular snorkelling locations like the Carlisle Bay Marine Park provide fun opportunities to interact with other marine life or to get up close and personal with centuries-old shipwrecks. Alternatively, you could join a catamaran tour, which will almost always make a stop for guests to go snorkelling with sea turtles.
2. Visit the childhood home of our newest National Hero, Rihanna
Some of us know her for her chart-topping hits like “Umbrella” or “Diamonds”. Some of us know her for her business savvy. Others are simply fond of her love for philanthropy and charming public persona. Whatever your reason, Rihanna’s global impact is undeniable, and the Barbados Government recognised that in November 2021 by naming her a National Hero. Her humble home in Bridgetown has become a tourist attraction and is located in the now renamed, Rihanna Drive. You can stop at her home, take pictures, and grab a drink at the rum shop opposite the house and make a toast to Barbados’ newest hero.
3. Watch a movie at the Drive-In
Do you miss the nostalgia of seeing a movie on a big screen from the comfort of a car? Barbados embraces this special feeling well with one of the only drive-in movie theatres in the Caribbean. The Globe Drive In Cinema shows one or two feature films per night and it can be the perfect family or couples outing. All you need is a car!
4. Experience farming with a view
Looking for a more ecotourism experience? Try the Peg Farm & Nature Reserve. Sitting on a 108-acre plantation in St. Joseph, Peg Farm hosts tours of its grounds three times a day and guests not only get to interact with the wildlife and taste farm-to-table produce, but they also enjoy a spectacular view of the east coast from Hackleton’s Cliff. The experience there can be supersized with an overnight camping experience that includes campfire pits, forest showers and a BBQ grill.
5. Catch an unbeatable sunrise
Sunrise and sunset can make the most picturesque moments. Experiencing this natural beauty can be meditative, peaceful and even therapeutic. When you leave winter to escape to the tropics, there will be few things that can start your day as swimmingly as a beautiful sunrise. The best views in Barbados can be seen from any one of the units at Beach Houses by The Crane. These beautifully expansive living spaces incorporate contemporary, eco-friendly architecture with casual comfort along the East Coast of the island. Stunning views can be seen from the seclusion and privacy of your ocean view infinity-edge pool and hot tub.
6. Try a ham or fish cutter
A Bajan cutter is a simple delicacy that includes local salt bread that’s soft and fluffy on the inside and firm and crusty on the outside. Between each bun is where it gets more interesting. You have options like fish, ham, cheese, liver and much more. To add to the taste, some restauranteurs will add lettuce, tomato, spices, pepper sauce, cheese, and more condiments or toppings. You can enjoy some of the island’s best cutters at Cutter’s in St. Philip – just a few minutes’ walk away from The Crane Resort.
7. Enjoy a scenic thrill ride
Discover the most beautiful and often unseen parts of Barbados in a thrilling Adventure Safari with Island Safari Barbados. Best enjoyed with groups, these tours across the island last over 5 hours and take you through scenic locations, rough terrains and natural wonders on a 4×4 Jeep. Lunch and a complimentary drink are included for good measure.
8. Soak in the island’s heritage
After officially becoming a Republic on November 29, 2021, Barbados opened the Golden Square Freedom Park to the public. Located in the heart of the country’s capital Bridgetown, the park was built to remind citizens of the sacrifices made by the island’s forefathers. One of the highlights on the site is the Builders of Barbados Wall where surnames of people who lived in Barbados are inscribed. Take a walk through the park and see if your family name has roots in Barbados. When you’re finished, explore more of the city because the Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Join the party at Oistin’s Fish Fry
Immerse yourself in Bajan culture in the most authentic way by spending a few hours at the Oistins Fish Fry. Oistins is a fishing town in Christ Church and on Fridays, hundres of locals gather for food, music, dance and to enjoy stage performances. The large area becomes a melting pot of cultures when tourists join – making it one of the most beautiful and welcoming experiences you can dream of.
10. Visit one of the best beaches in the world
Of course, no getaway from winter is complete without a beach stop. Barbados has several beaches to choose from with soft, pink sand, clear turquoise waters and cliffs, flora, fauna, wildlife, and architecture to provide a truly sensorial experience. The Crane Beach just off of The Crane Resort however, is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The beach has earned several accolades including Top 25 Sexiest Beaches in the World (The Travel Channel) and Best Caribbean Beach (2015 USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards). This spot is one of the best swimming venues in all of Barbados, and all of the world.0 Likes