Barbados – The Island of Mesmerizing On Land and Under Sea Attractions

The Caribbean Island of Barbados, unlike other such islands, offers hidden attractions that are housed beyond the beach waters and breakers. With the blooming surroundings; coastal beaches; limestone scenic hills; historic museums; botanic gardens; adventurous sports of wind-surfing, hiking, diving; and classic calypso rhythms; you can find a place that well fits your budget and style – cheap, posh, populated, or peaceful.

50 crores annual visitors of this island feel the same about this all-time adaptive island including me.

Barbados Tourist Attractions

• Animal Flower Cave:
  Situated at the far north, this is a stunning sea formation named after the Sea Anemones or sea worms housed here. It is a big cave of geological wonder holding many compartments and innate pools.
• Morgan Lewis Mill:
  Built in the 18th century, the main purpose of this Barbadian heritage is to grind the sugar cane at the harvest period. This is a famous tourist site belonging to the Barbados National Trust, which was rebuilt and is the largest windmill in the Caribbean.
• St. Nicholas Abbey:
  This is a must see majestic mansion in the great island and is well maintained. Standing from 350 years, this is a 17th century house that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. It goes without saying that this is one of the heritage sites of the island that marks the period of the king been the ruler on the island.
• Barbados Wildlife Reserve:
  If you are fond of wildlife, this is just an ideal place to spot the Barbados Green Monkeys and several animals in their habitats. This is one of the major tourist attractions in the north where the homes for the animals are in a copse of mahogany trees looking over the picturesque Scotland.
• Harrisons Cave:
  Located in central Barbados, this cavern ranks first in the list of tourist attractions here and its periphery also holds many other worth visiting and interesting sites. This is a three-mile underground and natural coral-limestone cave offering soaking and unbelieving geological features including the icicle shaped stalactites emerging from the roof dazzling the radiance of the stunning stalagmites born out of the ground. Further, you will simply marvel at the mirror lake where you can see its reflected surface holding the cave formation. Ensure that you visit this place at any cost, otherwise you will miss something that is not worth leaving.
• The Flower Forest:
  Located in the central region of the Barbados, this took us some three minutes drive from the Harrison’s Cave. Perched at 850 feet above the sea level, this is a 50 acres of natural splendor improved further by inventive scenery. Stroll through its marked trails to have some breathtaking panoramic views of the rocky East Coast of Barbados.
• Welchman Hall Gully:
  Located in central Barbados, this is a three and a quarter mile stretching tropical forest reserve. This rich green land houses several bizarre trees and plants such as bamboo, clove, nutmeg, varied palms to name a few. I, as a visitor, would say that this is a mystic place whose serene vibes of Mother Nature cannot be felt anywhere else on the island – not even on the beaches!

• Bridgetown:
  Located in the south region, this is the capital city of the island that recently marked its 350th anniversary. This is the land that holds the most ancient synagogue in the western hemisphere and the third most ancient parliament in the British Commonwealth.
• Tyrol Cot:
  Constructed in 1854 A.D., this historic mansion of Barbados emits the mix of Palladian and tropical architectural styles. When we reached here, we could explore a slave hut, a chattel house, and a rum shop.
• Mount Gay Rum Tours (St. Michael):
  Among all the attractions after the Harrisons cave, this is the most frequently visited tourist destination. In this tour, I became familiar with the historic details of the most ancient rum in the world. Apart from this tour, you have more alternate tour options namely Foursquare Rum Factory and Heritage Park (St. Philip) and the Malibu Visitor Center (St. Michael).
• The Barbados Museum:
  As the name suggest, this museum is the holder of the culture and heritage aspects of the island situated in the middle of the Garrison Historic area on the edge of the Bridgetown. There are some seven galleries here that provide you with the educational details of the lush legacy.

• George Washington House:
  Located in the Garrison Historic area, this is the legendary house that marks the only resident of the U.S. President George Washington outside the United States of America. Do visit a museum perched on the upper floor that exhibits the rich legacy of the 17th and 18th centuries of the island.
• Ocean Park Aquarium:
  This is a special marine aquarium established in attractive gardens full of rich tropical flora and fauna belonging to beachfront or seaside gardens. There are in all 26 aquariums highlighting colorful fishes and sea life of Barbados and the Caribbean along with some strange, but superb animals of tropical seas on the planet. This is a choice for family hang out and that it provides wheelchairs for those who are unable to stroll to explore the marine life.
• Ozone Therapy:
  This is a pain reliving therapy that ensures good health and tension free life. Take away a healthy experience by freeing yourself from aches and pains or just feel refreshed. Steam therapy is also included here.
• Best Beaches Tour:
  Barclays Park is for fun and picnic, while for the adventurous mind – surf at Soup Bowl in Bathsheba, look for more at Crane Beach, and take up skiing and other sports at Mullins. If you are peace lover and just want to relax – the Gibbs Beach in St. Peter is ideal. In any way, do not miss the experience of swimming with turtles at these beaches. I recommend spending a couple of days to explore the different other beaches providing their own set of activities. Nevertheless, be vigilant due to absence of lifeguards at many beaches.

Best Time to Visit Barbados

The recommended time (peak season) is from mid-December through mid-April.

Barbados Accommodation

• Treasure Beach – $335
• Tamarind Cove – $283
• Mango Bay Resort – $291
• Butterfly Beach – $128
• Coconut Court – $114
• Sea-U Guest House – $109