ISLAND ACTIVITIES
Barbados is packed with fun things to do, whether you love adventure, culture, or just exploring the island at your own pace. Here’s our round-up of the best activities to make the most of your time here.
See The Race Horses at Pebbles Beach
This is free & very early but totally worth it
So you'll have to get up and leave super early for this one - although jet lag normally gets you up at the crack of dawn for the first week so make the most of it and get to Pebbles Beach for sunrise, you will see the most beautiful horses going for their morning bath in the sea. This is a totally free activity so if someone tries to charge you they're just chancers, and if you are offered to ride the horse they will not be the actual race horses - just locals taking their horses for you to ride in exchange for a small fee.
A great way to get some lively Caribbean culture & food
If you’re looking for an unforgettable night out in Barbados, the Beach Extravaganza & Dinner Show is a must-see. It takes local entertainment to a whole new level with an all-inclusive evening of premium drinks, authentic island dishes, and nonstop performances right on the sand.
Expect everything from towering stilt walkers and soothing steel pan to fire eaters, vibrant Kadooment dancers, and three incredible live bands that keep the energy high all night long. It’s the perfect chance to kick off your shoes, feel the sand under your feet, and dance to the sweetest island rhythms.
The best bit is that everything is included in one price, food, drinks, transport & entertainment!
The Boatyard
Fun filled day out on a fantastic beach
For a beach day that blends laid-back vibes with plenty of fun, The Boatyard in Bridgetown never disappoints. Our crew headed straight for the ocean trampoline and slide as usual, and we finally gave the rope swing a go — definitely worth it, and it’s not just for kids. It’s a hit with pretty much everyone who visits!
The day pass offers brilliant value: credit toward your food and drinks, sun loungers, access to all the inflatables, and a snorkelling boat trip to explore the nearby shipwrecks and spot turtles. We’re always amazed at how much they pack into that simple wristband.
There’s no booking system, so arriving early is the way to go. It’s one of those places where you easily spend the whole day without even trying. And when it’s time to head home, the on-site showers make de-sanding the whole group quick and painless before piling back into the car.
Catamaran Cruise
Pricey but the experience is pricesless
Most companies offer a morning - lunch cruise which tend to leave at approx 9:00AM, generally with with a maximum of 12 guests, creating a relaxed and intimate way to enjoy Barbados from the water.
Guests can enjoy drinks as they sail along the coast before swimming with sea turtles and snorkelling over shipwrecks. Those who prefer to stay on board can simply unwind in the sun and enjoy the ocean views.
Lunch is generally served in a quiet spot and normally features a selection of local dishes and fresh fish. After a dip in the clear waters, the cruise typically ends with a gentle sail back to port.
Alternatively you can choose a sunset cruise which offers a similar trip but with dinner instead of lunch.
We see these catamarans everywhere but are yet to enjoy one ourselves - as soon as we have the opportunity to experience one we will update you with a trusted company to use.
A fantastic island experience
A ride on the heritage railway is an essential experience in Barbados. This steam train winds through picturesque sugarcane fields up to Cherry Tree Hill, offering stunning views and a charming, nostalgic atmosphere with its gentle chugging. The kids loved at the front of the carriage as the train moved along the tracks, and they even had the chance to turn the locomotive around at Cherry Tree Hill for our return journey. With the tracks now extended, we can't wait to ride again and discover the new route!
Keep the children active on holiday
The Folkestone Netball Club hosts weekly sessions and will expand as interest increases, offering children consistent chances to train, play matches, and have fun staying active with friends. Visitors to the island are always invited to participate — it’s fantastic way for holidaymakers to engage in community sports while they are here. These sessions are open to anyone aged 7-15 who is interested netball, promoting an active lifestyle alongside relaxation during holidays and weekends!
Oistins Fish Fry
Open all the time but Fridays there are a vibe
Every Friday night Oistins Fish Market comes alive... food, music, drinks, atmosphere - its all lively, authentic and welcoming. There are a plethora of food vendors to choose from, each with their own little kitchen and seating area offering fresh fish and genuine Bajan food. Get there for sunset, enjoy the market stalls, grab drinks, watch the entertainment and eat until, your heart's content! It can feel a little intimidating upon arrival but everyone is there to have fun, the vibes are always good and the place is buzzing with life.
Animal Flower Cave
The most northern point in Barbados and it's not to be missed
Right at the tip of the parish of St. Lucy you'll find the glorious Animal Flower cave where you can explore the hidden gems of an underground cave. The tours are flexible and available throughout the day, so there is no need to book just turn up and one of their fantastic guides will take you down to the magical cave. Here you will find natural rock pools, sea anemones, stalagmites and stalactites and the most incredibly stunning views out to the Atlantic Ocean. Also in the last cave chamber you will find the deepest natural pool reaching depths of up to 8ft which you can get into! This is all weather dependent obviously.
Back up on land you have a an array of market stalls and shops to browse (mostly selling locally made goods), a cafe to grab some refreshing drinks, an enclosed park to give the kids some much needed freedom (after having to be calm and sensible whilst inside the caves) and finally they have the most fantastic restaurant with breathtaking views over the ocean! You don't have to pay to go and shop or take in the views, the caves tours are inexpensive and the restaurants are open to anyone but you may want to book ahead so you make sure you get a table.
Graeme Hall
Nature Sanctury
A peaceful escape where nature thrives
Our family absolutely loves this hidden gem on the south coast. a serene, green spot filled with gentle adventures. The reptile house was immediate favorite (you can even hold a snake!), and feeding the vibrant tropical birds in the aviaries was a magical highlight of our visit. We were lucky enough to be the first to explore the brand new Little Explorers Zone, which features a delightful shaded play area with a frame, slide, and chalkboard that our kids adored. Additionally, wooden boardwalks meander through lagoons where you can spot herons, crabs and other wildlife. It’s a tranquil, educational experience that wonderfully slows everyone down.
Haymans Market
A reinvented sugar mill with a new community purpose
As a family we just love Haymans Market, it’s a modernised sugar factory which now houses food stalls, local crafts, music, shops, market stalls, salons, cafes and bars all with a real community feel. They have a huge screen that shows everything from music videos to movies and sport with seating for you to enjoy the surrounding refreshments while you watch. They also host clubs and activities such as children's gymnastics, yoga, salsa classes and much more. During holiday periods they will always pull something magical out the bag for families to enjoy such as their famous 'Halloween Haunt' and an unforgettable visit from Santa! They always showcase what they have coming up on their socials so you can be sure not to miss out on anything.
Brighton
Farmers market
Experience a farmers market Bajan style
This weekly market is home to a vast amount of Bajan vendors. it's full of community spirit, great food, local produce, and a great open space for families to utilise. They have play areas, coffee spots, breakfast stalls, park benches, so you can sit and relax absorbing the atmosphere, activities and a great sense of unity between locals, holiday makers and expats. It is open every Saturday 6:30am until 10:00am in the Brighton Plantation, St. George.
Paradise Nature Park
Tropical nature at it's finest
Paradise Nature Park offers a wonderfully wholesome experience for the entire family, featuring something for everyone! It has five acres of vibrant tropical gardens and showcases both traditional and exotic animals and plants from around the world. With self-guided tours and daily talks, you can dive into the wonders nature and encounter many fascinating and unique species, the kids especially loved the snake talk and handling. There are so many animals & reptiles to visit, from Parrots and Toucans to Tortoises, Rabbits, donkeys and pigs, it's a fun filled family day out which we highly recommmend.
Spend the day relaxing
There are plenty of beach options on the island with over more then 80 to choose from! Although it is amazing to simply rock up to a beach especially a secluded one, sometimes it's nice to go somewhere that you know has everything in one place.
Below we have created a list of 'Beach Clubs' we recommend, these don't just have the beauty of the beach but the luxury of sun loungers, food, drinks and facilities surrounding you too.
📍 S A V V Y O N T H E B A Y
📍 B I K I N I B E A C H
📍 P I E R O N E
📍 T H E B O A T Y A R D
📍 T H U N D E R B A Y
📍 C A L M A B E A C H C L U B