Barbados

Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island, and located about 100 miles southeast of St. Lucia. Due to the island’s far southern location in the Caribbean, it sits outside of the Hurricane Belt and is one of the least likely islands to experience hurricanes. Barbados measures 21 miles long by 14 miles wide and is a distance of 1610 miles from Florida, USA, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes from Miami to Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) in Seawell, Christ Church.

Landscape

The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is mostly made up of coral formations that create a relatively flat terrain in comparison to the more mountainous islands to its west. Sloping plains, acres of sugar cane, and rolling hills run parallel to its shores within the island’s interior.

Light pink sand and palm tree-lined beaches make up the picturesque coastline that is characteristic of Barbados. The east coast faces the Atlantic Ocean and is where the biggest waves can be found. The west coast is calmer, facing the Caribbean Sea and having the longest and softest sandy beaches. Green Monkeys are a common sight on the island and a rare find for most of the other small islands in the Caribbean. The weather in Barbados is generally warm and sunny year-round with an average daytime high temperature of 86°F.

Culture

Barbados is a diverse and progressive country touched with natural charm. Barbadians refer to themselves as “Bajans,” and are fun-loving, warm, and very patriotic people. Barbados is an independent British Commonwealth nation which is evident in its popular traditions of afternoon tea, horse racing, and cricket (the national sport). The island is well known for Crop Over—a three-month-long festival (June to August) that celebrates music, art, food, and culture.

Recreation

The island is considered “the birthplace of rum.” There are over 1500 rum shops throughout Barbados. Mount Gay Distilleries in Bridgetown produces the oldest rum in the world and has been producing rum in Barbados since 1703. Barbados is also known for its unique cuisine which merges the traditions, influences and flavors of Indian, English, and African cultures. The national dish, Cou Cou & Flying Fish, features a popular fish-catch in Barbados prepared with local spices.

There’s no shortage of adventurous and fun things to do in Barbados! Try out a few beaches: Carlisle Bay for diving and snorkeling the shipwrecks and abundant sea life off its shoreline; Dover Beach for its calm waters and relaxation; Bathsheba for its coral rock formations and surfing. Explore the island sites on a challenging hike or an off-road jeep safari. Visit one of the tropical gardens, parks, or wildlife reserves. Explore a natural cave. Do a city stroll in Bridgetown (the island’s capital) and take in the colorful shops, local market, and historical sites and landmarks. Make a stop at an old church such as St. Michael’s Cathedral, or the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, Nidhe Israel. Play a round of golf at one of the five PGA Standard golf courses located in the areas of Christ Church, St. Peter, and St. James. Do a rum tasting. Enjoy a walking food tour. Go to a traditional Fri/Sat night Fish Fry. Experience the restaurants, bars, and lively nightlife in St. Lawrence Gap.

Barbados is just the right mix of relaxation and adventure. It’s a special place for the active traveler as well as those wanting a laid-back vacation—making it a perfect tropical paradise destination.

Explore the resorts in Barbados

Sandals Barbados

Sandals Royal Barbados

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