Vacations in Barbados are rich in cultural and visual delights, from the pristine underwater world to lush hillsides, historic churches, spectacular plantations and, of course, the beaches.
Barbados is a great island to vacation with kids. Safe beaches, particularly along the west coast, and numerous activities and attractions make vacations enjoyable for the whole family. Submarine trips, wildlife reserves, nature sanctuaries, horseback riding, and water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming lessons are available.
Some hotels offer Kids’ Club facilities, allowing parents to spend time alone without worry, and babysitters are easy to find for around $20.00BDS ($10.00US) per hour, plus transport home.
The following 5 Barbados attractions are great for both adults and children. Make sure the children are well protected from the sun and heat and you will all have a great time
1 Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Entering the gates of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, you find yourself in a mahogany forest teeming with vervet monkeys, ducks, turtles, peacocks, otters, raccoons, agoutis, deer, macaws, porcupines, flamingos, parrots and pythons. . With more than a mile (2 km) of trails winding through the forest, a journey through the reserve is a journey of discovery and wonder.
All animals except pythons and parrots roam freely in the forest. The animals are in their natural environment so, unlike a zoo, you have the unique opportunity to see them behave naturally, with no barriers between you.
Brought to the island from Africa at the end of the 17th century, the Green Monkeys are one of the biggest attractions in the reserve. The best time to see them is in the late afternoon when they come out to feed.
There is a collection of exotic orchids and an iguana sanctuary, an aviary, and an information center where you can learn about the animals’ habitats and history.
There are plenty of places to sit and rest and just watch the animals, and a cafe and shop on site where you can buy a snack and cold drink, which you may need as it can get quite hot.
The entrance fee to the Wildlife Reserve includes admission to the adjoining Grenada Hall forest and signal station, so be sure to visit once you’ve completed your tour of the reserve.
Telephone 246 422 8826
2 Bosque de Granada Hall and signal station
Built in the 1800s, the signal station, one of six towers erected at strategic points on the island. Restored to its original state, the tower’s interior now houses a number of historical exhibits and artifacts.
Grenada Hall Forest encompasses a coral stone path with educational resources along the way that provide the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the natural environment.
Telephone 246 422 8826
3 harbor master cruiser
The MV Harbor Master is described as a “floating entertainment center”. The Bajan Village Life Lunch Cruise recreates the spirit of Barbados with crew members dressed as historical figures providing entertainment.
At the beach stop, kids can swim or snorkel in the reef, or for the daredevils there’s a 70-foot water slide. On the return trip there is a live calypso band for dancing and entertainment.
Telephone 246 430 0900
4 Harrison’s Cave
This spectacular cave, located in the parish of St. Thomas, is a must-see on any Barbados vacation.
The tour begins with an audiovisual show documenting the geological history of Barbados and the wonders of the cave.
After the show, you’ll board a tram for a spectacular journey through vast caverns, with waterfalls plunging over ledges into crystal clear pools and thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.
Telephone 246 438 6640
5 Swimming with the turtles
Swimming with turtles is an amazing experience for both adults and children and will certainly be the highlight of your vacation. Barbados is home to a large population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Once endangered by overfishing, these large creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the island.
Turtles are social and tend to stay in the same area, following a consistent routine. They can be seen playing and feeding along the fringing reefs. In some areas, they are relatively tame and have become accustomed to humans. You can swim with them while they feed among the corals. A good way to do this is with a sailboat ride and a snorkeling picnic.
A vacation to Barbados is great with or without children. The island is rich in history; Home to more great restaurants than you could cover in a month, it has enough sports and activities to keep the whole family busy, and it has some of the friendliest people in all of the Caribbean.
For more activities, see the article “Holidays in Barbados with children: more things to do”
