8 Tips for Exploring Barbados, Like a Local

The island of Barbados became fully independent in 1966, after being occupied and ruled by British colonists for centuries. Rich in culture and natural beauty, the Caribbean destination is beloved by travelers today — in fact, Tenisha Holder, senior business development officer for Visit Barbados, says the island has a high repeat-visitor rate, enticing explorers back to see more year after year.

“Barbados has that type of charm,” Holder said. “People tend to make it their home away from home.”

Though born and raised on the island, Holder finds that she’s still uncovering local gems herself. She calls the island “immersive,” and a place to explore with a sense of adventure.

You don’t really come to Barbados to sit on the grounds of your chosen property — you get out, you navigate the island.

“You don’t really come to Barbados to sit on the grounds of your chosen property — you get out, you navigate the island,” she said. “Even the resorts encourage this; Sandals, for example, will take guests off-property on the weekends and into the fishing village.” 

Below are a few experiences to consider for clients, per Holder’s suggestion. And, to help travel advisors dig further into the region, the tourism bureau offers the Barbados Elite Club, an educational platform for travel professionals that’s complete with e-trainings and rewards for bookings. 

Tip 1: Spend Time in Bridgetown

Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados, is home to about 110,000 residents today, plus hundreds of years of history. Clients will find British Colonial buildings that date back as far as the 16th century still standing, plus vibrant Caribbean culture in the port town’s energetic marketplaces and shops. Walking tours that highlight local cuisine and history abound via local operators, and Holder says advisors might also work with destination management company Blu Isles to create custom treks and experiences.

Tip 2: Explore the Island’s Food Scene

“We have so many dining options here, including spots where Barbadian chefs put their local flare things — like Italian cuisine with Barbanian notes,” Holder said. 

Book clients at spots like The Cliff and The Tides for a more formal meal, and as well as Local and Co. for farm-to-table (and sea-to-table) dishes including breadfruit gnocchi and coconut Caribbean shrimp curry. 

Then there’s the casual fare to try. Holder names “cutter” — a fish sandwich, fried or grilled, on Bajan salt bread — as a top island snack, and she says to point clients to the fishing village of Oistins to sample “traditional weekend foods” like macaroni pie and pudding and “souse” (the latter consists of pickled pork and steamed sweet potato). Oistins is regularly visited for its fish fries, too, and it buzzes on Friday nights with revelers enjoying drinks and camaraderie under the stars.

Tip 3: Go Caving 

Barbados is home to dozens of caves, but the most visited is surely Harrison’s Cave, where clients will find innumerable stalactites and stalagmites, waterfalls and pools — and they can even see them up-close via tram. Adventure tours that include spelunking in the cave and ziplining nearby are available through local operators.

For a more low-key experience, no tickets or tour needed, point clients to Animal Flower Cave, a sea cave accessible to intrepid travelers so long as the ocean waves aren’t too large outside its entry. Explorers who make it to the cave’s furthest chamber might swim in the protected pool there. Nearby is an eponymous cafe that’s only open for lunch and serves traditional bajan fish cakes, chicken and potato roti, saltfish bujol and more.

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Tip 4: Ride the Atlantis Submarine

Another popular Barbados adventure is a ride on Atlantis Submarines. The vessel carries guests down into the Caribbean Sea, where a shipwreck site, coral reefs and endemic fish species might be spotted from the portholes. There’s even a nighttime tour, if clients would like the opportunity to hunt for sea creatures that lurk in the dark.

Tip 5: Book a Catamaran Tour

The beautiful blue waters around Barbados practically demand to be explored, from above and/or below, and Holder says a catamaran tour is a great way to do that. El Tigre Catamaran Sailing Cruises is one local operator that offers private sailings and a turtle and shipwreck cruise that gets guests snorkeling in the sea, either in the daytime or at sunset. Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises and Calypso Cruises are among other operators. 

Tip 6: Sample the Oldest Rum in the World

The history of rum begins in Barbados, where sugar cane has been distilled and fermented to make the spirit since the 17th century. The Mount Gay distillery, founded in 1703 on Barbados, offers site tours, tastings and cocktail classes ideal for any client who wants a taste of this part of the island’s history. Other brands welcome rum-loving travelers as well, as do numerous rum shops around the island.

Tip 7: Visit For a Festival 

The multi-day Crop Over festival takes place annually in July and/or August; the event was historically a way to mark the end of a successful sugar cane season, but its modern iteration is more about honoring the island’s culture. Arts and crafts, food and drink, dancing, calypso and soca music and even more live entertainment are part of the fun. The festival culminates on the last day with the Grand Kadooment, a colorful, high-energy parade with elaborate costumes, giant bands playing tunes and more.

But for Holder, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival is the event of the year. Local and international chefs, plus distillers, strut their stuff at the October event. Any client who describes themselves as a “foodie” will love the culinary array here.

"Naturally, this is my absolute favorite [event],” Holder said. “It’s a perfect mix of party and food.”

Other events to consider traveling for in Barbados include the Oistins Fish Festival (held every year at Easter), the VujaDay Music Festival and Barbados Sailing Week.  

Tip 8: Explore a Range of Barbados Hotels and Resorts

Hotel options on the island continue to grow, from the now-open Sam Lords Castle Barbados, A Wyndam Grand Resort to The Pendry Barbados, which is expected to open in 2026. Holder recommends that clients consider the all-inclusive O2 Beach Club and Spa, which has been refreshed recently — the beachfront property has one of the island’s few rooftop pools and is “in the center of the action.” The aforementioned Sandals Barbados is another all-inclusive choice.