CaribbeanBarbados is a Caribbean island that lies in the Atlantic Ocean. Its capital is Bridgetown. The island has a gentle landscape formed from coral deposits. “Bajan” means the people and products of Barbados.
Why go
Explore beaches, coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Visit Harrison's Cave and the island's botanical gardens.
Try flying fish and the Friday night fish fry in Oistins.
Visit rum distilleries and watch cricket at Kensington Oval.
Getting there
By air
- Grantley Adams Airport serves Barbados. It has flights from North America, Europe and other Caribbean islands.
- Some package holiday airlines also sell flight-only tickets. Caribbean Airlines and InterCaribbean Airways operate regional flights.
- The airport is 8 miles east of downtown Bridgetown. Buses and minibuses serve the south coast, Bridgetown, Holetown and Speightstown for B$3.50 per person.
By sea
- There are no ferries between Barbados and other Caribbean islands.
- Cruise ships dock at Bridgetown deep water harbour. Check with the cruise company if you want a sailing that lets you finish your journey in Barbados.
Customs
- On arrival by air, fill in a landing card for immigration. Keep the detachable section for your departure.
- For duty-free shopping, bring your passport and a written departure schedule. Check each item's label, as a duty-free shop may also sell items at ordinary prices.
- For most duty-free purchases, you take the goods with you and hand in a detachable slip when leaving. Duty-free alcohol is collected at the port of departure.
Getting around
Buses and minibuses
Buses are cheap and useful on main routes. The flat fare in 2026 is B$3.50 for any journey. Government buses are blue and generally quiet. They accept Barbadian or US dollars but do not give change. Private buses are yellow and often play loud music. White private minibuses can be crowded, and both types may be driven very fast.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful but do not use meters. Agree on the price before setting off. Ask your hotel or local people about the usual fare to your destination.
Rental cars and mokes
Drive on the left. Renting a car is expensive, but a car or moke, a small open-top vehicle, helps you reach sights away from main routes. Many roads are narrow and winding, with bumps and limited views ahead. Watch for pedestrians and vehicles passing on your side of the road. Road signs can be confusing. Ask local people for directions if you get lost. Most rental agencies include cover for collision damage. Tyre damage is excluded.
Walking, cycling and mopeds
Few roads outside towns have pavements. Take care around traffic. Narrow roads, bumps and vehicles passing other traffic make cycling and riding mopeds especially hazardous.
What to see and do
Botanical gardens
Andromeda Gardens, Hunte's Gardens, Flower Forest and Orchid World are in the hilly central and eastern countryside.
Historic houses
George Washington House, Wildey House and Sunbury Plantation House regularly open to visitors. Try to avoid busy coach and cruise excursion groups.
Codrington College
This historic site in central eastern Barbados routinely opens for visits.
Harrison's Cave
This is the island's most popular limestone cave. It is in the centre of Barbados.
Coles Cave
This cave is near Harrison's Cave. Entering requires skill, fitness and your own torch.
Animal Flower Cave
This sea cave is at the northern tip of the island.
Food and drink
Flying fish and coo-coo
Flying fish is served fried or steamed, often with coo-coo, a cornmeal and okra porridge. The yellow sauce served with fried fish contains very hot Scotch Bonnet peppers.
Pepperpot
A pork stew with a spicy, dark brown sauce.
Cutters
Sandwiches made with crusty salt bread, often filled with flying fish, ham or cheese. “Bread and two” contains two fish cakes.
Street snacks
Vendors sell fish cakes, barbecued pig tails, fresh coconut and roasted peanuts.
Oistins fish fry
Every Friday night, this south coast market serves fresh fish cooked to local recipes. Music, dancing and parties continue into the early hours.
Chefette
This local fast-food chain has branches across the island.
Money
Barbadian dollar (BBD), also called the Bajan dollar. Prices may use Bds$ or B$.
- The exchange rate is fixed at B$2 to US$1. Almost all shops and restaurants accept US dollars.
- Hotels may charge about 5% extra when exchanging money. Check the rate before agreeing.
- The airport departure exchange desk charges a minimum fee. Exchanging a small amount of leftover money there may be poor value.
- Street vendors expect bargaining. The source suggests bargaining towards about one-third of the first asking price.
Typical costs
- Bus and minibus journeys cost B$3.50 per person in 2026.
- Small guesthouses with breakfast are an inexpensive alternative to hotels.
- South coast hotels range from midrange to expensive. The west coast north of Bridgetown is expensive as far as Speightstown.
- Luxury villas can cost several thousand dollars a night.
- Four Square rum distillery offers free self-guided tours.
Language
- English is the official language.
- Bajan is a local creole language with English, Irish and West African Igbo words and expressions.
- Good morning
- A polite greeting that is appreciated, including when greeting strangers.
- Good evening
- A polite evening greeting.
Staying safe
- Crime is increasing. Be cautious on secluded beaches and in residential areas away from main roads.
- People travelling alone, especially women, face greater risks. Crimes against visitors include robbery, taxi fraud and short-changing.
- Road safety, sea safety and alcohol are major risks. Be especially careful when drinking is combined with road or sea activities.
- Drugs are illegal and penalties are strict. Beach sellers may offer drugs after starting a conversation about other goods.
Local customs
Do
- Greet people politely with “Good morning” or “Good evening”, including strangers.
- Dress conservatively away from the beach.
- Apologise promptly and sincerely if you bump into someone or cause offence.
Don't
- Do not wear a bikini around town or in church.
- Do not use racial slurs.
- Do not use familiar terms such as “B”, meaning “bro”, or “dawg” with strangers.
Staying healthy
- The sun can burn you even on cloudy or breezy days. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and covering clothes, use strong sunscreen and seek shade.
- Avoid being in the sun without protection from noon to 3 pm. Temperatures often exceed 32°C, and high humidity makes it harder to cool down.
- Drink plenty of water. Tap water is safe to drink.
- Use mosquito repellent before going outdoors after sunset. Mosquitoes are mainly a nuisance, but the source also mentions dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
Phone and internet
- Local SIM cards, which connect your phone to a mobile network, are sold at the airport, cruise terminal and tourist areas.
- Flow and Digicel are the two mobile carriers.
- Using your home mobile service brings international charges. Local mobile data is also expensive.
- Mobile internet and Wi-Fi are generally good in Bridgetown, along the south and west coasts, and beside main highways.
Where to stay
- Bridgetown has relatively little accommodation. Most visitors will find more choice along the south and west coasts.
- South coast hotels range from midrange to expensive. West coast hotels north of Bridgetown are expensive as far as Speightstown.
- Simpler guesthouses are found farther north. Small guesthouses with breakfast can cost less than hotels.
- Apartments and condos offer cooking facilities and are available for one-week stays. Most are near the beach and suit families.
Outdoor adventures in Barbados
Barbados offers boat-based diving, turtle snorkelling, surfing, caves and lush gardens. The sheltered west coast suits family beach trips, while the exposed east coast has powerful surf and is too hazardous for casual swimming and water sports.
Barbados reef and wreck diving
Scuba divingOffshore; operators mainly in Bridgetown and Holetownnear Bridgetown
Two-dive trips usually leave around 9AM and return by 2PM; single dives are also possible Morning, when the sea is calmerBook a boat trip with a dive operator in Bridgetown or Holetown. Operators offer basic training, courses and equipment hire. Most collect guests from hotels between Speightstown and Oistins.
- The main reefs and wrecks are too far offshore for comfortable shore diving.
Harrison's Cave
CaveCentral Eastern Barbados
Visit Harrison's Cave in the centre of the island. Transport and visit arrangements are not specified.
Soup Bowl
SurfingEast coast
Head to Soup Bowl on the east coast. Lessons, equipment hire and transport arrangements are not specified.
- The east coast is exposed to powerful Atlantic surf.
- This coast is too hazardous for casual swimming and water sports.
Silver Sands windsurfing
More to doSouthern Barbadosnear Silver Sands
Go to Silver Sands on the south coast. Lessons and equipment hire arrangements are not specified.
Western Barbados beaches
BeacheWestern Barbadosnear Holetown and Speightstown
Use Holetown or Speightstown as a base for the west-facing coast. Hotels and small guesthouses line this stretch.
- Be wary of secluded beaches, especially when travelling alone.
- Use sun protection and avoid being unprotected in the sun from noon to 3PM.
Barbados turtle snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling with turtles is available on the island. Several snorkelling areas can be reached from shore, but specific turtle sites and operators are not named.
- The exposed east coast is too hazardous for casual water sports.
Animal Flower Cave
CaveNorthern tip, Western Barbados
Visit the sea cave at the island's northern tip. Transport and entry arrangements are not specified.
Coles Cave
CaveCentral Barbados, near Harrison's Cave
Coles Cave is near Harrison's Cave. Bring your own torch; access and guide arrangements are not specified.
- Entering requires some skill and fitness.
- You need your own torch.
Andromeda Gardens
More to doCentral Eastern Barbados
Visit the botanical gardens in the hilly, less-developed part of the island. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Hunte's Gardens
More to doCentral Eastern Barbados
Visit these botanical gardens in Central Eastern Barbados. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Flower Forest
More to doCentral Eastern Barbados
Visit this botanical garden in Central Eastern Barbados. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Orchid World
More to doCentral Eastern Barbados
Visit this botanical garden in Central Eastern Barbados. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Christ Church south coast beaches
BeacheSouthern Barbadosnear Rockley, Saint Lawrence, Oistins and Silver Sands
Base yourself along the Christ Church tourist strip, which runs through Rockley, Saint Lawrence, Oistins and Silver Sands.
- Farther east in Saint Philip, the coast becomes rugged and the seas are stronger.
- Be wary of secluded beaches.
West coast surf breaks
SurfingWestern Barbados
When the swell is upSurf at breaks along the west coast when larger waves arrive. Individual breaks and operators are not named.
Barbados stand-up paddling
More to do
Stand-up paddling is available on the island. Locations, operators and equipment hire arrangements are not specified.
- The exposed east coast is too hazardous for casual water sports.
Atlantis Submarine trip
More to doOff Bridgetownnear Bridgetown
Take an Atlantis Submarine trip from Bridgetown.
Airports, metros and trains in Barbados
Airports with scheduled flights
- BGIGrantley Adams International AirportBridgetownMain international airport
People and safety in Barbados
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian95%
- No religion2%
- Other1%
- Muslim1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #42 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
56% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 176 of 198 countries can visit Barbados easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required176
- Visa required22
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Americas32 of 34 countries
- Europe43 of 46 countries
- Africa49 of 54 countries
- Oceania12 of 14 countries
- Asia40 of 50 countries
Questions
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
A taxi is the most convenient option; agree on the fare first. Buses and minibuses also serve the south coast, Bridgetown, Holetown and Speightstown for B$3.50 per person.
Can I pay with US dollars?
Almost all shops and restaurants accept them. The fixed exchange rate is B$2 to US$1.
Do I need to rent a car?
Buses are useful on main routes. A car or moke helps you reach sights away from those routes, but rentals are expensive and many roads are narrow and winding.
Will I be able to speak English with local people?
Yes, English is the official language. Speech can be fast and hard to follow, and locals also speak Bajan.
Is the tap water safe?
Yes. The island's limestone naturally filters the water.
What local food should I try?
Try flying fish with coo-coo, pepperpot or a cutter sandwich. Oistins holds a fish fry every Friday night.
Where should I look for accommodation?
The south and west coasts have more choice than Bridgetown. Simpler guesthouses are found north of Speightstown, while beachside apartments with kitchens can suit families.
Can a beginner try scuba diving?
Dive operators offer basic training and equipment hire. Diving is mainly from boats, and calling ahead is recommended because cruise ship visits can fill places.
What should I wear away from the beach?
Dress conservatively in town and at church. Camouflage clothing is forbidden for anyone outside the military, including children.
Can I buy a local SIM card after arriving?
Yes, at the airport, cruise terminal or tourist areas. Flow and Digicel provide service, but mobile data is expensive and coverage is patchy in central and eastern areas.
Reviewed by @snuck