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Things to do in Barbados on a cruise port day
Sorted by how much time you need, travel from the pier included. Looking for a plan by hours? 4 hours · 6 hours.
Town
Historic Bridgetown
The neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings, National Heroes Square and the Careenage with Chamberlain Bridge, part of the UNESCO-listed old town. Broad Street has the department stores; Cheapside market is near the Princess Alice bus terminal.
Tour
Mount Gay rum tasting
The visitor centre of the old rum brand is on the Spring Garden Highway, minutes from the ship. Tours explain the blending and end with a tasting. Book a time slot, especially on busy days.
Town
George Washington House and the Garrisonbeing verified
The house where the young George Washington stayed in 1751, beside the Garrison Savannah parade ground and racetrack. Small museum and tunnels under the house.
Beach
Carlisle Bay beaches
Browne's Beach and Pebbles Beach line a sheltered bay just south of town, with calm, clear water and beach bars renting loungers. The easiest swim from the ship.
Tours & prices (4)
Carlisle Bay Turtle and Shipwreck Boat Cruise
Carlisle Bay Beach Shuttle & Lounger
Savvy Beach Day With Shuttle Transfers to Carlisle Bay
Wildlife Reserve & Carlisle Bay Tour with Cruise
Nature
Harrison's Cave
An electric tram takes you through a limestone cave with stalactites, streams and pools in the middle of the island. Often combined with a short island tour.
Tours & prices (2)
Island Tour with Animal Flower Cave and Lunch
Tour of Harrison's Cave & Hunte's Gardens
Water
Catamaran with turtles and shipwrecks
Sail along the west coast to swim with green and hawksbill turtles, then snorkel over the shallow wrecks in Carlisle Bay. Lunch and drinks are usually included. The most popular excursion in Barbados.
Tours & prices (3)
Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch
private Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling
Half-Day Luxury Catamaran Cruise - Turtles, Wreck & Buffet
Beach
Crane Beachbeing verified
A cove of pink-tinted sand below cliffs on the south-east coast, with real Atlantic waves. Strong swimmers will enjoy it; families are better off at Carlisle Bay.
Tour
St. Nicholas Abbey
A 17th-century plantation house in the north with its own rum distillery and a heritage steam railway up to the view at Cherry Tree Hill. Far from the port; best on a guided tour or with a taxi that waits.
Tours & prices (2)
St Nicholas Abbey Distillery, CTH Heritage Railway
Barbados St. Nicholas Abbey Rum tasting and Hidden Gems Tour
Tour
Bathsheba and the east coast
Huge rock formations in the surf, fishing villages and wide views over the Atlantic. Swimming is dangerous here because of the currents; Andromeda Botanic Gardens is on the hill just above.