Know Before You Go...®

So what is Barbados really like? What is there to see and do when you step outside your villa rental? Find out using the tabs on this page, where you can learn more about Barbados. Whether you want to lounge at the beach or tour plantation homes, you can learn more about these activities and others, as well find out other helpful information before your trip to this fun-loving island.

Why Barbados?

  • Barbados is the easternmost island in the Caribbean.
  • The island is known for its coral reefs and beaches.
  • Barbados is home to the world's oldest functioning parliament, established in 1639.
  • The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Barbados is the birthplace of rum, and the world's oldest rum distillery is located on the island.

Barbados Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
84° F
° F
February
84° F
° F
March
84° F
° F
April
86° F
° F
May
87° F
° F
June
87° F
° F
July
87° F
° F
August
88° F
° F
September
88° F
° F
October
87° F
° F
November
86° F
° F
December
85° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.5
February
0.76
March
0.66
April
0.97
May
1.78
June
1.88
July
2.57
August
2.56
September
2.84
October
3.24
November
3.48
December
1.79

Overview

Barbados, the easternmost island of the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, is a coral island formed in pre-historic times by erupting volcanoes. All that activity has left modern-day visitors a 21-mile-long playground for beachgoers, scuba divers, snorkelers, golfers, fishing enthusiasts and just about anyone seeking fun. You can even go to the horse races if you so desire.


The island is mostly flat. Its rolling hills, deep rifts and gullies provide a scenic home to colorful and interesting plants and wildlife. Its west coast boasts beaches of fine white sand bordering a blue-green Caribbean sea, while the Atlantic Ocean supplies the east coast with waves that inspire surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. The constant breeze of the trade winds gives Barbados a mild and pleasant tropical climate, with average temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees.


Touring here can be done aboard historic ships, submarines, private sailboats or chartered yachts. Or, you may want to spend more time seeing the island’s treasures through a dive mask. Coral reefs fringe the shoreline to provide excellent snorkeling and scuba diving amid colorful, undulating sea gardens and bright tropical fish.


Touring on land can be done by rental car, taxi, motorscooter or even on horseback. Although the island’s stunning beaches are captivating, you can find many attractions inland as well. Andromeda Gardens in St. Joseph Parish, for example, with its winding paths, ponds and abundance of orchid varieties, trees and other plants is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.


In the evening, you may find visiting troupes performing opera and theater, and an annual jazz festival returns every January. Accommodations range from luxurious hotels and villas, to pirates’ castles, to apartments with kitchenettes, to modest seaside cottages.

History

Barbados is a small island nation located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and vibrant culture. Its history is a blend of European colonization, African influence, and indigenous traditions that have shaped the island into what it is today.

The earliest inhabitants of Barbados were the indigenous Amerindian people, who arrived on the island around 1600 BC. They lived a simple life, relying on fishing and agriculture to sustain themselves. However, their peaceful existence was disrupted when the island was discovered by the Portuguese explorer Pedro a Campos in 1536.

In 1625, the British arrived and claimed Barbados as a colony, naming it after the Bearded Fig Trees that were abundant on the island. The first settlers quickly established large sugar plantations, bringing in enslaved Africans to work the land. This marked the beginning of a dark period in Barbados’ history, as the island became a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade.

By the mid-17th century, Barbados had become the world’s largest producer of sugar, generating immense wealth for the British colonizers. However, this wealth came at a great cost to the enslaved Africans who were forced to work in harsh conditions. This led to several uprisings and rebellions, most notably the Bussa Rebellion in 1816, which was the largest slave rebellion in the island’s history.

In 1834, slavery was abolished in Barbados, and the island began to shift from a sugar-based economy to one driven by tourism. This change brought about a cultural shift as well, as the descendants of enslaved Africans began to reclaim their African heritage and traditions.

In the 20th century, Barbados became an independent nation in 1966, breaking away from British rule. The country has since flourished, with a stable economy and a strong emphasis on education and healthcare. It has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world with its stunning beaches, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage.

Today, Barbados continues to celebrate its African roots through traditions such as the annual Crop Over festival, which originated from the harvest celebrations of enslaved Africans. The island also boasts a diverse population, with a blend of African, European, and indigenous influences that can be seen in its music, cuisine, and art.

In conclusion, Barbados’ history is a complex and fascinating one, shaped by the forces of colonization, slavery, and resilience. Despite its troubled past, the island has emerged as a thriving nation, proud of its heritage and welcoming to visitors from all corners of the globe.

Crop Over

The fantastic Barbadian festival celebrating the end of the local sugar cane crop.

Lasting for approximately 5 weeks, and commencing in July, Crop Over is a Barbadian festival celebrating the end of the local sugar cane crop harvest - hence it's name. The cultural diversity of the island is showcased throughout the festival through exhibitions, concerts, street markets, parades and of course mega dust-to-dawn parties.

Zed's Surfing Adventures

Barbados is a surfing paradise. Get Zed to teach you how to surf!

Zed Layson was born and raised on the island, and he began surfing at the age of 7. Zed has gained a lot of great experiences surfing and competing all over South America, the United States and of course, the Caribbean. His surf school is staffed with patient instructors, and there are group and private lessons available.

Sandy Lane Beach

The best beach on the island. Walk by the hotel and see if you can spot a VIP.

This magnificent beach is situated on the west coast of Barbados, just south of the Holetown area. Widely known as the "Sandy Lane" beach, this stretch takes its name from the luxurious Sandy Lane Hotel which is nestled in the mahogany trees, directly offshore.

Transportation on Barbados

Getting to Barbados and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

Passport, return ticket & intended address.

Airlines Flying Here

  • American Airlines
  • jetBlue
  • Caribbean Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • WestJet
  • Air France
  • British Airways
  • Copa
  • Air Antilles Express
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Condor.

Airport

Grantley Adams International Airport,  Barbados (BGI), is 13km (8 miles) east of Bridgetown, in the parish of Christ Church.

Departure Tax

$27.50 for all passengers over the age of 2. Passengers flying outside of the Caribbean region pay $70 pp, and those flying within the Caribbean pay $35 pp.  Most airlines include this with the cost of the ticket.

Driving

On the left - need to have a valid driver’s license (for at least 2 years) from your home country, and will need to purchase a Barbados driving license. Most companies will require the driver be over 23 years old. 

Child seat law: All children traveling without an adult in the back of the vehicle must have carseats. However, if the adult is travellng in the rear of the vehicle with the child, then no seat is required.

Local Transportation

1. Taxis: Taxis are a convenient and popular mode of transportation in Barbados. They are readily available at the airport, hotels, and tourist attractions. Taxis are metered and fares are regulated by the government, making them a safe and reliable option for getting around the island.

2. Public buses: Barbados has an extensive public bus system that covers most areas of the island. The buses are affordable and operate on fixed routes, making them a great option for budget travelers. However, they can get crowded during peak times, so plan your trip accordingly.

3. Renting a car: Renting a car is a great way to explore Barbados at your own pace. There are several car rental companies on the island, and prices are relatively affordable. Just be aware that driving is on the left side of the road in Barbados.

4. ZR vans: ZR vans are privately owned mini-buses that operate on fixed routes and are a popular mode of transportation among locals. They are known for their loud music and colorful decorations, making for a lively and unique ride experience.

5. Scooters and bicycles: For a more adventurous way of getting around, you can rent a scooter or bicycle in Barbados. This is a great option for exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and countryside.

6. Water taxis: If you’re looking to travel between the different islands of Barbados, water taxis are a great option. They operate between the main island and the smaller surrounding islands, providing a scenic and efficient mode of transportation.

7. Walking: Many areas in Barbados are easily walkable, especially in the cities and towns. This is a great way to soak in the local culture and discover hidden gems along the way. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated in the tropical climate.

Know Before You Go...® - Barbados Travel Tips

Before making their way to Barbados , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Barbados even more relaxing.

Capital: Bridgetown
Population: 287,375 (2019)
Size: 431 sq km
Electric Current: 110
Time: zone:-4 (GMT/UTC )
Official Language: English
Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD) - U.S. dollars widely accepted.
Tipping and Taxes: A service charge of 10-15% will typically be added to your hotel and/or restaurant bill. Any additional tipping is at your discretion. The standard rate of tipping is between 10% - 15%.
Dress Code: Even though Barbados is a tropical island, the dress code here is on the formal side, meaning that you’ll want to cover up when not at the beach. Bring light clothes suitable for the tropics - loose tops, shorts & dresses for the ladies, shorts and polos for the guys. Cotton dresses and light jackets for formal wear. Some restaurants do have a dress code plus it's nice to dress up sometimes even when on holiday. Please note that it's illegal to have army/combat/camo type clothing or print.
Topography: Relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region named Mount Hillaby.
Telephone: International Country Code: 246 Dial +1 + 246 + 7 digit number

Barbados Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in Barbados villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons! It is very easy to get married in Barbados as there is no required waiting period or minimum length of stay. Application for a marriage licence must be made by both parties in person at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the capital city Bridgetown. You will need:

  • Valid passports or birth certificates.
  • Return tickets.
  • If either party was divorced, an original Decree Absolute or a certified copy of     the Final Judgment.
  • If either party was previously married and widowed, a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate in respect of the deceased spouse.
  • For a Roman Catholic ceremony, the relevant documents must be sent by your bishop to the bishop of Bridgetown.
  • Where necessary, all documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

A marriage license must be obtained in person from the Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs, General Post Office Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown. Telephone: 246-228-8950; Open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
   
FEES FOR THE LICENSE:
    If neither party is a citizen or resident of Barbados: $100 and a $25 stamp
    If either party is a citizen or resident of Barbados : $100 and a $10 stamp
FEES FOR CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONIES/Non-National:
    $250 - Magistrate fee for ceremonies held in the court
    $350 - Magistrate fee for ceremonies held out of the court

See our favorite Barbados villas for weddings.

See our favorite Barbados villas for honeymoons.