1. Awesome Beaches
On the west coast of Barbados is the Caribbean sea. The east coast, however, meets the Atlantic ocean. One small island with the best of both worlds is two for the price of one. And who doesn’t love a good deal? Beach bums looking for a relaxing day of sun bathing and water wading can chill on the mild beaches of the west coast. Surfers can head to the east coast where conditions are windy and waves are wild. The sand in Barbados is really white, and thanks to naturally clean, coral-filtered water, the water is an electric blue.
2. Perfect Weather
The temperature in Barbados rarely dips below 75 degrees. Even when it’s hot, it doesn’t go much over 90 degrees. Heaven all-year-round, right? Other Caribbean islands tend to get humid, but Barbados conveniently has steady breezes and short passing showers to ward off stifling heat.
3. Fresh Seafood and Oistin’s Fish Fry
If you like fish, you’re in luck. Barbados is known for flying fish, but the “dolphin”—what the Bajans call mahi mahi—tastes amazing too. Can’t go wrong with marlin, barracuda, or swordfish either. One word of advice: when visiting Barbados, make sure to book the trip over a weekend. Oistin’s Fish Fry opens on Friday and Saturday nights and it’s a huge party for both locals and tourists. Oistin’s is packed with stands offering the grilled or fried fish of your choice with a side (order the macaroni pie, aka Bajan mac and cheese).
4. Mount Gay Rum
Mount Gay of Barbados is, “the rum that invented rum,” so best believe that this sugar cane spirit has been part of the Bajan lifestyle since 1703. Want a mixer for rum punch, daiquiris, and Piña Coladas? Mount Gay Rum’s “Eclipse” and “Eclipse Silver” should do the trick. Looking for something stronger? The 100-proof “Eclipse Black” brings the heat. The “Extra Old” with notes of bourbon, caramel, and vanilla is an all-around favorite; drink it on the rocks to bring out all the flavors. The “1703” is for the fancy rum drinkers out there—with notes of tobacco and ripe banana, the bottle is well-worth the $103 price.
5. Nightlife
There’s something for everyone in Barbados when it comes to nightlife. There are quaint rum shacks for sipping on Mount Gay XO all night, or chic clubs with VIP and bottle service like Priva. Bar hop along St. Lawrence Gap and dance till late at Reggae Lounge, The Ship Inn, and McBrides. 2nd Street in St. James gets down, too.
6. Sailing
Sailing is big in Barbados. There are regattas every season and sailors from around the world come to show off their racing skills. Plus, Barbados is so small that boats can go around the whole island in a few hours. Don’t know your boom from your starboard? No worries, have the experts do the work while you snorkel with sea turtles or explore old shipwrecks.
7. Extreme Sports
Barbados is becoming a popular destination for travelers that dig extreme sports. The island is perfect for sailing, surfing, and scuba diving. Plus, most beaches on the western coast have stands to rent all the equipment you need. Get on a jet ski at least once while you’re out there.
8. The People
Barbados is on of those great countries where locals accept tourists with open arms. Bajans have an amazing culture that they want to share with visitors. That kind of warm welcome makes a vacation exponentially greater. Don’t know what to order at the local fast food chain, Chefette? The locals will tell you exactly which roti they like best.
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