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We have two convenient locations in Barbados to serve you for your travel needs! Scroll down to see our contact information and opening hours. Please note that our Sheraton Mall branch is MoneyGram only.

LOWER ESTATE CWTS Complex Lower Estate St. George BB19025, Barbados Tel: (246) 431-2400 Opening Hours: MoneyGram: Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 4:00pm Travel: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm Closed on Saturday

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INDEPENDENCE SQUARE Speedbird House Independence Square Bridgetown St. Michael, Barbados Tel: (246) 431-2400 Opening Hours: MoneyGram: Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Closed on Saturday

SHERATON MALL (MoneyGram only) Sargeant's Village Christ Church, Barbados Tel: (246) 431-2400 Opening Hours: Mon & Tue | Thu - Sat 10:30 am – 6:00 pm Closed on Wednesday

SUNSET CREST (MoneyGram only) Bernmar Centre, Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Crest, St. James, Barbados Tel: (246) 431-2400 Opening Hours: Mon & Tue | Thu - Sat 8:00am - 4:00pm Closed on Wednesday

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Rum Lover's Guide to Barbados

Your Trip to Barbados: The Complete Guide

Barbados is located in the West Indies, in the southeastern Caribbean , between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This unique position just below the Caribbean's hurricane belt protects Barbados from storms but guarantees enticing surfing. The entire island of Barbados is 21 miles long and is relatively flat, with no shortage of things to do. From trip-planning logistics to island activities, where to stay and what to do, read on for your ultimate guide to your next Barbados vacation.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from mid-April to June after peak tourist season has already occurred on the island and before the wet season from June to November.
• Language: English
• Currency : The Barbadian Dollar is the main currency, pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchanged rate of US $1: BDS $1.98, and the U.S. dollar is widely accepted.  
• Getting Around: The Grantley Adams International Airport in Christ Church is the international airport where you will arrive in Barbados, and the 21-mile-long island is navigable by taxi and by rental car. 
• Travel Tips : Travelers on a budget should consider visiting during the off-season, from mid-April through November, to save on airfare and hotel costs. If you are planning on visiting the island during the holiday season, or from mid-December through mid-April, then plan on scouring the web for travel deals in advance to minimize increased costs. There are also plenty of cost-effective ways to explore the island, including guided hikes led by the Barbados National Trust on Sundays at various locations around the island, and food tours that take travelers to a variety of Bajan restaurants in a single afternoon.
• Tipping: 10 to 15 percent is standard.
• Weather: Barbados is temperate year-round thanks to moderate trade winds off the Atlantic Ocean, but there is a wet and a dry season as the island is so close to the equator. Located just south of the Caribbean's hurricane belt, severe storms on the island are unlikely.

Things to Do

From idyllic beaches and breathtaking sea cliffs to world-class surfing and kite-boarding, Barbados is the perfect place for an active vacation in the tropics. (Though, if you'd rather lounge on the beach all day instead, we don't blame you. Especially if it's Crane Beach or Bottom Bay Beach in Saint Philip Parish.) Alternately, visitors should explore the local museums and sign up for a food tour or a rum tasting on the island to get a better appreciation of the nation's history.

• Explore the Animal Flower Cave in the island's North Point to witness one of the most beautiful sites in Barbados. But if you don't trust us, trust Rihanna: The Bajan legend filmed a campaign in this very spot.
• A trip to the Caribbean wouldn't be complete without a sunset sail. We recommend a trip aboard the Tiami Catamaran Cruise for some snorkeling and rum punch while you witness the blazing hues of the setting sun as it sinks into the Caribbean Sea.
• Thanks to the island's unique location, jutting out to the east of the Caribbean island chain, Barbados is home to legendary swells that make the beaches here a surfer's paradise. (Kelly Slater is known to be a fan.) Waves usually max out at 6 feet (1.8 meters) but can get as high as 12 feet (3.6 meters) from October to March   . Sign up for a lesson with Burkie's Surf School —the founder, Alan Burke, is the first professional surfer from Barbados.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the best things to do in Barbados, top activities to do with kids , the best things to do along the west coast of Barbados, and the best beaches in Barbados.

What to Eat and Drink

A visit to the Oistins Fish Fry on Friday night is an absolute must. While the tradition of the weekly fish fry is prevalent throughout the Caribbean, this iteration in Barbados is one of the absolute best. Make sure to dance to the live music, and grab a bite to eat (and something to drink) at Angel's Cafeteria or Pat's Place beforehand. For a fancier option for a night out, consider paying a visit to Daphne's, a gorgeous seaside restaurant in the House Barbados, or booking a reservation at the Fish Pot Restaurant or The Tides.

Explore the island's culinary scene with food tours via the Pigtails and Breadfruit Tour, Lickrish Tours, and Lick De Bowl Food Tours. Additionally, Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum with the first distillery on the island, Mount Gay Rum Distillery , first opening in 1703.   Since the island is famous for its rum, it only makes sense to take a tour at either the Mount Gay Rum Distillery,  St. Nicholas Abbey,  or the Foursquare Rum Factory ; it is the perfect way to learn more about the local history of the island. For expert rum-drinkers (or merely rum aficionados), a rum pairing dinner at the Rum Vault in the Colony Club simply mustn't be missed. (Just remember to make a reservation in advance.)

Explore our articles on the  rum lover's guide to Barbados and check out our recommendations on delicious Caribbean cocktails and recipes as well as our Barbados honeymoon tips for more romantic selections.

Where to Stay

The island of Barbados is filled with luxurious seaside resorts that capitalize on its lush tropical surroundings. If you're in the mood for stylish sophistication, then a stay at the adults-only The House Barbados  is the perfect solution. The Colony Club is another chic resort that's part of Elegant Hotels (a Barbados Luxury Hotel collection) located nearby, and it features the Rum Vault, which is mentioned above. Little Good Harbour in the parish of St. Lucy (home of The Fish Pot Restaurant) is another picturesque seaside option. If you're booking with a larger group or focusing on family travel (and minimizing meal costs), then consider booking an all-inclusive resort to accommodate those needs.

Check out our recommendations on the best all-inclusive resorts , the best resorts for families, and the best resorts to visit in Barbados, as well as an article on the best time of year to visit the Caribbean.

Getting There

Grantley Adams International Airport in Seawell, Christ Church, is the central hub in Barbados, and both cabs and rental cars are plentiful once you arrive on the island. The main roads are relatively easy to navigate, though the further you get into side streets on the island, they become more difficult for drivers. For travelers looking to have every element of their trip accounted for (and handled in style), consider booking a vacation with Blue Isles, a full-service destination management company in Barbados that specializes in unique (and uniquely luxurious) on-island experiences.

Check out our article for tips on how to pick the Caribbean island that's right for you and peruse our safety tips for Barbados travelers .

Barbados Culture and History

There's no shortage of diverting events and festivities in Barbados, ranging from the annual Crop Over Festival, the crown jewel of Bajan celebrations that occurs during July and August. Still, other key highlights throughout the year include the Food and Rum Festival in October and the National Independence celebrations that have been held in November every year since 1973. There is also an array of holiday festivities that travelers should check out if visiting during peak season in the winter months, including a New Year's Eve party locally known as Old Year's Night.

Check out our article on the Crop Over Festival in Barbados and our overview of the top Barbados events and festivals as well as our monthly Caribbean event calendar for more information.

Money-Saving Tips

• Visit in the off-season when it's less expensive, from mid-April through early December, when airfare and hotel bookings are less expensive. Tourists planning on visiting during peak season should scour the web for flight deals and reservations months in advance for the best price.
• Be sure to avail yourself of the street festivals and parades held throughout the year, and consult our list of events on the island to see if any seasonal activities are occurring while you are visiting.
• Check to see if the hotel or restaurant has included a service fee in your bill. Otherwise, a 10-15 percent tip is customary.
• For larger groups, consider booking an all-inclusive resort in Barbados to save on food and drink (especially helpful for larger groups); Almond Casuarina is a popular option.
• Consider staying in less touristy parts of the island, including in the parish of St. Lucy (home to the natural island beauty including the picturesque Animal Flower Caves)
• Sign up for one of the free hikes with The Barbados National Trust that occur every Sunday all across the island.
• Consider reserving your spot on a food tour, which exposes you to a rich array of Bajan cuisine without paying individual restaurant prices.
• Additionally, entrance fees for museums on the island are quite reasonable, and the exhibits are illuminating, bringing the island's culture and history alive. You can review current prices online.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun with our Barbados budget travel tips (and be sure to check out our safety tips for Barbados travelers , too.) For more information, explore our story on Caribbean budget travel tips and destinations .

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. "Travel Information."

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. "Surfing."

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. "Birthplace of Rum."

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Explore Beautiful Barbados with Us!

Experience the True Barbados.

The Gem of the Caribbean

Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island and an independent British Commonwealth nation. Bridgetown, the capital, is a cruise-ship port with colonial buildings and Nidhe Israel, a synagogue founded in 1654. Around the island are beaches, botanical gardens, the Harrison’s Cave formation, and 17th-century plantation houses like St. Nicholas Abbey. Local traditions include afternoon tea and cricket, the national sport.

Barbados 

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10 Best Barbados Tour Operators 2024 [Unbiased & With Reviews]

10 best barbados tour operators 2024.

Are you planning to visit Barbados, but unsure which tour provider to select? Now, you no longer have to waste time searching the internet and filling out dozens of contact forms. Simply fill out ONE form, we’ll send it off to multiple tour providers and they’ll contact YOU! You’ll be able to compare rates and find the lowest cost tour for the most affordable trip abroad.

Are you looking for a memorable and meaningful adventure on a beautiful Caribbean Island? Would you like to experience white sandy beaches and turquoise ocean water with gorgeous scenic views? Are you interested in finding the best tour operators in Barbados to plan your tour?

Barbados is a tiny jewel in the Caribbean with soft-sand beaches, postcard-perfect turquoise water, and friendly and fun people. A British colony, Barbados is English-speaking with a classic British vibe, including high tea, cricket, and driving on the left side of the road. With thousands of tourist attractions, the country is most famous for snorkeling, diving, and food and music festivals. Each location in Barbados has a great story, every meal is a celebration, and each day promises new experiences and lasting memories.

As you begin to research how to find the best tour provider in Barbados, you will discover hundreds of tour companies. Investing in a top-notch tour agency is a big decision that could also cost you thousands of dollars. You should invest in a tour company that is trustworthy to give you a memorable experience in Barbados. Being able to choose a great tour operator carefully comes with knowledge, and TravellersQuest is here to ensure you are well conversant with the best of Barbados tours.

We would hate for you to spend thousands of dollars on a dishonest and untrustworthy tour provider. For this reason, we have spent thousands of hours combing through hundreds of tour operators in Barbados to provide you with this in-depth list of the best options for you. Everything you need to know about the best 10 Barbados tour companies is below!

Here is an unbiased list of the Top 10 most reputable Barbados tour operators.

Table update Feb 13, 2024

Silver Moon Charter

If a trusted, dependable, and top-rated Barbados catamaran tour excursion is what you are looking for, look no further than  Silver Moon Charter . It is a reputable Barbados tour company founded in 1984 by Nick to provide luxury Catamarans and exclusive seasoned voyages in the Barbados sea. With a team of professional guides and divers, you can enjoy a sunset or day cruise and explore secret gems while enjoying local snacks and cocktails. Silver Moon Charter team is engaging and committed to delivering you a once-in-a-lifetime Barbados experience.

Silver Moon Charters Best Packages

Silver Moon Charter offers many great Barbados tour packages for any level of adventurer to relax and enjoy the sea.

Sit back and relax with a cocktail, set sail in a  Luxury Catamaran Excursion , and dive deep to explore a 19 th -century shipwreck, marine life, and coral reefs while making friends and embracing Barbados.

Sail intimately in a  Luxury Private Charter  designed to accommodate romantic nights, family reunions, or weddings.

Silver Moon Charters Reviews

Silver Moon Charter has immense positive praise from past customers and earned multiple Certificate of Excellence and Travellers’ Choice award from Trip Advisor. They also have over 5750 outstanding reviews with a 5-star rating. So, they are on our top list for the best Barbados tour companies. You can read the review posted below:

Absolutely fantastic – second time with this company and would not use anyone else…Gill O Read all reviews of Silver Moon Charters on TripAdvisor

Calabaza Sailing Cruises

Calabaza Sailing Cruises  is one of the most reliable and efficient local tour operators in Barbados, founded in 2010. The company’s primary goal is to offer exclusive, customized, and private catamaran sailing cruises for small groups of up to 12 guests and ensure that your traveling experience in Barbados is unforgettable. With an experienced, knowledgeable, and highly dedicated team, Calabaza Sailing Cruises guarantees a relaxing cruise on a luxury and spacious catamaran with opportunities to snorkel and swim with the turtles and explore the coral reefs.

Calabaza Sailing Cruises Best Packages

As the number one rated tour provider, Calabaza Sailing Cruises has the best Barbados catamaran turtle snorkeling tour packages.

Get ready to get spoiled on the company’s  Private Cruise  with meals and drinks while discovering marine life, shipwrecks, and sea turtles.

There beats the beautiful and stunning Caribbean Sunset Cruise deep in the Barbados sea. This evening tour includes two snorkel stops, by the turtles and by the shipwreck or reef.

Calabaza Sailing Cruises Reviews

When you join Calabaza Sailing Cruises, you can expect great cruises and fulfilling experiences. This company is well equipped to handle all your tour and travel requirements, and the proof is the #2 ranking out of 172 tour operators Barbados with 4,532 reviews on Trip Advisor. Read this review from a past client:

We had a fantastic afternoon. The crew were very attentive both on the boat and in the water. We felt safe. The food was excellent…

Read all reviews of Calabaza Sailing Cruises on TripAdvisor .

El Tigre Catamaran Sailing Cruises

El Tigre Catamaran Cruises  is an award-winning licensed and registered Barbados tour company with exclusive catamarans built for performance, comfort, and security. With over ten years of professional experience, the company is passionate about offering the best marine tours in Barbados with professional and high-quality experienced PADI divers and crew members on board. All El Tigre Catamaran tours will take you to snorkel with an open drinks bar and buffet meals available throughout the excursion. Join them and sail in style and comfort!

El Tigre Catamaran Sailing Cruises Best Packages

You can join the Barbados Cruise tour packages provided by El Tigre Catamaran and feel safe knowing that they will deliver a first-class and unmatched tour experience.

Get on board for the Turtle and Shipwreck with Lunch Tour and swim with the amazing sea turtles, see the shipwrecks, and discover hundreds of tropical fish while sailing along the West Coast.

You can also enjoy a relaxing Barbados Sunset Turtle and Shipwreck Cruise from Bridgetown along the West Coast whilst enjoying scenic views over canapes and a glass of sparkling wine.

If you are looking for a Private Excursion, you can charter one of the El Tigre classic catamarans for a special experience with friends, family, or a romantic cruise.

El Tigre Catamaran Sailing Cruises Reviews

El Tigre Catamaran has earned its place as one of our top Barbados tour companies. They are top-ranked at #3 out of 172 companies within Bridgetown with a 5-star rating and nearly 2,683 reviews on Trip Advisor. See a positive review left on Trip Advisor by a happy tourist:

We had a great time with captain Ryan at the helm, Winston and the crew. They were very attentive and lunch and the drinks were great! Kelly L

Read all reviews of El Tigre Catamaran Sailing Cruises on TripAdvisor .

Bodie’s School of Surf

Bodie’s School of Surf  is an award-winning Barbados tour operator highly rated for surfing and windsurfing for both beginners and intermediates. The company also specializes in surf disciplines such as Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) and Kitesurfing to provide a complete watersports experience to tourists and water enthusiasts. With years of knowledge and experience in Barbados, Bodie’s School of Surf’s goal is to provide the highest level of safety, professional expertise, and fun surfing experiences.

Bodie’s School of Surf Best Packages

Picking Barbados tour packages with Bodie’s School of Surf is a simple and fun process with exciting choices to make for a vacation to remember.

Are you looking to take  Kitesurfing Lessons in Barbados ? School of Surf will deliver the best kitesurfing instructors in Barbados along Long Beach or Silver Rock Beach.

If you are looking for  Windsurfing Lessons Barbados , this company has the best packages to offer you near Oistins Bay.

Stand Up Paddling  is the fastest growing watersport, with its origin in Hawaii in the 1960s. Today, the re-emergence and rise in popularity of this sport have opened opportunities to learn.

Bodie’s School of Surf Reviews

Bodie’s School of Surf is on top of our list of the best 10 Barbados tour companies offering excellent tour experiences to thousands of happy travelers. On Trip Advisor, the company has over 1,150 reviews, and 99% of them are rating the company as very great or outstanding. Read this comment made by a past tourist:

This was a dream turned reality, Bodie is an amazing instructor and such good fun. He had me standing up on the board and riding the wave on my second wave…Gina M Read all reviews of Bodie’s School of Surf on TripAdvisor .

Ride The Tide Surf School

If you are looking to learn how to surf,  Ride the Tide , a Barbados tour company, is your best bet. The company is conveniently located at Freight’s Bay, a great surf spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. They are passionate about fun, safe, and effective surfing lessons that leave you with memorable and life-changing skills. In addition, Ride the Tide provides free all-day surfboard rental after your surf lesson. Join a private or small group for the best learning experience with qualified instructors who can perform First Aid and CPR.

Ride The Tide Surf School Best Packages

You can find the experience of your dreams with Ride the Tide Surf School. They have the best Barbados tour packages, and you have many tour options .

Join in on the  Group Surf Lessons  with a small group of family or friends for three surfing lessons regardless of if you are a beginner or intermediate surfer.

The  3-PACK Surf Lessons  are an excellent opportunity to maximize your surfing experience in Barbados for a cost-effective price. You will learn and improve your surfing with a professional surf coach.

If you are looking for great  Barbados Surfboard Rentals , look no further. They have a premium surfboard with longboards & Mals from world-renown brands, including & Walden and Surftech.

Ride The Tide Surf School Reviews

Ride the Tide Surf School has been in operation for over ten years, and over the years, they have garnered credibility and respect as one of the tour companies Barbados. They are ranked #1 with nearly 779 reviews on Trip Advisor and a 99% satisfaction rate from past customers. Here is a lovely comment left by a satisfied customer:

Excellent service. Great quality boards. Would definitely rent here again. We rented 5 boards for 9 days. Had a great time surfing Barbados…Steve V

Read all reviews of Ride The Tide Surf School on TripAdvisor .

Cliff Sharker

Cliff Sharker  is one of the most reputed and multi-award-winning Barbados tours companies that guarantees turtles during excursions. The company is locally owned and operated by experts with years of experience in finding turtles deep in the sea. So, if you want to take a boat ride with a small group and swim with turtles, then Cliff Sharker is the right tour company for you.

Cliff Sharker Best Packages

You have many different Barbados submarine tours to choose from when touring with Cliff Sharker, and you can customize a package that fits your interest.

Join the  Sunset Happy Hour Music Boat Ride  for a fun, exclusive small group tour. On this excursion, you will listen to dance hall music over delicious snacks, tasty Rum Punch, and scenic views of the sunset.

With a group of just eight people, discover the  Turtles and Wrecks , the company’s most famous snorkeling tour deep in the Barbados sea.

For a romantic night out with your loved ones, take the  Private Sunset Cruise  and watch the fantastic sun get down over a glass of sparkling wine.

Cliff Sharker Reviews

Cliff Sharker offers excellent tour services suitable for different tourists, including families, couples, or individuals. As one of the highly-rated Barbados tour companies, the tours are highly efficient and professionally conducted by experts. They have over 1,105 positive reviews on Trip Advisor. Read this review left by a past tourist recently:

Absolutely amazing experience. We hadn’t snorkelled before, and Charles made sure we were confident and well apprised before going in the water…658joanneb

Read all reviews of Cliff Sharker on TripAdvisor .

Good Times Catamaran Cruises

Founded in 2004,  Good Times Catamaran  is one of the top-rated Barbados tour companies offering top-notch watersport activities. Established by Antje and Kenneth Jones, professional tourism enthusiasts, the company believes in delivering the best value for your money with excellent service. They have a philosophy to provide the best holidays that are safe, fun, and memorable. Good Times Catamaran has French-built boats designed to offer safety and comfort for ultimate luxury, which is unmatched in Barbados.

Good Times Catamaran Cruises Best Packages

Good Times Catamaran offers specialized tour packages in Barbados that are fun and memorable, and you can choose one that best fits your requirements.

Join in the  Lunch Snorkeling Cruise  for three hours of relaxed excursion in the Caribbean underwater, where you will discover turtles and snorkel with colorful tropical fish.

If you are looking for the best tour with this company, go on the  Water Sports  expeditions with an experienced PADI instructor. On this tour, you will see the shipwrecks and many corals around the island.

Treat yourself to something extra special by taking the  Private Cruise , an exclusive sailing adventure on the elegant catamarans, and see the underwater world on your own private beach.

Good Times Catamaran Cruises Reviews

You can rest assured that your trip to Barbados will be exceptional with Good Times Catamaran. The company has been offering Barbados tours that are unique and authentic for more than 17 years. Additionally, they have 853 great reviews on Trip Advisor and ranked #2 out of 35 companies in St. James Parish. Here is a review received recently:

Top rate … 100% recommend. Lovely people and great day out . Disabled 84 year old father in law . They got him on and off the boat and looked after him all day. Peter

Read all reviews of Good Times Catamaran Cruises on TripAdvisor .

Elegance Catamaran Cruises

Elegance Catamaran Cruises  is a pioneer of luxury, style, and pure elegance of grand tour Barbados based in Bridgetown. This Barbados tour company is a complete water cruise outfitter with all the accreditations and licenses from the Barbados Tourism Board. Elegance Catamaran Cruises’ core principles are customer satisfaction, luxury travel, and small group private charters. In addition, the company takes pride in its PADI licensed operators, who are multilingual and passionate about secure, exciting, and fulfilling underwater experiences.

Elegance Catamaran Cruises Best Packages

In Barbados, Elegance Catamaran Cruises offers a variety of tour Barbados packages that you can choose from

Lunch Cruise  is a luxury cruise with a gentle sail out of Bridgetown across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean with picturesque background views of the city. Stopping in a quiet bay in this Barbados tour, you will have sumptuous Bajan lunch and a glass of wine.

Relax in the luxury Dinner Cruise while enjoying the magnificent view of the island in comfort and, cool breeze with twinkling lights on the horizon. Elegance is also available on a Private Cruise that is completely tailored to your requirements.

Elegance Catamaran Cruises Reviews

Elegance Catamaran Cruises is one of the best Barbados tour companies, with numerous raving reviews. The company boasts of 99% client satisfaction rate with nearly 1502 reviews left on Trip Advisor. They have also been rated with 5-stars for exceptional and luxury tours. Read a positive review here:

We had an amazing time. Very friendly crew, great boat, swam with the turtles and saw other fish and starfish, then snorkelled around some wrecks full of fish…Benjamin H

Read all reviews of Elegance Catamaran Cruises on TripAdvisor .

Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises

Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises  is a local and award-winning highly rated Barbados tour company. Furthermore, the company has been voted the second most popular attraction by the Zagat Survey and named the “Rolls-Royce” of catamaran tours in Barbados. They offer unique charters and personalized luxury cruises, ensuring your utmost comfort, service, and pleasure. Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises runs elegant, spacious, and custom-built catamarans that only carry a limited number of passengers to guarantee a wonderful day of sailing in a private setting.

Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises Best Packages

Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises, you can be guaranteed the best of Barbados Cruise Tours .

You can join the Cruise Lunch Package and enjoy snorkeling with modern equipment, unlimited drinks, and a buffet lunch with a stop at a beach in a tranquil, secluded bay.

The Barbados Sunset Cruise Package is the best opportunity to discover the stunning sunset in the Caribbean Sea by sipping on the company’s famous Rum Punch.

Enjoy the Private Cruise, perfect for celebrating occasions such as weddings, proposals, and intimate gatherings. Cool Runnings turns this tour from fantasy to reality.

Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises Reviews

Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises has earned its place as one of the great tour operators in Barbados. They are ranked highly at #10 out of 133 in companies within Bridgetown and continue to provide great tours every day. See this positive review left on Trip Advisor by a former traveler:

Amazing day – hotel pick up, fantastic boat. Generous with food and drinks, not overcrowded and not too loud with music. We stopped at several lovely bays. HL R

Read all reviews of Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises on TripAdvisor .

In Conclusion

This top 10 list for Barbados tour companies has been created with the primary goal of educating and helping you during your research for the best tour operator in Barbados. If you would like to visit and immerse in the colorful Caribbean culture, please use this list to assist you during your search.

Once you travel to Barbados, we would be excited to hear back about your tour experience. If you have gone on a vacation with one of these Barbados tour operators in the past, send us a message and share your trip adventures with us!

GET IN TOUCH

Boutique hotels for thoughtful travellers.

At Just Barbados, we can proudly say that we are true specialists in our areas. We’ve been arranging holidays since 1999 and each trip is entirely tailored to our guests, using our first-hand knowledge and expertise to create memorable holiday experiences.

Over the years, we have travelled extensively, discovering charming hotels, tucked-away beaches and restaurants. Our varied collection of boutique properties allows us to create holidays to suit every taste.

Specialists in multi-centre holidays, speak to a member of our team about combining islands with simple, speedy connections. Whether it’s a fly-drive itinerary across Slovenia or discovering three unique areas of Grenada, our team can create the perfect itinerary tailored to you. 

What makes Barbados so special?

Superb sandy beaches, a strong colonial heritage and a range of stylish, top quality accommodations.…

Barbados has fabulous golden beaches, turquoise seas, characterful local restaurants – and so much more. The people of Barbados are charming, friendly and so welcoming to their visitors.

The island is very easy to explore, either by yourself with a hire car, or with a guided tour. From stunning botanical gardens to quaint fishing villages there are many attractions. The island is great for relaxing as well as enjoying the many activities on offer – watersports, snorkelling and much more besides…

Why book with Just Barbados?

Because we know the island and its properties personally.…

The Just Barbados team have made several visits to Barbados over many years. We have visited all our hand-picked properties many times too, offering a varied selection of places to stay – we really think we have something to suit all tastes and to fit all budgets, we will work with you to create the perfect holiday. As we know each property we offer, we can pass on all the little details that you need to know.

Barbados is the perfect island to link with another island (like Bequia, St Lucia or Grenada) as part of a two or three-centre holiday. The Just Grenada Collection offers a wide range of fascinating multi-centre holidays many of which feature Barbados multi-centre holidays .

We invite you to call us to discuss your next holiday to Barbados.

Welcome to Our Barbados, we look forward to sharing it with you.

Vacations in Barbados

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• There are loads of types of vacations in Barbados and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $685; Family vacation $651; Romantic vacation $803; Luxury vacation $726; Budget vacation $454.

Why should you book a vacation package to Barbados?

When you next book a Bajan visit, consider Barbados vacation packages. You can enjoy more activities, excursions and cocktails by adding together accommodation and transport - so why spend more?

When should you book a vacation package to Barbados?

The Barbados storm season lasts from June to November. However, June can be a cheap and fun time to go, with the Crop Over Festival taking place. If you don't mind risking a bit of rain, September and October are cheap times to visit.

Where should you stay in Barbados during your vacation?

For any vacation type in barbados:.

If you're looking for a high-quality resort hotel, the Hilton Barbados Resort is hard to beat. Located near Bridgetown's historic core it's right on the beach, and packs in features like a spa, hair salon and tennis courts. Airport taxis take around 15 mins.

Ocean Two Resort & Residences in St Lawrence Gap is suite to almost any visitor, with a mix of rooms and apartments, easy access to a private beach, great food and a relaxing spa. And it's only around 6 miles from Grantley Adams International Airport.

For family vacations in Barbados:

Bougainvillea Barbados is a great place to take kids for their first Caribbean adventure. Located in Christchurch, it offers a special children's pool, tennis courts, childcare services and a kids club - so families' needs should be covered. And it's only 5 miles from the airport.

Located in Hastings, Sugar Bay Barbados creates a homely atmosphere for visiting families, with its beach volleyball courts, attractive furnishings, pair of outdoor pools and free children's club. Airport transfers take 25 mins in most cases.

For romantic vacations in Barbados:

Achieve total seclusion in absolute comfort at Christchurch's Ocean Spray Beach Apartments - an affordable set of serviced apartments with a Caribbean Restaurant attached, as well as a high-class spa and relaxation center. The establishment's own shuttles cover the 4.5 miles to Grantley Adams Airport.

Couples will fall in love with the Colony Club by Elegant Hotels in laid-back Holetown, which enjoys a pristine location in 7 acres of shorefront. Its freshwater lagoon, organic eatery (and herb garden) make it stand out. It's around 14 miles from the airport, and transfers take 30 mins or so.

For luxury vacations in Barbados:

Experience the finest things a Caribbean break can offer at Santosha Barbados in Bathsheba. Proximity to fine beaches, an on-site spa, huge pools and superb cuisine come together to elevate this chilled out luxury option. Transfers take 40 mins, as it's slightly out of the way.

Mango Bay in Saint James will tick the boxes of any luxury travelers, from the tasteful whitewashed architecture, to the numerous gourmet restaurants, palm-lined pools, spacious social lounges and spa facility. Taxis from the airport get there in 25-30 mins.

For budget vacations in Barbados:

Save some money during your Caribbean escape by staying at the Dover Beach Hotel in Christchurch. Featuring an outdoor pool (with a lively pool bar) and a professional on-site massage team, it offers a slice of luxury without the swollen bill. Airport taxis should get you there in 20-25 mins.

Sunbay Hotel is a superb budget option in the capital, Bridgetown. There are free loungers and cabanas to make the most of the hotel's private beach, a fitness center and pool, as well as the Caribbean cuisine on offer at the Palm View Restaurant. Taxis from the airport usually get there in 15 mins.

Where to stay in Barbados

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Island Magic Barbados is a destination management company bringing ultimate experiences to visitors of all sort for more than 30 years. It’s our intimate knowledge of the Island called xxx. It’s our deep caring for the visitors’ experience  in this sun-soaked destimation. And it’s the synergy from our  long partnerships with global tourism agencies that bring this island experience all together.

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From its inception over 40 years ago, St. James Travel & Tours has built a solid reputation of excellence as the Caribbean’s leading Destination Management Company. With emphasis on the discriminating U.K., European and North American markets, we are best known for the unrivalled personal service we provide in every area of our diverse portfolio. Our clients trust our expertise based on our attention to detail, flexibility, and dedication to understanding their needs.

St. James Travel & Tours’ motto has become for us more than a mission statement – hard work and experience have taught us that truly, ‘nothing is impossible’ and we are committed to delivering this reality to every client! We continue in our unique way to serve you – quietly and without fuss. Confidently, professionally, and with a smile that comes naturally! We look forward to showing you that with St. James Travel & Tours, the possibilities are endless!

Your personal Team at St. James Travel & Tours is your reliable Caribbean partner, with Islands that include St. Kitts, Nevis, Barbados, Antigua, Grenada and St. Lucia. These paradise escapes are famed for their magnificent scenery, excellent infrastructure and the Caribbean joie de vivre which when combined make your choice of any of these destinations an easy one.

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SunTours Special

• Description

The SunTours Special is indeed that – special, because it incorporates an eclectic mix of Barbadian built and natural heritage, wildlife and history. This tour takes us through two historic towns. Holetown, the site of the first English settlers in 1627 and Speightstown, which was settled three years later and became the first major port and commercial centre. Ships heavily laden with sugar and other goods left Speightstown headed for London earning this quaint little town the moniker “Little Bristol”.

At the heart of the Island visit one of Barbados’ natural wonders, Harrison’s Cave. At the Cave a tram takes you on an exhilarating underground exploration. This is still an active cave with 1.5 miles of crystalline limestone passageways of continuously growing stalactites and stalagmites and flowing streams and pools of crystal clear water. The largest cavern called the Great Hall reaches to heights of 50 feet (15 metres) crystal, here you can take as many selfies as you would like. For the architectural buffs St. Nicholas Abbey is a delight. This former sugar plantation, in the parish of St. Peter, was built in 1658 making it over 350 years old and is one of three striking examples of Jacobean architecture still surviving today. To the north east of the Abbey is Cherry Tree Hill which offers a commanding view of the Scotland District and the rugged coastline of Barbados’ East Coast. Another great place for those selfies with the breath-taking view in the background. 

Close by is another fine example of the built heritage. The Morgan Lewis Windmill is the largest, of two still functioning wind driven mills in the Caribbean. This mill was used to grind sugar in the 18th and 19th centuries but ceased operations in 1947 and stands today as a testament to the once booming sugar industry. For the nature and animal lovers, the “residents” of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve will charm you. Stroll freely in this natural habitat and view animals like green monkeys, iguanas, deer, caiman and snakes to name a few. No need to worry, the most dangerous of these are kept in enclosed areas. Added to this tour is a sumptuous, traditional Bajan lunch.

Important Information

Pick up times:  South Coast  8:30 am – 9:10 am

                         West Coast  9:20 am – 10:05 am

Runs:  Sunday to Friday

Duration:  7 hrs

Min. - Max. Participants:  4 - 32 persons

 *Please call for additional information.

Itinerary 

• Begin at the amazing Harrison’s Cave (Tram Tour)
• Travel to St. Nicholas Abbey
• Explore the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• Enjoy scenic drives along the East Coast
• Take in the view at Cherry Tree Hill
• Admire the sublime Morgan Lewis Windmill
• Take in Holetown
• Explore Speightstown
• Enjoy a traditional Bajan Lunch

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SunTours Barbados is the leading transport and tour company on the beautiful island of Barbados. With 160 years in the business, we have provided outstanding experiences to locals and tourists alike with the range of services we provide.

SunTours Barbados is here to provide you with the best experience on the island no matter the size of your group! We cover all your transportation needs from timely taxi transfers to and from the Grantley Adams International Airport, island tours exploring Barbados’ best beaches, customized excursions taking you to all the places you want to see most and everything in between. 

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At Sunlinc, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, commitment to brilliance and our ability to think creatively in going above and beyond, to exceed the expectations of our valued clientele.

When the company was first formed in Barbados in 1983, there was a recognized need for a full service Destination Management Company.  Helen Schur Parris, armed with a wealth of industry knowledge and the desire for excellence, formed Sunlinc and the company has since become a benchmark in the DMC industry.

Today, some 30+ years later, Sunlinc has grown to encompass operations in Barbados, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, and Grenada. With an international Marketing office in Florida, Sunlinc continues to pride itself on developing strong relationships with our clients, and has proven itself as the leading DMC in the Caribbean.  

The Sunlinc Advantage

Incentive programs play a critical role in drawing attention to organization values, driving the behaviors that count, fostering loyalty, commitment and encouraging participation. Positive recognition is the most effective way to reinforce desired behaviors. People tend to repeat the behaviors that they believe will be rewarded.

It is with this philosophy that Sunlinc approaches every client – with the knowledge and understanding that the success of your program drives your team which hinges on the competence of your Destination Management Company. Tangible recognition, like travel, provides a way not only to thank major contributors dramatically, but also to send a message throughout the organization that outstanding performance is highly valued.

Looking Out for Our Planet & Our People​

From Community Centers to Children’s homes, to bike-building – Sunlinc strives to create opportunities for our clients to give back to our local communities. Corporate Social Responsibility has become one of the front runners of Incentive Travel and Sunlinc works with our individual destinations to identify areas of need and work with our clients to establish tangible and meaningful activities to best benefit all involved.

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At Sunlinc, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and positively impacting our physical environment and local communities. It’s our goal to do business the way we live: by using no more than we need, respect those around us and tread lightly with a small footprint.

Although this is hard to accomplish in the modern world; we believe that design, creativity and innovation can drive change, generate new ideas and leave things in a better state than the way we found them.

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Sunlinc enjoys the creative flexibility of a talented in-house design team. Available for every aspect of your program, they are on hand to enhance your event with personalized cutting edge print and creative media encompassing unique design & print, web design & development, digital media and multimedia productions.

This powerhouse of a team also enables us to create one-of-a-kind events and customized experiences to exceed the expectations of every guest.

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The Best Hotels in Barbados

By Rosalyn Wikeley and Angelina Villa-Clarke

Barbados may have its own laid-back Caribbean island charm, where languorous afternoons stretch out along white-sand beaches that slope into surreal turquoise bays, but there’s more to this coral island than sand and sea. UNESCO World Heritage –listed Bridgetown thrums with independent stores, markets showing off Bajan fruit and art, and buildings steeped in history (and invariably, rum) such as St Nicolas Abbey. Community roadside rum shacks are as prolific here as tropical gardens—the Andromeda Botanic Gardens near Bathsheba village are particularly lovely—and festivals such as The Food and Rum Festival and Crop Over Festival peer into the Bajan. For several weeks, performers take to the streets in flamboyant costumes, and the warming smell of spiced sweet potatoes, chicken curry, and fried flying fish hangs in the air.

Only 21 miles from tip to tip, Barbados offers up this blend of beach and culture to all locations—surfers tend to cling to the underrated east coast for its Atlantic waves while the sun-worshippers stay west for the calm, bath-warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Although parts of the island have succumbed to all-inclusive culture, Barbados’ shores play host to a clutch of stylish hotels, many that evoke a bygone era of pre-lunch gin and tonics over backgammon, a few channeling the island’s no-frills spirit with creative Creole menus and whitewashed rooms.

From family-owned pillared legends with country club rhythms and back garden patches of flawless beach to pared-down boutiques filled with Calypso music and plates of just-caught seafood, here are the best hotels in Barbados.

For even more options, see our pick of the best all-inclusive Barbados resorts .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sandy Lane Arrow

One of Barbados’ most glamorous hotels, Sandy Lane’s polished marble floors, old-fashioned sofas, and heart-tugging sea views framed by stone arches and pillars set an opulent tone. It backs onto a pretty stretch of blond beach on the west coast, not far from colorful Holetown. Despite the impeccable service, the Neo-Palladian stone bedrooms and the multitude of diamonds flickering under candlelight at supper, the atmosphere here is seriously easygoing.

In British or American country club style, guests zip off in golf carts after a lazy buffet breakfast to one of Sandy Lane’s three golf courses, or commit to a full day in the palatial spa—easily done with its sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool assault course, along with an impressive raft of delicious treatments, from Bajan sugar cane scrubs to cryotherapy energy facials. A gelato bar, water sports, and a truly superb Treehouse Club for smalls play to the country club idyll, buying deserving parents some time on the beach. Along with the romanesque pillared L’Acajou restaurant and the more relaxed Bajan Blue, an enormous layered pool with its own waterfall serves as a focal point in the hotel, where sunbathers can observe the comings and goings of tennis whites , or kaftans floating back from the bar with fresh piña coladas. — Rosalyn Wikeley

Cobblers Cove Arrow

This family-owned boutique hotel’s trump card, besides the photogenic striped pink scalloped umbrellas, is its quarter mile of powder-soft beach in a sleepy cove. Pastel-hued suites are dotted around tropical gardens festooned with palms and banana leaves and a terra-cotta pool terrace, which feels suspended over views of the bay like a theater seat. Tastefully dressed in subdued fabric of hand-printed corals, whitewashed rattan, and bamboo, rooms spill onto terraces framed by bougainvillea, inhaling the salty breeze. Camelot and Colleton are the hot-ticket turreted rooms of the coral-washed Great House, with their rooftop terraces and romantic bay views. The main spaces read like a British country pile, with a drawing room and cavernous hall, just with bright pinks and greens and plantation shutters—a blend that reflects the island's rich and complex history.

Mornings at Cobblers Cove recall country clubs of yore, where a genteel breakfast din is occasionally interrupted by the pop of tennis serve or Champagne cork. Sedate afternoons typically slump between lounge chairs and the balmy sea, where guests can paddle out in search of turtles or gently part the calm, glassy on a paddleboard. When not leaning into the hotel’s afternoon tea tradition or its phenomenal spa, sailing and waterskiing sessions take place every day, and guests can now join local fisherman Barker on his ‘catch of the day’ adventures. Bajan chef Jason Joseph ensures Camelot preserves its status as one of the island’s top restaurants (an elegant white tablecloth affair), while weekly buffets and barbecues show off local dishes in a more buttoned-down setting. — Rosalyn Wikeley

Colony Club by Elegant Hotels

From its swim-up pool rooms to the Rum Vault, where you’ll find 150 varieties of rum and private dining experiences, the offering at Colony Club is all about top-notch sophistication. Originally a private member’s club dating back to the 1930s, it has since shrugged off its outdated colonial associations and replaced them with a cool approach to hospitality.

There are a ton of activities on offer—from paddleboarding clinics to the Corks and Canvas workshop, where you can unleash your inner creative soul while sipping on a rum punch . Feeling jet lagged? Head to the petite but perfectly formed spa, which offers an exacting list of treatments. The Sun Salutation Ritual harnesses a cocktail of tropical goodies—think papaya and sea salt in a scrub and a body wrap made from cooling aloe—guaranteed to put the zing back in your step.

The 96 bedrooms are chic with contemporary four-poster beds, whitewashed walls, and bronze accessories. Adding further charm is a series of lagoon pools, with waterfalls and tropical plants, that meander through the property. Dining brings a touch of pizzazz—with lobster and jazz nights and beach BBQs with steel pan bands. The hotel is also a 10-minute walk from Holetown if you want to dip into the local nightlife. — Angelina Villa-Clarke

The House by Elegant Hotels Arrow

Bringing a different dimension to Barbados’ west coast—more typically the location of larger and swankier hotels—The House is a petite and intimate hotel catering to adults only. With just 34 bedrooms, the vibe here is hands-on and personal. Check-in and kick off your shoes, for you may as well be staying at a friend’s chic beach house. Attentive hotel staff—who are called ‘ambassadors’—are on hand to deliver housemade popsicles on the beach or to offer a complimentary tour of Hunt’s Gardens, a botanical oasis created in the 1950s, located in the center of the island.

Bedrooms are pared back and elegant—from the cool terra-cotta floors to the oversized padded headboards. Bathrooms continue the refined aesthetic with creamy marble vanities, rainfall showers, and full-sized, natural Elemental Herbology products.

Feeling deliciously under the radar, it’s the little thoughtful touches that are The House’s strong point. There is a complimentary jet lag massage, for instance, and a daily choice of wellness activities, including pilates and meditation sessions. When it comes to dining, the hotel is all-inclusive, but forget unimaginative buffets; the offering is more fine-dining than ‘fill-your-boots’ fare. Champagne breakfasts, Caribbean afternoon tea, and a crowd-pleasing coastal Italian menu at Positano are seriously grown-up, while nightcaps at the 1703 Mount Gay Rum Bar are a fun-fueled way to end the day Bajan-style. The morning after, you can soothe any sore heads by floating in the tranquil waters of Paynes Bay Beach—known as the best place on the island to bathe. — Angelina Villa-Clarke

Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

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Fairmont Royal Pavilion Arrow

Arriving via the grand palm tree-lined avenue sets the tone for what is one of the most historic properties in Barbados. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion was formerly The Miramar Hotel, built in the 1940s and the first hotel to be constructed on the west coast of Barbados. These days, its 12 rooms have since been expanded to 75 showstoppers—all with unspoiled ocean views and featuring handcrafted woodwork, local artworks, and navy-blue accents.

Stay in one of the ground floor rooms and you can pad across the sand every morning for a dip in the sea. Upper-level rooms have their own advantages—breezy terraces with curvy rattan daybeds and endless views over the arc of Alleynes Bay. The hotel has heritage sewn into its shell-pink walls, so you can expect traditional afternoon teas and refined Bajan cuisine conjured up by chef Tim Palmer (the crab cake with coconut curry emulsion is the star of the show).

The glorious gardens , originally designed by renowned South American landscape architect, Fernando Tabora, are a joy. Atriums and shady paths are lined with mango, breadfruit, cherry, and banana trees; frangipani cascades over courtyards and ponds are pretty with red and white lilies which bloom at night. Book a botanical tour every Wednesday morning to find out more about some of the rare plants and discover that there’s more to this coastline than just the beach. — Angelina Villa-Clarke

Coral Reef Club

It’s easy to imagine 20th-century writers penning chapters of novels on The Coral Reef Club’s pretty verandas. The hotel is imbued with Old World charm, from its mahogany wicker sofas softened with cream cushions to the elaborate tea trays and heated games of doubles before breakfast. Suites seize on this unapologetically traditional yet laid-back theme with gold framed illustrations you’d expect in an English country home , mahogany cabinets displaying coral and those formal, structured sofas where cushions are as plump as they are stiff. Occupying a fairly narrow stretch of beach on the west coast, guests can wander along the boardwalk to pretty Holetown (the first town to be built on the island around 1695), but the form here tends to be poolside with several rounds of rum cocktails.

The hotel is owned by the O’Hara family, who also own a sister property, The Sandpiper , and whose presence in Barbados dates back to the 1950s. As such, a home-away-from-home feel pervades, despite the layout where two large pools, a water sports area, and a spa seem to absorb most of the coiffed crowds. The spa is a real draw—cleverly sewn into acres of resplendent tropical gardens as a vast open-air building. Guests float from first-class treatments to the thermal gardens or steam room and yogis head to the relaxation room for biweekly yoga classes. One restaurant serving elaborate plates avoids the agony of indecision and politely requests a shirt and good manners. — Rosalyn Wikeley

Little Good Harbour

Here is a cool, carefree alternative on the quiet northwest coast, well away from the jet set and dress code barbecue buffets. Divided between the inland side of the Coastal Road and the beachside, Little Good Harbour’s whitewashed rooms are pared down, with gentle Bajan accents via the local art and occasional pops of color. Personal kitchens and large marble bathrooms suggest more private cottages than hotel rooms. Some feature mahogany four-poster beds draped, quite romantically, in mosquito nets, while others have large balconies where sunsets are best viewed from smart sofas and armchairs. The common thread seems to be laid back and lovely.

The main coral stone building blinks onto a charming and slightly disheveled beach through green shutters. The Fish Pot enjoys the same view from its lime-green veranda—the restaurant has worked hard to win the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and epicureans with a splendidly simple menu of fresh fish, pasta, and curries. It’s now considered one of Barbados’ best restaurants and without frills and steep prices. The poolside scene is refreshingly unpretentious here—guests sink into green cushioned loungers under the shade of giant palms, nodding off to the trickle of water from a Balinese sculpture, or (in the second, smaller pool) amid every shade of tropical green. A pocket-sized spa punches above its weight with all sorts of massages and scrubs. And, though cabin fever here is unlikely, buzzing Speightstown’s independent boutiques, bars, and cafes are a five-minute drive away. — Rosalyn Wikeley

The Sandpiper Arrow

A little smaller than its sister hotel, The Coral Reef Club (tucked just north along the west coast), The Sandpiper shares its easy-going elegance despite its position on the lively outskirts of tourist-heavy Holetown. The patch of golden sand and turquoise sea it backs onto is rarely empty, which makes for first-rate people watching and charting the progress of sailing boats and water skiers. While compact, the hotel is ensconced in tropical gardens, with bougainvillea, palms, and ferns springing from every angle. Rooms oscillate between a traditional, wicker-and-mahogany aesthetic and a more contemporary one, though all spring to life with bright colors and prints.

A large sun deck, suspended above the sand, makes the most of ethereal beach views, particularly as the sun burns the horizon a deep crimson at sunset. Rum cocktails in hand and deck shoes flicked off, guests relish The Sandpiper’s informal spirit. Even the refined open-air restaurant, ring-fenced by torch-lit tropical gardens and koi ponds, demands little more than a linen shirt for tasty plates of Bajan flying fish, Caribbean shrimp, and lobster salads. And while afternoons are easily whiled away alongside the large pool or magazine-ready lap pool lined with inviting creamy parasols, the Coral Club’s palatial spa is but a concierge call away. — Rosalyn Wikeley

Tamarind is the most family-friendly hotel in Elegant Hotels’ Barbados portfolio and is perfect for toddlers and teens alike. Set on Paynes Bay, swimming is safe for tiny tots in the crystal waters, while kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling will keep older kids amused for hours. Children can also join a dedicated island experience, during which they learn local phrases, cook typical dishes and take home a Bajan ‘passport’.

Styling is bright and breezy with pops of color from modern artwork, rugs, and printed textiles across the 101 bedrooms. For dining, search out the Bajan specialities, such as flying fish, roti, and macaroni pie, or take advantage of the Dine Around program at the other Elegant Resorts properties for a change of scenery.

Days at Tamarind start at the Sugar Cane Room, where you can enjoy fresh papaya juice, traditional ‘bakes,’ and the fluffiest herb omelettes. Head to the beach for snorkeling—you may spot sea turtles and manta rays—or to one of the three pools, where fruit kebabs and popsicles are served to cool you down. — Angelina Villa-Clarke

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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Nestled in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, Barbados is an oasis of beautiful beaches and abundant marine life.

Holidays in barbados.

Unlike the other Caribbean islands, Barbados doesn’t always follow the Robinson Crusoe line. A cultural firecracker home to one of the Caribbean's liveliest city scenes, Bridgetown, this island is the perfect starting point for many more Caribbean adventures. Whether you want an all-inclusive bargain beachfront escape or a spectacular Sandals resort, we have a picture-perfect package holiday for you. 

When is the best time to visit?: A tropical climate with dry and wet seasons, the best time to visit Barbados depends solely on the experience you want. December to April is typically the driest part of the year, where temperatures are high every day. If you’re looking to avoid higher prices and get a little Caribbean bargain, April and May are your best choice.

Where is the best place to stay in Barbados?: Each coast of Barbados offers something different. On the south coast, you will find the most popular tourist resorts. Revellers head for St Lawrence Gap for lively late nights and reggae parties with an infectious youthful atmosphere. Oistins is somewhat quieter but well-connected, making it a great choice for first-time visitors looking to gather their bearings. The west coast of the island is more relaxed and upmarket than the larger resorts on the south coast. A firm favourite with families thanks to its peaceful beaches and couples looking for that extra sprinkle of luxury, the Platinum Coast is perfect for an indulgent holiday.

Travel guide

Let the feel-good rhythms of Barbados transport you to holiday happiness. With getaways here popular year-round, thanks to blissful temperatures averaging 30°C, there’s no better way to shake off the effects of a long flight than lying beachside with a refreshing drink.

• Best time to visit: March-October
• Average temp: 30°C/86°F
• Average flight time: 9 Hours
• Most suited for: Families, Couples
• Currency: Barbados Dollar
• Time Difference: -4 Hours

Outdoor Adventures

With weather this good, it would be a crime to spend your holiday indoors. Good job Barbados is alive with amazing activities for all the family to enjoy. Delve into the underground lairs of the island at Harrison’s Cave, take in the tropical beauty of Hunte’s Gardens, or head to Bathsheba to surf the legendary Soup Bowl. If there’s only one place, we could recommend holidayers to head to, it would be Carlisle Bay.  Think calm turquoise waters perfect for little ones, scuba diving shipwrecks for adventure seekers, and snorkelling with local turtles for animal lovers. Welcome to paradise! 

Rest and Rejuvenate

With over 80 beaches hugging the shimmering shorelines of Barbados, you’re never far from an idyllic beach day. Take your chance to rest, rejuvenate, and soak up the Caribbean sunshine. Looking for some of the best beaches? Crane Beach, Bottom Bay, and Accra Beach are a great place to start. 

Cultures Colliding in Bridgetown

The epicentre of Barbados, where the island's colonial past collides with Caribbean culture, Bridgetown is a must-visit when travelling to the island. Spend mornings uncovering heritage left over from British rule, learn the pirated histories and as night falls see the harbour transform with reggae bars and calypso clubs. As the island's music floods the air, grab a rum on the rocks and savour the Caribbean way of life. 

Food & Drink

Whether it’s a quaint waterside shack or a grand fine-dining restaurant overlooking a sleepy port, the dining scene in Barbados is a good enough reason to visit the angelic island. As you'd expect, seafood takes centre stage in Barbados. Traditional Bajan cuisine combines fish and fresh produce to make unique, spicy dishes. Jumbo prawns, lobster and flying fish are all specialities. Don't miss the legendary Fish Fry night on Fridays in the sleepy fishing village of Oistins.

Average monthly temperature in Barbados (°C)

• Jan 29 °C
• Feb 29 °C
• Mar 30 °C
• Apr 30 °C
• May 31 °C
• Jun 31 °C
• Jul 31 °C
• Aug 31 °C
• Sep 31 °C
• Oct 31 °C
• Nov 30 °C
• Dec 30 °C

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