Ah, don’t we all love these bucket list experiences! To some, bucket list experiences serve as a motivation and a guide of “things to do in Barbados” if you are unsure of what to prioritize. To others, they might trigger anxiety and actually make one feel like unless they have checked off all the boxes, they haven’t really explored! But fear not: my intention with this bucket list experience is to guide you as you are planning your Barbados travel experience: I want this to serve as a road map or an idea vault of activities you can include in your Barbados travel itinerary, based on the type of traveler you are: adventurous, culinary curious or hopeless romantic.

Ready? Let’s dive in as I share with you some of the best things to do in Barbados!

Things to do in Barbados #1: Explore Harrison’s Cave

Harrisons’ Cave, in my opinion, is one of the best things to do in Barbados. From the first time I ever visited this island (10+ years ago), I was told that I had to experience Harrison’s cave. Back then, I was there on a short, 3-day trip. I did not really know what the big deal was until I saw it for myself. This crystallized limestone cave offers a stunning, naturally occurring display of stalactites and stalagmites (and yes, you will learn how to differentiate them!) The Harrison Cave experience truly provides an uncanny underground journey, which is worth the stop from your very first visit. Whew. Even writing about this makes me want to go back again.

Find out more about tours for the Harrison’s Cave experience here. 

Barbados Travel Idea #2: Sip and Learn at the Mount Gay Distillery

If you want to find out more about the history of Barbados in the grand scheme of Caribbean rum making, then you’ve got to stop at the Mount Gay Distillery for a guided tour. This is also one of the best Barbados travel experiences I have had. The Mount Gay Distillery rum tours not just teach you about how rum is made, but also where it came from, how to differentiate the varieties, and what role it plays in the island’s culture.  When I did my first Mount Gay Distillery Rum Tour, I got free rum tasting of 6 different varieties of rum (and it was absolutely worth it!). 

Pro tip? Do not go on an empty belly: all that rum would need something (or somewhere) to sit on!

Find out more about tours of the Mount Gay Distillery here. 

Barbados Travel Idea #3: Visit the Hunte’s Gardens

Tranquil, serene, and surrounded by nature: this is what I would describe the Hunte’s Gardens experience as. Take a stroll around the picturesque and easy-to-walk paths of these gardens, redesigned by Antonio Hunte. Take a breath of fresh air during your day. Admire the wealth of nature through the varieties of alluring flowers. This experience takes about an hour to 1h30, and is worth the stop if you are a nature lover. 

Find out more about tours of the Hunte’s Gardens here. 

Walk and Explore Rihanna’s Drive (and her childhood home)

And if you go to Barbados without seeing where the island’s little heroin grew up, have you even been? Though Rihanna no longer lives in her childhood home, it has become a major tourist attraction that I recommend visiting during your Barbados travels. Just a few minutes drive from downtown Barbados, Rihanna’s drive will take you through the streets where she began her journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire mogul. 

Experience the Oistins Friday Fish Fry Night

This Barbados travel bucket list experience would not be complete if I did not recommend the Oistins Friday Fish Fry Night (I hope I got the name correct). If you happen to be on the island on a friday, then take the time to stop at Oistins and experience this. Oistins is a popular hub for locals and tourists, and a great spot for a chill and fun Friday night. Take a seat, order your fish (or anything else) from any of the sellers, and get to know other visitors. Satisfaction guarantee!

Barbados Travel Idea #6: Go on a Catamaran Cruise

Luxury adventure lovers would definitely love this suggestion. A Catamaran cruise is a great idea in general when visiting the Caribbean, and if you travel to Barbados or any other island that offers it, you should opt for it if you can. This is a great way to get closer to nature, and see (or “sea”?) the island from a sea and land perspective. You can opt between private catamaran tours, sunset cruises or lunch and snorkel cruises. There are many options and possibilities based on your preferences and budget.

You can find out more about Catamaran Cruises in Barbados here. 

Things to do in Barbados #7: Go horseback Riding

Similar to a catamaran cruise, the idea of horseback riding (especially on the beach) in the Caribbean is idyllic. 

There are many service providers who offer horseback riding experiences and tours in Barbados, and you can find out more about it here. 

Experience a nighttime submarine dive

Atlantis Submarine is the top company to offer nighttime submarine dive tours in Barbados. This would be a pretty exciting experience for the nature and adventure traveler! During your nighttime submarine tour, you can enjoy scuba diving, explore Barbados reefs, and admire its marine fauna and flora). It’s a pretty unique and exciting thing to do in Barbados, and is definitely worth checking out. 

Find out more about the nighttime submarine dive tours in Barbados here. 

Barbados Travel Idea #9: Experience a Barbados Festival

One of the best times to visit Caribbean islands (including Barbados) is during festive times. The energy is different, there is an uncanny joy in the atmosphere, and the country feels more alive! Barbados is one of the Caribbean islands with a wide variety of festivals, ranging from culinary festivals, music festivals or cultural experiences. The Barbados Carnival (Cropover) is the biggest festival that happens on the island every year (August). However, if you are planning to travel to Barbados before or after that time period, check out these exciting bajan festivals which are also great things to do in Barbados during your visit.

Hit any of Barbados white sand beaches 

As I have said in my ultimate Barbados travel guide, this island has some of the best white sand beaches I have seen in the Caribbean. And quite frankly, though each white sand beach in Barbados has a different energy and personality, regardless of the beach you pick, you win. My recommendation? Go to the beach that is closer to wherever you are staying (or spending the most time at). 

There you have 10 Barbados travel bucket list experiences! Which one would you go for, or which one have you already experienced?

Let me know in the comments.

Adventurously,

Clem.

First published: March 17 2023 – Updated: February 26, 2024