Barbados Holidays: Top 5 Things to See
Of all the Caribbean islands, Barbados is the one that is most regularly visited by tourists. In fact, the island welcomes more than half a million visitors every single year! This is hardly a wonder though considering the beautiful climate of the island, its idyllic beaches, delicious cocktails, energetic festivals, duty-free shopping and the fact that Barbados is a premier destination for both surfing and golfing.
If you ever plan to take Barbados holidays then these are five sights you should definitely make an effort to see…
Animal Flower Cave
St. Lucy
Located under the cliffs at North Point, the Animal Flower Cave is Barbados’ only accessible sea cave. Coral steps lead visitors down in to the cave which also comprises a coral floor that is estimated to be at least 400,000 years old. There are several openings located around the cave which provide fantastic views of the sea lapping (or crashing!) against the nearby cliff faces.
Many visitors wrongly assume that they will be greeted by hundreds of animals and/or flowers upon entering Animal Flower Cave. The name of the cave actually derives from the fact that sea anemones (fascinating ocean plants which poison, stun and eat small fish and shrimp) which are known as “animal flowers” by the island’s locals can be found inside (the quantity of anemones depends on season).
It is important to note that on blustery, severe weather days, tourists are not allowed to enter the cave for safety reasons. On calmer days however, visitors can swim in the cave’s naturally formed rock pools. Some tour guides will more readily provide you with interesting facts about the cave than others – be sure to ask any questions you may have.
Bajan Roots and Rhythms
Plantation Theatre
Bejan Roots and Rhythms is a combined dinner and stage show like no other; produced to provide a “genuine representation of west Indian culture.” The show mixes dance, steel drums, limbo, fire and cabaret acts and is split into four different sections; ‘Proud to be Bajan’, ‘Many faces of Africa’, ‘The Original Bridgetown Market’, ‘Flaming Hot Fire’ and ‘Kadooment in Barbados.’ Even better is the fact that unlimited drinks and an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner are included as part of the affordable ticket cost.
The show is renowned for its audience interactivity and the jubilant atmosphere it provides. Bejan Roots and Rhythms has been the subject of many TV programs in the West, due to the edutainment aspect of the show which fully demonstrates the historical and musical heritage of the Caribbean island.
Seeing a woman successfully limbo under a bar less than a foot off of the ground (and on fire!), fire eaters, acrobatics executed by performers on stilts and several drags queens will ensure that you have an experience you will never forget should you see this show at the Plantation Theatre. Be sure to book to avoid disappointment!
Mount Gay Rum Refinery Tour
St Michael
Established in 1703, Mount Gay is the oldest rum refinery in the world. Visitors who take the Mount Gay Rum Refinery Tour will learn about the history of the drink (including how it got its name), learn more about how the drink is made and get to sample a very generous amount of free samples of the alcoholic sugar cane beverage.
Participants will be allowed to enter the blending room and bottling plant as part of the tour (although a deeper understanding of the drink’s brewing process would be granted if admittance to the distillery itself was also allowed). All tours end with a visit to the (obligatory) gift shop and ‘Cocktail Tours’ are given on Wednesdays; preferable for those who do not wish to taste their rum samples neat.
Yes, this refinery is a tourist-heavy attraction but entry is so cheap that it is definitely worth a visit should you be in the St Michael area, particularly if you happen to be an aficionado of the spirit.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Mahoe Bay
Taking a glass-bottom boat excursion is simply a must for anyone planning to visit Barbados. Although there are many locations around the island which offer such trips, it is often recommend to tourists that they select one close to Mahoe Bay, due to the rich sea life that the area offers.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour rides are rarely anything but relaxingly smooth and the glass bottom allows passengers to peer into the tranquil turquoise waters to witness giant corals, trigger fish and fleets of greenback turtles in their natural habitat. Neither the fish nor turtles are shy of the boats or humans and so will swim close up to the glass to your utter delight!
If you happen to be staying at the Mango Bay Resort (a chief accommodation option in Mahoe Bay) then the Glass Bottom Boat Tour will be granted to you completely free of charge. The hotel also provides its guests with a free snorkelling trip for those wanting to get even closer to the tropical fish and turtles.
Flower Forest
St Joseph
This tropical paradise and scenic horticultural park contains hundreds of species of tropical palm trees and colourful flowering plants scattered across gentle hills that when ascended provide spectacular vistas of Barbados’ eastern coastline. The name of the forest means that tourists often expect to see flowers all year round but the number in bloom is very much dependant on what time of the year it is. Choosing to visit the park post-flowering season is actually favourable to some, for there are fewer tourists around meaning the park is especially peaceful.
The forest also contains a large building which was once a cane sugar plantation, a gift shop and a cafe for a post-exploration tea and/lunch. Guests need not worry if it should be raining either, for umbrellas are provided. Visitors are free to navigate the forest unguided but must remain on the designated paths.
This is a great, romantic final stop for any couples getting hitched or celebrating their honeymoon in Barbados.
The author of this guest post – Carly Quentin – has taken many holidays to the Caribbean in her lifetime and would recommend the destination to anyone!
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