Suggestions for Excursion on Barbados

[cruzingduo]

We are looking for suggestions on what to do in Barbados while in port for the day. What beach or beaches are recommended? Also, sights not to miss.

 

[Kgordon]

Tiami Cruises - swim with the sea turtles. Very nice cat, great food and lots of turtles and a beach time too. We loved it! Worth every penny.

 

[pasvorto]

When we were there we did the caverns in the morning. In the afternoon 3 of our group went to the beach. I took a bus downtown and just walked back to the docks, taking pictures and trying to get a feel for the "local" pace of life.

 

[jkmcroot]

We hired a local cab driver to drive us around. It was great. We went with another couple and the woman really liked lighthouses so the cab driver took us to a lighthouse and asked the attendant if we could climb up. What an experience and we got some wonderful pictures from atop the lighthouse. Then we spent a few hours a beach and the cab driver picked us up and took us back to the ship.

 

[red stripe]

Well, here is the lowdown on beaches

BARBADOS BEACH INFORMATION

West Coast

Beaches are calm and relaxing, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sailing, with water sports available. The numerous hotels in the area provide visitors with plenty of options for lunch and drinks.

Mullins Beach: This is a very popular beach with moderately calm waters. It is easily accessed and parking is available right across the road. There are also food and drinks available from Mullins Beach Bar right on the beach, who also provides decent lighting at night for those who may like nighttime swimming. It makes a nice picnic spot during the day and is definitely worth a visit.

Payne’s Bay: This is also a moderately calm beach and is located opposite the Coach House restaurant & bar. It is easily accessible and has parking. A great beach for snorkeling and water sports. Bombas Beach Bar & The Coach House Restaurant is close by. Fitts Village: Parking and shade are available and lunch can be had at it Tiempo.

Holetown: Lovely crystal clear water and calm seas. Occasionally the swimmer may catch a glimpse of a sea turtle and perhaps even swim with one. This beach is easily accessible and water sports are available at reasonable rates. Baku, Chefette and Kokomos provide great food.

Speightstown: In this town, known as "Little Bristol" there are many beaches, which allow for good swimming and other activities like snorkeling. There are also long stretches that make for good walks

East Coast:

Known for its very large waves, the biggest in the island, the East Coast is a surfer’s paradise and the popular international Soup Bowl is held here annually along with many other competitions. Swimming in the area is not recommended.

Bath: This beach is located at Bath in St. John. There is a public picnic area and changing facilities by the National Conservation Commission. The public play-park makes this beach ideal for a family outing.

Bathsheba/Cattlewash: Because it is a long stretch of beach it is ideal for a relaxing walk or even a picnic, which can be had at the nearby Barclays Park. The towering hills also provide a beautiful backdrop or souvenir picture. The only down side to this beach is that the swimming is somewhat dangerous, have no fear though, the lush scenery more than makes up for it.

South Coast:

This side of the island has many lovely beaches. The reef-protected waters of the south coast are great for swimming and snorkeling. Some popular beaches in the area include Needham's Point, Rockley Beach and Casuarina Cove

Sandy Beach/Carib: Located in the Worthing area in Christ Church, this beach is calm, clear and shallow. Ideal for young children. If you go at low tide, the reef may be out and you can walk on it and explore the creatures that inhabit it. If you go at high tide it is just as much fun to explore while snorkeling. There is easy access to this beach and parking is available at a nearby parking lot or on the beach itself. Food and drinks are available at Carib Beach Bar or Sandy Beach Hotel terrace bar as well as Kolors. Jet-ski rides and windsurfing are sometimes available as well as chair and umbrella rentals.

Accra Beach: Very popular with locals and tourists alike. Busy with activities such as body boarding. There are also local vendors set up along the beach where one can buy anything from a hand crafted leather good or bead and shell chain, to a tie-dye wrap skirt. There is a car park on the beach and right opposite the road is a popular fast food restaurant. Umbrellas and chairs as well as body boards can be rented.
Miami/Enterprise Beach: Beautiful crystal clear water. Moderately calm. Very popular with locals who are often there in large numbers, especially during public holidays. A definite gathering spot for the school children on summer holiday. There is adequate parking and plenty of shade and food is also available nearby. There are also chairs for rent.

Casuarina Beach: Access from Maxwell coast road. Water sports are available and food and drink can be obtained from the nearby Casuarina Beach Hotel.

Carlisle Bay/Boatyard: This beach is located on the outskirts of Bridgetown. Parking is available at the Boatyard complex. Food and drinks are also available from within the Boatyard bar & restaurant.
Silver Sands: An excellent beach for windsurfing and hosts an annual competition of that sport. It is located right opposite the Silver Rock Hotel.

Dover Beach: Located in the popular St.Lawrence Gap in Worthing, Christ Church. Slightly stronger current than most of the other beaches. There is a cool refreshing breeze on this beach and windsurfing is done regularly. Kayak rentals are also available. Food can be obtained from many nearby
Restaurants. There are many souvenir and gift shops close by

South-East Coast:
Closer to the Atlantic Ocean, Crane Beach is a favorite spot for bodysurfing because of the rolling waves. You will find many high-rise hotels in this more developed area.
Foul Bay: A rugged expanse awaits you at this beach. There is a car park. Although there are no water sports or food and drink, it is still ideal for exploring or having a picnic. This beach is home to many fishing boats.


Crane Beach:
Crane Beach, originally a harbour, is considered by many to be one of the island's most beautiful beaches. In fact, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous rated it as "one of the ten best beaches in the world"!
The name "Crane" was derived from the large crane situated at the top of the cliff, which was used for loading and unloading ships.
The Crane Beach Hotel, standing on the cliff above the beach, has been a favorite with honeymooners since it opened in 1867. The view in the photo shows why! In the gardens of the Hotel you will find the magnificent Grand Jete Statue.
There is parking available at the nearby Crane Beach Hotel as well as food and drinks. This beach has large waves for body boarders.

Bottom Bay: This beach is near Sam Lords Castle, an exclusive hotel which is somewhat hidden away. You can access the beach before Sam Lords by going down steps, or you can access through Sam Lords Castle itself. Food and drinks are available at the hotel as well as rentals of various equipment

Consett Bay
This sheltered bay is one of many located in the parish of St. John.
Several fishermen land their catch in this lovely bay and their activities may be observed from the long jetty, which stretches into the Atlantic.

 

[red stripe]

Or there is he Animal Flower Cave ,
which is located under the cliffs at the Northern tip of Barbados. The Cave is an interesting study in geology, local history and stunning sea activity. This beautiful sea –cave is a “must see†for all nature loving visitors.

The cave’s history is little- known yet quite interesting, for despite its remote location, it was the venue weekend dances and socializing soon after the turn of the century. Artifacts from by gone days include the braces in the coral ceiling where the lanterns once hung.

The Animal flower Cave is the island’s lone accessible sea-cave and was discovered from the sea in 1780 by two English explorers. The cave’s coral floor is estimated to be 400000 to 500000 years old and the “younger†coral section above the floor is about 126000 years old. The dating was carried out by the German Geographical Institute, and visitors can see a “map†of the dating work in the bar and restaurant.

The cave now stands some six feet above the high tide mark even though it was formed at sea level. This is because Barbados is rising about one inch per 1000 years, which is yet another indication of the cave’s age.
The huge coral steps leading down into the cave were built around 1912. Down in the cave there are sea-anemones, locally called “animal flowers†from whence the cave got its name. The flower consists of tentacles that can sting and paralyse a passing fish in the larger variety of species. The tentacles retract into the stalk or stump for safety on contact with an alien object like a stick. The flower then waits a while before coming out of the stalk again to allow “danger†to pass.

The “swimming pool†as the guides call it is in a chamber all by itself. The totally transparent and absolutely still water does not reveal its depth but looks deceptively shallow. The smooth floor of the cave worn down by the water and the rubbing action of the coral rocks over time has an undulating formation and the light lends a magical quality to this chamber.
At certain times of the year and in bad weather the caverns become filled with water and the entrance acts like a giant blowhole.
On calm days you can swim in the natural rock pools in the cave or perhaps take a look at the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean through the “windows†to the ocean (cave openings).

The A- framed bar and restaurant has been on the site since 1961. Outside the bar area are a few cannons from sunken ships. Try our famous rum punch and sumptuous sandwiches in the bar with Maritza and Laura Ward, the family that operate this major attraction. The Cave can be visited Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

 

[red stripe]

here are more options.
Links and info about Barbados
There are 7 wonders of Barbados listed.
1. Harrison’s cave
http://harrisonscave.com/

The Caves are located near the geographical centre of Barbados, in the parish of St. Thomas and are a natural phenomenon affording an experience unique in the tropical world: a trip aboard a tram through the exciting subterranean stream passages

Notes. If it has been raining for a while when you get to Barbados, do not bother to do this trip. As the caves are like the rest of the island.. Limestone. So they are
porous.
Although the taxi drivers will not bother to tell you this at times, so will take you out there knowing that the caves close down in rains storms.
So I would call them.
First mentioned in historical documents in 1795, the caves were virtually forgotten for nearly two centuries until Barbadian Tony Mason and Danish speliologist Ole Sorensen "rediscovered" them in 1976.

In 1981, Harrison's Cave was officially opened to the public as a "show" cave, giving visitors an opportunity to view a variety of natural features unique to the geophysical structure of Barbados.

Please contact:
Harrison's Cave, Welchman Hall, St. Thomas.
Telephone: (246) 438-6640 or 438-6641

Open seven days a week
First tour: 8.30 a.m.
Last tour: 4.00 p.m.

2. The Baobab Tree












It was said that the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) was brought to Barbados around 1738 from Guinea in Africa. It is also known as the "Monkey-bread tree".

Two magnificent trees with possibly the widest tree-trunks to be found in the Caribbean grow in Barbados! The largest can be seen in our Queen's Park in Bridgetown. To give an example of the size of this tree of great distinction, it takes 15 adults joining with outstretched arms to cover its circumference.
In July 1997, on a wildlife programme on BBC2, it was said; that there have been seven different types of Boabab trees discovered growing in Madagascar.

3. Historic Jacobean Mansions
http://www.barbados.org/nicabbey.htm
St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey, located in the parish of St. Peter was built in 1660 and is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Barbados is home to two of these mansions ... St. Nicholas Abbey and Drax Hall.
Distinguishing features of this magnificent, well-preserved mansion are: curved Dutch gables, chimneystacks and coral stone finials, a Chinese Chippendale staircase and fine antiques and china. A rare 1930s film of sugar plantation life can also be viewed.
St. Nicholas Abbey is not without its tale of tragedy! The house appears to have been built by Colonel Benjamin Berringer. His neighbour, friend and business partner was John (later Sir John) Yeamans. When Yeamans began to pay attention to Mrs. Berringer, a feud erupted between Yeamans and Colonel Berringer, culminating in a duel in which Berringer was killed. Soon afterwards, Sir John married Mrs. Berringer and claimed the Abbey. A court ruling later returned the property to Berringer's children and the property was named after Berringer's granddaughter who married George Nicholas.
Meanwhile, Sir John and Berringer's widow left Barbados in 1669 and helped found the colony that is South Carolina, USA, with Sir John eventually becoming Governor of that settlement in 1672. When he died two years later, his widow married again ... for the third time!
And.
Drax Hall

No one knows for sure, but it is generally believed that Drax Hall was built by the brothers William and James Drax in the 1650's. The brothers built Drax Hall as one of the earliest and biggest sugar properties in Barbados. They were a wealthy and well-connected family that had a special love for Barbados. There were others like them, for Barbados prospered with sugar and its plantation owners held considerable influence at home and abroad.

It is classic Jacobean architecture, with steep gable roofs, corner finials, casement gable windows and a Jacobean Staircase with a carved hall archway.
In St. Peter and Drax Hall in St. George, two of the oldest buildings in Barbados, both built in the 1650's, stand as proud examples of the Jacobean tradition.


4. Morgan Lewis Mill

Location: St.Andrew
History:
Morgan Lewis is one of the only two intact and restored sugar mills in the Caribbean. The other is at Betty's Hope Estate on one of our sister islands, Antigua.

Maintained by the Barbados National Trust, the mill includes an exhibit of the equipment used to produce sugar at the time when the industry was run by wind power generated from mills such as this one.
Architectural Features:
Although the old plantation house has seen better days it is still worth a visit! The rubble walls are comprised of boulders held together with a mixture of egg white and coral dust (there was no cement when this plantation house was built!).

5. Famous Jewish Synagogue

There is currently one synagogue situated in Bridgetown. Built in the 17th century (1654) it was destroyed by hurricane in 1831, was rebuilt, fell into disrepair and was sold in 1929.
In 1983, it was bought back by the Jewish community and was restored to its present state with its beautiful Gothic arches, and is now a Barbados National Trust protected building and an active synagogue.
About 300 Jewish people of Recife, Brazil, persecuted by the Dutch, settled in Barbados in the 1660's. Skilled in the sugar industry, they quickly introduced the crop and passed on their skills in cultivation and production to the Barbados landowners.

With their help Barbados went on to become one of the world's major sugar producers.


6. Barbados: "Cannon Galore"
One of the Barbados Tourism Encyclopedia's "Seven Wonders Of Barbados"
© Michael Whittaker, Former General Manager, Silver Sands Resort
The Caribbean is still full of secrets. One recently revealed is that Barbados has the world's rarest collection of 17th century English iron cannon.
Not too long ago it was decided to create a National Ordnance Collection of all the old guns on the island and to date more than 400 have been unearthed.
"The island is littered with old cannon", said Major Michael Hartland, who is the driving force behind this collection's acquisition. "We have found them in gardens, cellars, on beaches, embedded in the sides of buildings and buried under fortifications", he informed me as I sat in his roomy office which is located in the historic Main Guard House which sits in the Garrison Savannah. It's an elegant Georgian building (Circa 1802) with a graceful clock tower and is now the headquarters of the Garrison Committee of which Hartland is the secretary.

He went on to tell me that the reason there were so many guns on the island was that during the 17th & 18th centuries Barbados was an important military base which the British used to protect their interests in the southern Caribbean.
When a nucleus of cannon had been collected, Charles Trollope, an English apple farmer (who also happens to be a world authority on ordnance), was invited to come to Barbados and catalogue the collection. He arrived armed with copies of the Royal Armory archives now stored in the Tower of London. The British, like the Spanish with their bullion, kept meticulous records of all cannon shipped to and from the West Indies. To everyone's surprise, a treasure trove of ordnance was revealed. More than half the cannon were cast in the 17th century. The oldest cannon found was cast in 1620 and the youngest, dated 1870 is one of the rarest: called the Victoria Gun (in photo) is the first rifled muzzleloader made in England. Not all the cannon found were English, with Dutch, Spanish and Swedish cannon coming to light.
"Let me show you the gem of the collection", said Hartland leading me out onto the broad verandah, which surrounds the Guard House. Here covered with a green tarpaulin was yet another gun. As I helped him unwrap it he told me it was the rarest cannon of its kind ... a Commonwealth Cannon. Only one other is known to exist and it can be found in the Tower of London. What makes it so rare? Following the death of Oliver Cromwell, King Charles II instructed that all cannon with Cromwell's Coat of Arms embellished on them be struck off so that all official traces of Cromwell's rule (he had executed Charles II's father) would be removed. It is a cannon of extreme historical importance.


Twenty-six of the most important pieces in the collection are mounted in front of the Main Guard House and make a fine photographic display.



7. Grapefruit tree (Citrus Paradise)


There is an old Barbadian legend telling us that the "Grapefruit" was first developed in Barbados, in the beautiful Welchman Hall Gully and was first recorded in the eighteenth century. It's parents were Shaddock and Sweet Orange, immigrants from across the Asian Sea. A natural cross-pollination was produced between Shaddock and Sweet Orange. As a result, the "Forbidden Fruit" (as it was named many moons ago) was born for the first time! The name was changed to "Grapefruit" because it grows in large "grape-like clusters". This original Barbadian fruit has now become a world wide favourite. The BTE is proud to have the "grapefruit" as one of the Seven Wonders of Barbados!

It is delicious when cut in half, segmented and sprinkled with Angostura Bitters, (made in a neighbouring island, Trinidad).


By Margaret P. M Bourne, 1996

***********************************

I would add these places also.


8 Farley Hill

Breathtaking scenery set in the grounds of the once regal Farley Hill house. A mansion in ruins, tucked away in a forest of mahogany trees, high up on a hill overlooking the rugged Atlantic coast, Farley Hill is an idea spot to picnic, escape into nature, hide in the shade of a comforting tree and to simply stare out to sea. It is also a spot favoured by visitors for getting married!
Building of Farley Hill house began in 1818, with additional rooms being added over the next 50 years. It eventually grew to be regarded as the most impressive mansion in Barbados. In the mid-nineteenth century Sir Graham Briggs, a wealthy British planter and legislator, owned the property. Briggs improved not only the house, but also the gardens, importing many new plants and trees into the island.
In 1965, the house was used in the film Island in the Sun but was subsequently destroyed by fire. HM Queen Elizabeth II officially opened Farley Hill as a national park in 1966, the same year Barbados gained independence.
9. Hackleton’s Cliff

Hackleton's Cliff, in the parish of St. Joseph rises almost perpendicularly within a few miles of the coastline and reaches a height of one thousand feet above sea level.
According to legend, the cliff is named after a man who committed suicide by riding his horse off the cliff.
Naturally, this cliff offers one of the best views of Barbados' east coast. Bring along your camera!

10. Mount Hillaby
Mount Hillaby, situated in St. Andrew is the highest point of the Island at 1,115 ft. or 343 metres above sea level!
Naturally, this site is one of the best scenic lookouts in Barbados, particularly of the Eastern and Northern sections of the island.
If you follow the narrow road through the village of Hillaby, you will be treated to captivating views of the East, West and North coasts of the island.

11. Animal Flower Cave


The Animal Flower Cave is located at the most Northerly point of Barbados in the parish of St.Lucy.
The name "Animal Flower Cave" comes from the sea anemones found in the pools of the cave. Some of these pools are deep enough for you to swim in! There are also several openings looking out to sea, offering some spectacular views!

The now famous cave has been featured in singer Billy Ocean's music videos and in the soap opera "Bold and Beautiful".

If you are interested in History then check out this site.
http://www.barbados.org/historic.htm
Crafts.
http://www.barbados.org/crafts.htm
CHALKY MT. POTTERIES
Located on the East Coast of Barbados, where Barbadian potters have practiced their skills for hundreds of years.
EARTHWORKS POTTERY
Earthworks Pottery is well known for its Caribbean blue and green lines of tableware and serving pieces, which are oven, dishwasher and microwave safe. Vases, lamps, office, bathroom and kitchen are catered to, and custom orders can be shipped if ncessary!
No admission fee.
Tel: (246) 425-0223 Fax: (246) 425-3224
PELICAN VILLAGE
An attractive shopping village featuring pottery, straw works, batik, rum cakes, metal works, paintings, and much more. Located on the outskirts of the capital city, Bridgetown.

THE POTTER'S HOUSE
The Potter's House is an art gallery offering selected high quality handmade Bajan craft in several disciplines. On the large shaded verandah is the Lunch Club, serving tasty sandwiches and salads. A great stop while touring the countryside.
Tel: (246) 425-3463
RED CLAY POTTERY & FAIRFIELD GALLERY
Located at Fairfield Cross Roads in the parish of St.Michael, Red Clay Pottery manufactures a wide selection of ornamentals, dinnerware and terracotta pots, all carefully designed and each one unique!
Tel: (246) 424-3800 Fax: (246) 424-0072












Natural attractions.
ANDROMEDA GARDENS
ANIMAL FLOWER CAVE
BARCLAYS PARK
ERROL BARROW PARK
FLOWER FOREST
FOLKESTONE MARINE PARK
GRAEME HALL SWAMP & NATURE SANCTUARY
HARRISON'S CAVE
JOES RIVER
LAZARETTO GARDENS
OCEAN PARK
ORCHID WORLD
TURNER'S HALL WOODS
WELCHMAN HALL GULLY
WILDLIFE RESERVE

Barbados Distilleries
Rum has been produced in Barbados for over 350 years and Barbados rum is recognized as one of the finest (and strongest!) in the world today.

Mount Gay Visitors Centre

Foursquare Rum Factory and Heritage Park
Tour this modern computerized Rum Factory and explore the Heritage Park - featuring an Art Foundry, Craft Shops, Food and Drink Stalls, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Malibu Visitor Centre
Learn more about rum production via a video presentation and a tour through the distillery. This facility is located on a magnificent beach and features a beachside bar and restaurant.
(Tel: 246-425-9393)

Notes.
A trip along the East Coast Road gives rise to a most spectacular seascape with the huge Atlantic waves breaking over rocks and reefs to form small pools close to shore.
The Atlantic rollers break on the large rocks at sea to form beautiful mist and foam.
There are not really any places that are suitable for swimming, but the views and coastline is so beautiful that we usually go there just to enjoy it.

THE BATHSHEBA POOLS .
The pools are carved out of the inshore coral reef and are a few feet away from the sandy shore. They are several feet deep and you can sit in them enjoying a drink while the surf splashed in, swirling the water around in nature’s own whirlpool.
Rum Punch parties at the pools in Bathsheba are a uniquely Bajan experience!
BUT!
CAUTION:
Swimming at Bathsheba is DANGEROUS. If you are not with someone who knows the area well do not swim here. There are dangerous rip tides and undertows. While it is tempting to walk into the ocean over the flat coral reefs, be cautious. Incoming waves can pull you out to sea with their strong undertow. This is a place to tread carefully, to look and wonder with respect at the mighty forces of nature.

The West side is calm, with plenty of coves for swimming.
If you do not have a beach in mind, then ask your driver to stop at a hotel that will allow you to use their beach and their bar. Tell him that you really want to see the monkeys.

We had an interesting afternoon watching them run up and down the trees while we floated in the sea. The water was calm as can be.


We have usually hired a driver and asked him to take us up the East (Bathsheba) side of the island, and then go over to the west side.
We used to do Sam Lords Castle, as there was some wonderful views, and a great place to eat where the myna birds would come right in and eat the fruit put out for them, but the last time we were there this all had changed, you could no longer just go in, the taxi driver had to ask permission, and then they had changed the restaurant and enclosed it so the entertaining birds could not come in. So I have no idea if they have changed again. I would rely on your driver’s recommendations on this.


Then we would end up at the Edgewater Inn .

http://www.newedgewater.com/p_gal.cfm

Remember.. Food and drink is expensive on Barbados.



Now it is under new management, and I have not seen it since it changed hands, but we usually go there and sit out on the deck and have a beer and some snacks
The view from this place is beautiful.


http://www.totallybarbados.com/sightseeing/sightseeing.aspx

The North coast of Barbados is the smallest coast as well as the most rural. A venture up north will reveal a way of living foreign to even most island locals. Perhaps it is because the northern coast is so separated from town or perhaps they know something we don’t.
Other Coastal Features
Of course, not all of Barbados' coast is sand; there are mangrove swamps, cliffs, tide pools and areas where beds of low lying coral rock, sandstone, clay or shale reach out to the sea.
Barbados' swamps are to be found in Chancery Lane, Inch Marlow and Graham Hall in the South and South West of the Island. They are the major wetlands of Barbados providing an assemblage of plants and animals forming an important link in the food chain of offshore fish and birds.
Low lying rock formations are particularly prevalent along the North East and South Easter points; periwinkles, sea anemones, crabs and snails make their home along these rocks.
Tidal flats and wave ridges occur mostly off the East coast within eroded limestone plateaus and other low-lying rock formations.

On the South and South West Coasts you will find many tide pools, an important ecological resource, acting as nurseries for juvenile fish and other permanent residents like the ghost crab and sea roaches as well as marine plants like sea moss which is made into a health drink.



Cliffs of coral and sandstone overlook calm bays and rugged coastlines and sometimes small, cozy soft sand beaches nestle between heads of coral sculptured by the sea. Most of the larger cliffs are in the North, in the parish of St. Lucy.