Activities in Barbados

Barbados is known for its beautiful beaches, but that doesn't mean sand and surf are the only ways to enjoy the island. Plenty of outdoor activities allow travelers to take in a little sun and a lot more of Barbados.

Water Sports

If you'd like to leave dry land but also keep yourself dry, chartering a fishing boat may be the perfect option. Fish in the Caribbean come in all shapes and sizes. In Barbados the fish come in plenty of large sizes for anglers seeking record-earning catches.

Those who want to dive right in to the action, though, can do so when it comes to seeing the underwater beauty of Barbados. Several dive sites, including a good number with sunken ships, are popular with travelers. These shipwrecks often create a perfect habitat for incredible coral and underwater creatures. Snorkelers, too, can spend a bit of time viewing the undersea life.

Sports

The local golf courses are popular hot spots for those who prefer to stay on land. Initially, the golf courses in Barbados were built during the tourism boom of the 1960s, then fell into disrepair for several decades.  Recently, however, renovations to the island's courses has revitalized golf in Barbados, and even brought pro tours through the area. Tennis is also going through a revitalization in Barbados, and vacationers will find that many resorts have tennis courts.  If that is not an option there are a few public and private courts you can book time at.

Shopping

Duty free shopping in Barbados means that vacationers can purchase luxury goods at up to a 40 percent discount.  This is an especially good deal when it comes to British imports such as cashmere, tweed, china, and perfume because they are typically very expensive back home.  Holetown and Bridgetown provide the most extensive shopping locales, but if you are looking for locally made handicrafts, however, head to Oistins. 

Events and Festivals

If you want to know what is important to the people of Barbados, pay attention to the things they celebrate.  Island events and festivals are not only fun and lively ways to pass time, but they have meaning to locals.  There are constantly music festivals and other events celebrating the arts going on, so that shows you that the arts have great importance to the people of Barbados.  Also of significance is heritage and culture.  If there is a festival going on during your stay on the island, make a point to get out there and mingle.  Not only will you see a lot of friendly faces, but you will also get to sample local fare, and find plenty of booths at which artisans are selling their wares.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Barbados tends to be more refined than wild and crazy, and you may even feel obligated to dress a little fancier than usual for a night on the town.  However you dress, however, there are plenty of after dark options to choose from, from wine bars to sports bars, dance clubs to music venues.  One fun attribute is the collection of dinner shows the island has to offer.  You can choose between theatrical or musical performances that are made all the better by the hot meal served up during the show.

Golf, fishing, and diving aren't the only activities for those on visit to Barbados, but they are popular among island vacationers. And with these three options in mind, you're sure to find something exciting to do during your stay.