Cruise Port Guide · Southern Caribbean
Barbados
Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean, famous for its white sand beaches, rum, friendly Bajan culture and colourful chattel houses. Ships dock in Bridgetown, the historic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Barbados at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
Amy, DeeAnn & Allison
“Barbados is a favourite for our whole team, whether it’s a beach day at Carlisle Bay or an island tour.”
Our top picks in Barbados
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
A beach day at Carlisle Bay
If you just want a beach day, Carlisle Bay is the place to go! It’s the best-known beach in Barbados and the closest to the cruise port in Bridgetown, so you spend more time on the sand and less in a taxi. The water is calm and turquoise, you can rent chairs and umbrellas right on the beach, and it’s known for snorkelling, with shipwrecks and sea turtles just offshore.
- Cost
- Free beach, chair and umbrella rentals extra
- From the port
- The closest beach to the cruise port
- Water
- Calm and turquoise
- Good for
- Swimming and snorkelling over shipwrecks
An island tour with DeeAnn
DeeAnn’s island tour passed colourful chattel houses and Rihanna Drive in Bridgetown, where Rihanna grew up, then followed the west coast to Holetown and St. James Parish Church, one of the oldest churches on the island. Next came Speightstown, a sweet treat at a pretty pink bakery café and the views from Cherry Tree Hill, before finishing at the beach at Brandons, just north of the port. A fun fact she learned: Barbados isn’t volcanic, and the only stone on the island is limestone!
- Stops
- Bridgetown, Holetown, Speightstown, Cherry Tree Hill
- Ends at
- The beach at Brandons, near the port
- Good for
- Seeing the island plus beach time
- Fun fact
- Barbados is limestone, not volcanic
A catamaran day from Bridgetown
Amy and Allison sailed with Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises from Bridgetown, and it was one of their favourite days in Barbados! The trip included an open bar, a delicious lunch (with macaroni pie!), two snorkel and swim stops, lots of music and incredible service, and Amy even spotted turtles from the boat. Many catamaran companies also offer shorter sails that fit a cruise day.
- Company
- Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises
- Departs from
- Bridgetown
- Includes
- Open bar, lunch, 2 snorkel and swim stops
- Good to know
- Shorter port-day sails are available
Bathsheba and the wild east coast
On their island tour, Amy and Allison stopped in Speightstown, then crossed the island to Bathsheba on the Atlantic side. The east coast is rugged and dramatic, with big waves crashing over huge rock formations, and it feels like a different island from the calm west coast. It was a hot day, so a cool ice pop was just what they needed!
- Where
- Bathsheba, on the east coast
- Best for
- Photos and scenery
- Swimming
- Not recommended, the water is rough
- Getting there
- On an island tour
The view from Cherry Tree Hill
DeeAnn’s island tour climbed up to Cherry Tree Hill in the north of the island. From the lookout, you can see right over the wild Atlantic east coast, and it’s one of the prettiest views in Barbados. It’s an easy stop to add to an island tour.
- Where
- The north of the island
- Best for
- Views over the east coast
- Getting there
- On an island tour
- Nearby
- St. Nicholas Abbey
Read about Amy and Allison’s full week on the island: where they stayed, what they ate, a catamaran day and the Harbour Lights dinner show.
More ideas for your day in Barbados
Popular things to do that we book for clients, plus tours you can browse below.
Swim with sea turtlesMany catamaran trips stop just off the west coast near Bridgetown, where sea turtles come to feed. You can swim and snorkel alongside them in the clear, calm water, and Amy even spotted turtles from the boat on her Cool Runnings day! Remember to look, but don’t touch.
Sip a rum punchBarbados is known as the birthplace of rum, and you’ll find it everywhere, from beach bars to the Mount Gay visitor centre near Bridgetown, which offers tours and tastings. Even if you don’t book a tour, a rum punch with a sea view is a must on your port day!
Animal Flower CaveA sea cave at North Point, the island’s northern tip, with a natural rock pool to swim in and views straight out to the ocean. Guided tours run all day: $40 BBD (about $20 USD) for adults and $20 BBD for kids under 12. Swimming depends on the waves.
Browse Barbados excursions
Tours and experiences you can book for your day in port. Not sure which one? Ask us!
Know before you go
- Bring US dollars: they’re widely accepted, and the Barbados dollar is pegged at 2 to 1.
- Pick your coast: swim on the calm south and west coasts, and save the east coast for the views.
- Try the food: macaroni pie, Bajan pastries and fish cakes. The portions are big, so plan to share!
- Bring your passport: valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Barbados FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is the best beach near the Barbados cruise port?
Carlisle Bay is the best-known beach in Barbados and the closest to the cruise port in Bridgetown, with calm turquoise water, beach chair rentals and snorkelling over shipwrecks.
What can you see on a Barbados island tour from the cruise port?
DeeAnn’s island tour passed chattel houses and Rihanna Drive, then visited Holetown, St. James Parish Church, Speightstown and Cherry Tree Hill on the east coast, ending at the beach before returning to the ship.
Is Barbados a volcanic island?
No. Barbados is made of limestone, which is why it doesn’t have the very high peaks of most other Caribbean islands. Any other stone on the island is imported.
Can you use US dollars in Barbados?
Yes. US dollars are widely accepted, and the Barbados dollar is pegged at 2 to 1 with the US dollar.
Do I need a passport for a cruise to Barbados?
Yes. Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a travel consultant who has actually been to ports like Barbados and can help you pick the right ship, itinerary and shore excursions.
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