VISITORS ON A CRUISE SHIP:
If you have a few hours at the end of a cruise and before your flight home (minimum of 4 hours needed) you may want to purchase a "day pass" to one of the island hotels to hang out for a few hours and enjoy the pool and beach at one of the great hotels listed. If you go to the website: http://www.caribbeandaypass.com/reservations.htmlyou will see various options.
Or if you are on the island on a cruise stop you may have the option of booking one of the private tours I suggest - either through Sarah, at Glory Tours, or one of the private taxi drivers. Check out the page called “Tour Options/Other Transportation.” They do book up way in advance. By doing this they could take you to see some interesting sights, or just drive to view the scenery occasionally stopping, and you would have time for lunch -- check out my website for suggestions. Then they could take you to the airport on time if your cruise is over, or back to the ship in time to sail away. This way your luggage would be safely with you and you could enjoy your time on the island.
CATAMARAN CRUISES - we've done several. They all have similar stops: snorkeling, swimming with the turtles, lunch, and then a swim before returning to dock. Those that we've enjoyed include:
SEGWAY BARBADOS -
Website: http://www.segwaybarbados.com/
Location: Cove Bay & Little Bay
Segway is the most unique and eco-friendly tour Barbados has to offer. It's a great way to explore these 2 very picturesque areas.
Segway will take you across rugged cliff tops where you witness breathtaking views of Barbados’ stunning coastlines and pounding Atlantic surf, all while you ride around on your very own Segway PT (off-Road X2) model.
This particular Segway model will captivate you while you ride for over 1 hour and 20 minutes, traversing through mud, grass, sand, and even over rocky terrain.
See a unique part of Barbados inaccessible even by other forms of transportation. Segway will take you across the North eastern coastline with views of the entire rugged East Coast, glide across open fields, stop under a forest of coconut trees for a cool splash of water, and engage in the serenity of the great outdoors. You may even get a chance to get up-close photos of the island's indigenous black belly sheep and other grazing animals!
ISLAND SAFARI -
Website: http://www.islandsafari.bb
We've taken several different group tours as well as private tours and they really are fantastic. We have done this 7 times now & love it. I feel that this company provides the best tours of this type as their vehicles can handle any type of terrain. They use powerful 4-wheel drive Land Rover Defenders -- the ultimate for this type of adventure. They will take you places you cannot get to in a car, so we had a different perspective on some things we've seen before while driving around. It was fantastic off-roading through the sugar cane fields.
The first tour we took was their Adventure Safari, which now costs $92.50 US for adults and for children 12 and under $60 US. These tours include pickup at your hotel, "jungle juice" and snacks, and a Bajan lunch. Since then we’ve also done 4 Tailor-made Safaris - a private safari just for your family/group -- the vehicle can hold 8 people. Currently I believe this is priced at $520 for 6 hours (or you can book a minimum of 4 hours for $405 approx.). There are also 5 other unique safaris from which to choose (all priced differently). Tell Ralph White that I highly recommended, and he will take good care of you. You can e-mail him at info@islandsafari.bb to book directly with him. Also, if you follow the link below it will take you to their site and every adult that books online will receive one of their exclusive Island Safari Barbados FREE T-Shirts on the day of the tour!
Just added to Island Safari’s tours is Seafari Adventures (a new fast powerboat tour) -- Seafari offers passengers the thrill of real off-shore power boating in complete safety and comfort under a fully trained Captain and crew. They are currently offering a choice of two tour packages - a 1 hour Blue Water Adventure Ride or a 4 hour Dash & Splash Beach Adventure, which includes 2 hours at the BoatYard Adventure Beach with all of their activities and amenities. Private charters are also available.
Call for more information or to make a booking: (246) 429-5337. You can write Island Safari’s at info@islandsafari.bb to get more information. Their website is: . http://www.islandsafari.bb
I would suggest picking out a day you want now & book; this way Island Safari really provides the best of this type of tour. Be sure to mention this Barbados Tips website and Lois Swanson when booking. They do more off-roading than others & their drivers are fun and know their stuff.
BANKS BREWERY TOUR: There are 3 guided tours which take place Mondays through Fridays at 10 am, 12 noon, and 2 pm. Bookings are preferred. Tel: (246) 227-6782. Take a stroll through the Brew-Seum and enjoy a journey through their 47-year history. See the huge trademark copper kettles where Banks Beer was brewed for 32 years and photos of the Brewery's '1000-gallon opening.' Then pause to take a look around their fully automated Computerized Facility before enjoying a bird's eye view of the Bottling Hall where a great symphony of glass upon glass meets the ears, as they produce the distinctively flavored golden brew.
Just learned about the exciting new adventure type activity (I have yet to try it). Sounds like fun and very safe. If you book please let them know you read about them on Barbadostips.
All of our Buggy’s are safe and secure vehicles which are factory equipped with all the safety features found in an average motor vehicle. All Buggy’s are equipped with: Engine:150cc up to 300cc, Air cooled, 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, automatic with reverse Seat Belts (Driver AND Passenger) Harness Style Indicator Switch Hazard Lights Headlights, Brake Lights & Indicator Lights Horn Rear View Mirrors Front and Rear Disk Brakes Completely Covered Roof Canopy Max Torque: 9.3N.m/5500r/min Engine Gear: D-N-R (Fully Automatic with reverse) Front Suspension: Dual A-arms Rear Suspension: Single Arm type Engine kill switch
AREA’S OF OPERATION: Our Buggy’s ONLY operate in safe environments away from all moving traffic and pedestrians. We DO NOT operate on public roads or areas where motor vehicles travel on a daily basis.
COST: Rental Rates per Go Kart are $250 Barbados Dollars for (1) Kart which allows (2) person’s on board the kart for (1) Full Hour of Off Roading. The rate of $250 covers (2) two person’s on board a kart. Those two person’s can share the driving experience for the duration of the tour. In many cases tours will go over an hour and any extra time given is NOT charged for. BOOKINGS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
We provide complimentary soft beverages for all persons who go on tour. Children ages 6 to 16 are allowed to go out on tour accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We require the drivers of the go karts to have a driver’s license which will give us an indication that they have driving experience and knowledge. We are presently accommodating groups of “up to” 8 persons at the moment. All tours are done by booking.
Contact number for booking is Tel No. 2310101
MT. GAY RUM TOUR:
Website: http://www.mountgayrum.com/#/section/visit
The Mount Gay Visitor Centre welcomes guests from around the world, inviting them to discover the mysteries and secrets behind Barbados’ finest and most celebrated spirit. There are three tours to choose from:
SIGNATAURE RUM TOUR - US $10, Monday to Friday 9:30 am - 2:30 pm;
COCKTAIL TOUR – USD $50.00 - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 - No children allowed
Transportation included
BAJAN BUFFET LUNCH TOUR – USD $62.00 - Tuesday and Thursday at 12 noon; Children under 12 half price
Transportation included
For additional information, directions or to book a tour, please contact us.
CROP OVER - 2019
Crop Over is Barbados' premiere summer festival and attracts visitors from across the globe! Many Bajans who now live off the island also return home to join in the festivities with family and friends. In addition to the official events of the National Cultural Foundation there are many other 'Crop Over' activities - such as themed parties and cruises - for you to enjoy! It's underway now and runs through August 10. Here is a link for activities: https://barbados.org/cropclnd.htm#.XQJBlVNKiWw
FUN THINGS TO DO
OISTINS FISH FRY - This area was totally rebuilt and reopened in December 2007. Friday night is the fish-fry, the hottest spot in town – it’s a big street party. Women at open-air food stalls fry or Bar-B-Q shark, barracuda, marlin, snapper, kingfish, and, of course, the traditional flying fish--all caught that same day. It’s all prepared local style – usually marinated in lime and salt and grilled right before you, served many times with rice and peas. For many it is becoming a tradition and a Friday night ritual (I mention this as people ask about it, but it’s not one of my favorite things to do). You sit at picnic benches and usually after 10 pm the music starts in (from very loud sound systems). Lots of people milling around. It’s a unique experience to try if you like casual things. This event also occurs on Saturday nights, and you can eat here most evenings very inexpensively. We also discovered most days/nights someone is cooking in this area, so check it out. We ate at Uncle George's and it was delicious - I had Bajan grilled chicken and macaroni pie, and my husband had a grilled fish platter - of course, Banks Beer too.
TRANQUILITY CRUISES
Join us aboard Tranquility Cruises Glass Bottom Tranquility has been built with customer comfort in mind. The boat is fitted with ramps for easy boarding and disembarking on the beach. The boat has 2 washrooms on board, a bar and an upper and lower deck with lots of seating. There is a glass bottom area for those who prefer to stay on board and enjoy the sights bellow. Tranquility is also equipped with life vest, snorkel and mask for those who wish to get wet and explore a shipwreck or swim with turtles and fish. An extra treat for kids on board is the boats waterslide. Here is a website link: https://www.tranquilitycruises.com/
CALABAZA CATAMARAN: We have been on 2 cruises on the Calabaza with Gina and her crew. Only 12 people, so it was nice and private. They take photos of your water adventures and post online so you can enjoy the experience all over again. Be sure to check them out and let them know you read about them on Barbados Tips. The food and snacks are all homemade by Gina and are delicious. You have breakfast cakes when boarding, and later they have appetizers prior to a huge lunch that includes dessert. They also serve free-flowing drinks, and the crew is great fun in the water when you are snorkeling. Their website is: http://www.barbadossailingcruises.com/ For info write Gina at: sailcalabaza@gmail.com
JAMMIN' CATAMARAN: This was new in May 2009. We loved it. The 63' cat was not overcrowded and the crew is fantastic. We did the Sunblast cruise. We had breakfast after boarding, and the drinks flow freely all day. Captain Roger and his crew make sure you have a fun-filled day at sea. The lunch was delicious and the food was plentiful.
Something unique was being served our drinks while floating in the water. Gavin does a great job at swimming out to you with delicious drinks. Also unique were the floating Lilo’s to enjoy.
There are several cruises you can choose from. Their website is: http://jammincats.com/