2 Days in Barbados for First Timers

Begin with a comprehensive tour of the island’s top sights by bus or minivan. Half-day and full-day tours typically take visitors to famous attractions such as Harrison's Cave, Hunte's Gardens, and St. Nicholas Abbey; some also include lunch and rum punches to get you into the island mood. Booking a private tour has the added appeal of allowing you to customize your itinerary.

If there’s time afterwards, delve deeper into Barbadian culinary culture with a visit to Mount Gay Visitor Centre or a chocolate factory—both offer samples as well as insight into production. Alternatively, you can take an in-depth look at the historic buildings of UNESCO-listed Bridgetown on a walking tour.

Cap off a great day in Barbados with a mini Caribbean carnival; dinner shows feature fire eaters, limbo dancers, and stilt-walkers. These evening packages typically include a barbecue dinner and open bar, as well as round-trip hotel transfers.

Begin your second day in Barbados by getting out onto the water. Most catamaran cruises take you along the west coast of Barbados and make two or three stops for diving and snorkeling, sometimes at a shipwreck—you can also rent your own private boat for a personalized experience. If you don’t want to get wet, glass-bottom boat tours offer a dry alternative and visit many of the same sites.

f you’re a fan of watersports, Barbados is the place for you. You can take a surfing lessons in Freight’s Bay—which typically include all-day surf board hire so you can continue after the lesson ends—or get propelled into the air on a jetblading adventure.

Conclude your visit to Barbados with a taste of the local nightlife, by visiting the bars and live music venues of St. Lawrence Gap.