Things to do in Barbados: beaches, caves and rum

Barbados has two coasts and they do not feel like the same island. The west and south are calm, clear and built for swimming and snorkelling; the east, around Bathsheba, is wild Atlantic surf and dramatic rock, better for a walk and a photograph than a swim.

What to do

Split your time. Spend the mornings on the Platinum Coast beaches or snorkelling with the turtles, then head inland to Harrison’s Cave or a rum distillery in the afternoon. Bridgetown and its Garrison are a UNESCO World Heritage site and worth a slow wander. Surfers make for the Soup Bowl at Bathsheba.

Where to start

Before you go

Check tides and weather for the east coast, and book cave tours ahead in season. The contact number on each page is the operator’s own.