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5 Day Barbados Itinerary for Fun & Sun

ByMelissa

The tiny island spans 34 km in length and 23 km in width, but don’t let its smaller size fool you. There are plenty of fun adventures to be had while spending 5 days in Barbados. 

I’ve been all over Barbados twice and want to share my favourite places with you.

From snorkelling with turtles and shipwrecks to exploring underground caves and off the beaten path, this 5-day Barbados itinerary will show you all the amazing things to do to make your trip unforgettable.

Let’s get right into planning your tropical getaway, including how many days to spend in Barbados, top things to do, and where to stay.

Is 5 Days in Barbados Enough?

You will want to spend at least 3-5 days in Barbados, but 5-7 days is better. While one week would be even better as you can see and do more things, any less than 5 days and you will have to pick and choose what to visit.

If visiting Barbados in a day by cruise, you will not have time to explore the whole island, but you can still enjoy your time in Barbados. If you have less than 24 hours in Barbados, you can explore Bridgetown and visit one of its beautiful beaches.

How many days in Barbados will ultimately depend on how many adventures you want to go on. I found five days, including travel time to and from Barbados, to be a good amount of time to explore without rushing. My second time, I visited for a week and liked that even more.

Day 1 in Barbados – Bridgetown and Oistins

Today will take you to the Saint Michael and Christ Church parishes of Barbados. 

Once you arrive in Barbados, it’s time to explore. You will most likely stay in or near Bridgetown. Hit the beach closest to your accommodations to begin your trip.

Once finished at the beach, begin this Barbados itinerary. 

Oistins Fish Market

Oistins Fish Market is a food market in a small fishing village along the south coast of Barbados. A local tradition and taste of Bajan culture, the fish market is enjoyed by locals and tourists. Friday and Saturday nights have the best selection but also the biggest crowds.

Seafood dinner options include tuna, marlin, lobster, mahi-mahi, red snapper, and swordfish. Other food options include chicken and steak. Each season the food with unique sauces to add a delicious flavour. On my first visit, I went around sampling all the sauces before I decided.

Visiting the Fish Fry and the pier makes for a vibrant and delicious evening in Barbados. You can’t miss it! I recommend visiting hot spots like Pat’s Place on a non-weekend night to skip the massive line. But it’s worth eating at even with the line!

Day 2 in Barbados – Island Tour and Carlisle Bay

Today will take you to the Saint Philip, Saint John and Saint Michael parishes of Barbados. 

Barbados Roadtrip

One of the best ways to explore Barbados is by driving around. A self-guided island tour will help you see more of Barbados in less time, but you could easily skip the driving and join an island tour instead.

I’ve rounded up the places I visited on my road trip along the central, east, and southern parts of Barbados and the guided island tour I loved. The driving portion of this tour from start to finish is about 2.5 hours and does not include time spent at each location. 

What to See and Do on a Barbados Roadtrip

Harrison’s Cave

Harrison’s Cave is a famous cave with stalagmites and stalactites formed thousands of years ago in central Barbados. You’ll ride an electric tram 2km underground to see its beauty, including an underground waterfall. It’s an unforgettable Soft Adventure.

Yes, it’s touristy, but it was one of the most fun activities in Barbados I tried and something I don’t recommend you skipping.

Bathsheba

Bathsheba is a small village on the eastern coast of Barbados. It’s large rock formations and powerful waves give it a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a stop or lunch break on your Barbados roadtrip.

While you can surf here, swimming is not recommended due to strong undercurrants. Take a walk along the shore at Soup Bowl Beach and admire the dramatic rock formations along the coast.

And if you are grabbing lunch, make sure to try the mac pie, it’s delicious!

Foul Bay 

Foul Bay is an expansive beach located in south-eastern Barbados. With stunning white sand and palm trees for shade, Foul Bay Beach is a popular spot for a picnic and sunbathing. The waves can be rough, so it’s better for body surfing than swimming. 

While its name is not appealing, Foul Bay Beach itself is beautiful. Stretching long and wide, there is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. 

Foul Bay is also a nesting site for hawksbill turtles so be cautious not to disturb their nests. Please keep the beach clean and take all litter with you. 

Shark Hole 

Shark Hole is a small secluded beach along the south-eastern coast of Barbados. This tiny spoon-shaped inlet is a unique geological feature in Barbados. The beach is protected from the rough waves of the Atlantic by a coral ridge, so the waters are calm at Shark Hole.

Shark Hole is popular with locals and the beach can get crowded on weekends. It is best to visit on a weekday, if possible. A hidden gem of Barbados, it is worth visiting. You won’t actually find any sharks here.

Note: If you swim, do not pass the coral ridge, as the waves are stronger and there are riptides below. I skipped swimming here but I loved the rocky cliff.

Bottom Bay

Bottom Bay is a beautiful beach semi-enclosed by a cliff and lined with palm trees. Tucked away along Barbados’s south coast, Bottom Bay is a popular picnic spot.

It is not recommended to swim due to the strong waves. Enjoy this secluded beach by taking a stroll or packing a picnic. I loved taking pictures with the beautiful palm trees.

Deebles Point 

Deebles Point is a cliffside in the most eastern part of Barbados. Found on the Atlantic side of the island, Deebles Point offers panoramic views of the coastline and East Point light-house. 

When visiting Deebles Point, be careful of the wind. Do not get too close to the edge of the cliff. There is a set of stairs to reach a viewing platform.

When you look directly out at the ocean from Deebles Point, you see nothing but water and know that the next land mass on the other side is the continent of Africa. You are standing at the most eastern point of the Caribbean. 

Day 3 in Barbados – North Coast and Speightstown

Today will take you to the Saint Lucy and Saint Peter parishes of Barbados. 

Animal Flower Cave 

Animal Flower Cave is a natural sea cave in northern Barbados. The cave was discovered in 1780 by English explorers and sits above sea level. Its name comes from the sea anemones that can be found in the cave, which the locals call animal flowers.

On-site you’ll find the sea cave and a cliffside restaurant serving Bajan style lunch.

You can only tour Animal Flower Cave with a local guide. Change into your swimsuit before the tour so you can swim in the natural pool. Swimming in Animal Flower Cave is my favourite part, so much so that I’ve done it on multiple trips to Barbados.

As part of the tour, the guide explains the history of the cave and shows you the best photo spots. Inside, you will have scenic views of North Point and the ocean.

If taking the bus to Animal Flower Cave, make sure you take the right bus. I took the wrong one and ended up at Flower Forest Botanical Garden, before backtracking to fix my mistake.

North Point 

North Point is a cliffside at the most northern part of Barbados. Found where the gentle Caribbean Sea meets the rough Atlantic Ocean, North Point offers panoramic views. From North Point, you can see the seaside entrance to Animal Flower Cave.

When visiting North Point, be careful of the winds. Don’t go too close to the edge of the cliff. It was a neat experience to say I’ve visited the most northern point of a country. 

Speightstown 

Speightstown is a historic colonial town in northwest Barbados, the second largest town to Bridgetown. A former port, Speightstown has transformed into an active and vibrant community, featuring street vendors, art, and historic architecture. 

Take a stroll along the colourful streets, enjoy a nice meal, or relax at one of its beautiful beaches. During my visit to Speightstown, I dined at a restaurant overlooking the ocean and watched the sunset. Just look at that colourful sunset!

Day 4 in Barbados – Bridgetown

Today will take you to the Saint Michael parish of Barbados. 

Bridgetown Walking Tour

One of the best ways to experience Bridgetown is to explore the city on foot via a guided walking tour. During your walking tour, you can explore the city of Bridgetown to see its historic attractions, and visit local markets. I’ve done both self-guided and a walking food tour and nothing beats hearing the history from a local while you visit the sites.

Join the walking food tour I did ✅

What to See and Do in Bridgetown – On Your Self-Guided Walking Tour 

Independence Square 

Independence Square is a small public square in the heart of Bridgetown. A quiet little spot, the plaza features a water fountain and benches with a view of Parliament and National Heros Square. While wandering around Bridgetown, Independence Square is a good place for a quick rest.

Independence Arch 

Independence Arch is an important landmark at the end of Champlain Bridge in Bridgetown. The arch was built in 1987 to celebrate 21 years of Barbados’ independence from Britain. It displays important parts of Bajan culture, including carvings of two national symbols, the flying fish and a pelican. Each November, the arch is lit up with blue and gold lights to celebrate Barbados’ independence. 

Chamberlain Bridge 

Chamberlain Bridge is a lift bridge in Bridgetown, one of two active bridges in the capital city.

Originally built as a swing bridge in 1872, the bridge was rebuilt in 2006 to be decorative and allow pleasure crafts to pass. The Chamberlain Bridge connects the outer and inner basins of the Careenage. You will find Chamberlain Bridge near the Barbados Boardwalk and Independence Arch. 

National Heroes Square 

National Heroes Square is a triangular-shaped public square in central Bridgetown. Formerly called Trafalgar Square, it was built in the early 1800s following the Battle of Trafalgar. In 1999 the plaza was renamed National Heroes Square to honour the national heroes of Barbados. The plaza features a fountain celebrating running water in Barbados.

Wickham Lewis Boardwalk

Wickham Lewis Boardwalk is a waterfront trail passing through Bridgetown. Known more simply as as the Bridgetown Boardwalk, it’s perfect for afternoon stroll with its colourful buildings and docked ships. You might even spot some turtles hanging out around the ships like I did.

Cheapside Street Market 

Cheapside Street Market is a local Bajan farmer’s market. At the market, you will find fresh fruit, vegetables, and meats, as well as vendors serving local cuisine. The market is open to locals and tourists and operates Monday through Saturday.  

I think I went at the wrong time of day (late afternoon) because it was very quiet. Nothing like the food markets in Thailand.

🚶‍♀️ Learn the history of Barbados on this walking tour of Bridgetown!

Looking for more things to do in Bridgetown? Try these activities: 

Once you are finished in Bridgetown, head to Carlisle Bay. 

Carlisle Bay

Connected to Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay is the heart of Barbados. It’s known for its white sand, calm Caribbean waters and six shipwrecks spread across the bay, at depths between 12 m and 55 m. 

Activities to do in Carlisle Bay include snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming with turtles, and enjoying a boat ride on a yacht or catamaran. This was my favourite beach in Barbados, and the fact I saw turtles made it even better than my trip to Aruba.

You’ll want to bring your snorkel gear and swim far out from the beach, or book a snorkelling tour that includes a boat ride and snorkel gear rental. I’ve done both and the tour was the easier option. I saw three starfish, turtles, and many kinds of fish. I had such a fun time and found five shipwrecks!

Join the snorkelling tour I did ✅

Or browse for another snorkel tour option:

3 Best Barbados Island Tours

Here are the top 3 island tours, perfect for if you don’t have a rental car or want a more adventurous experience on this day of your Barbados itinerary:

Barbados Island Tour, Monkey Feeding & Swimming with the Turtles – full-day tour focusing on seeing monkeys and snorkelling with turtles, while visiting top spots like Cherry Tree Hill and Bathsheba

Barbados Full-day Private Tour – experience the highlights of Barbados on this full-day tour including Harrison’s Cave, Animal Flower Cave, and more

Private Customized Island Tour of Barbados – full-day tour completely tailored to where you want to visit

Day 5 in Barbados – Bridgetown 

Today, your 5 days in Barbados are coming to an end. Depending on your flight time, you can go explore more of the island. 

I chose to relax at Carlisle Bay again to get one last beach morning in before flying out in the afternoon. We don’t have beaches like this back in Canada, so I took every opportunity I could to soak it all in.

If you want to get some last-minute exploring in, you can explore more of Bridgetown or try one of these activities: 

More Things to Do in Barbados

Richard Haynes Boardwalk – a 1.2km boardwalk connecting Sugar Bay to Rockley Beach

Harrison’s Caves Eco-Park Adventure – an underground cavern in the central uplands

St.Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway – a heritage steam train that transverses a plantation 

Morgan Lewis Windmill – a historic windmill from the last sugar mill in Barbados 

Harrison’s Point Lighthouse – an 85ft lighthouse in northwest Barbados, no longer in use

5-Day Barbados Itinerary: Recap

  • Day 1: Bridgetown & Oistins
  • Day 2: Barbados Roadtrip
  • Day 3: North Coast & Speightstown
  • Day 4: Bridgetown & Carlisile Bay
  • Day 5: Bridgetown

Where to Stay in Barbados

When planning where to stay in Barbados, the best areas to be near attractions and transportation are the west and south coasts.

Hilton Barbados Resort – a beautiful beachfront hotel with its own beach and next to a scuba shop

Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados – an affordable but outdated beachfront resort (I stayed here)

Is Barbados Safe? 

Yes, Barbados is a safe place to visit. Barbados is considered one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. Local Bajans are very relaxed, helpful and friendly. Everyone helped us find our way if we were lost.

There is a low crime rate on the island, but that doesn’t mean no crime happens. As with other destinations, be observant, don’t leave valuables unattended, and watch for pickpockets. 

During my multiple visits to Barbados, I didn’t once feel unsafe. Barbados was one of the safest places I’ve visited thus far, and I would happily return another time. 

Is Barbados Expensive? 

Barbados can be an expensive place to visit.  Most items on the island need to be imported from the USA or the United Kingdom. 

The west coast tends to be more expensive compared to southern Barbados. While Barbados can be pricey, it is possible to make your trip to Barbados affordable and for you to see the island on a budget. 

You will find luxury and budget options available in Barbados, from food to accommodations. Barbados is a fun place to visit, and whether you spend a little or a lot, you can enjoy its beauty. I found accommodations cheaper than Aruba and food cheaper than Antigua.

Getting Around Barbados

There are multiple transportation options available for getting around Barbados, including via rental car, bus, walking, or taxi. Bus and driving are the best ways to travel around.

The local buses are small cargo vans or school buses that drive around various places on the island. Even though they are private, they have set routes. The bus cost is $2 USD in Barbados and will cover all major tourist areas. 

Make sure to ask the driver if the bus will take you to your destination. If it’s not the right bus, the driver or passengers will direct you to catch the right one. Locals are very helpful with directions, especially if you can show your destination on a map. 

One thing to note, the cargo van buses will try and fit as many passengers into the vehicle as there are seats. Being a plus-size girl, it got a little squished at times, but nothing too uncomfortable. 

Renting a car is another good way to get around the tiny island. You will be able to rent a car at the airport. Renting a car would allow you the freedom to travel anywhere on the island at any time, and in comfort. 

How to Get to Barbados

To get to Barbados, you can arrive by plane or via cruise. Flying to Barbados, you will land at Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) along the south coast. Flights arrive from Canada, the USA, Europe, and other Caribbean islands. From Toronto or New York, a direct flight to Barbados is approximately 5 hours. 

If you are on a cruise, and Barbados is one of the destinations, you will arrive in Bridgetown on the west coast. There are over 20 cruise lines that stop at the port in Barbados. 

There are no ferry services between Barbados and other islands.

How to Get to Bridgetown from the Airport 

To get to Bridgetown from Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), you can drive a vehicle, ride a bus, take a taxi, or hire a private shuttle transfer.

The best way to get to Bridgetown is by taxi or local bus. Buses and taxis run daily and will take you towards Bridgetown and its surrounding areas. 

A bus ride takes about 20-25 minutes and costs $2 USD each way. You can pay for your fare with US bills, but they prefer local currency. If you take the van-style buses, the driver may ask you pay an extra fare for your luggage as it takes seating space. I got charged for my luggage on the bus when arriving in Barbados, but not on the way back to the airport.

Taxis in Barbados have a set fare that depends on where you are going. Always confirm the rate before you start.

Another way to get from Barbados airport to Bridgetown is by rental car. It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive to Bridgetown. 

What Language Do They Speak in Barbados? 

They speak English in Barbados. Bajan, an English-based Creole language based on British and African influence, is also widely spoken by locals. 

Best Time to Visit Barbados

The best months to visit Barbados are December-April. This time of year is when you have the most pleasant weather on the island.

It’s cheaper in the rainy season from July-November and after winter’s high season is over.

I visited in both in September and October, and there were minimal cruise ships on my dates and the rain stayed away for the most part to give sunny skies.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Barbados

  • There are fewer crowds on days when cruise ships are not docked. Check the cruise schedule before your trip.
  • The official currency of Barbados is the Barbados Dollar (BBD). The BBD is tied to the USD at a rate of 2 BBD is 1 USD. You can use either BBD or USD while in Barbados. 
  • Barbados tap water is safe to drink. I drank bottled water on my first trip and felt more comfortable drinking tap water on my second visit.
  • The drinking age in Barbados is 16 years old.  

FAQs about Planning a Trip to Barbados

What is the Best Time to Go to Barbados?

The best time to visit Barbados is from November to May when temperatures are the most pleasant and there is the least amount of rain. I visited in the shoulder season in September and lucked out with no rain and no cruisers on the island, so it felt like I had the island almost tourist-free.

What is the Best Part of Barbados to Stay in?

The best part of Barbados to stay in is along the west and southern coasts of the island. Here you will find more accommodation options and food choices, and it’s closer to the calmer water beaches. I stayed at a hotel on the beach along the west coast, just south of Bridgetown. 

What is Barbados Hottest Month?

The hottest month in Barbados is August. Make sure you drink plenty of water and liquids if you visit during summer.

What is the Nicest Beach in Barbados?

The nicest beach in Barbados is along Carlisle Bay. The water is calm and clear, and the sand is so powdery and soft. No matter the other beaches I explored on the island, I kept coming back here.

Is the Ocean Warm in Barbados?

Yes, the water is warm in Barbados and it feels so pleasant! The water is warmest in September, averaging 29.4 Celsius, and coolest in February, averaging 27.1 Celsius. Both of those are still way warmer than the waters found in Canada and the US in summer.

How Long Does it Take to Drive Around the Whole of Barbados?

Without stopping, it would take 3 hours to drive around the whole island of Barbados. I recommend including a Barbados road trip on your itinerary if you can get secure a rental car for a day.

Final Thoughts on Spending 5 Days in Barbados

There is so much more to Barbados than only its beautiful white-sand beaches, clear waters, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. With enough activities to fill up your 5 day Barbados itinerary or longer. 

From cruising along the eastern coast to swimming with turtles, this beautiful island is a perfect destination for your relaxing and adventurous vacation. 

I highly recommend adding a snorkelling excursion to your itinerary.

Happy travelling!

Travelling to Barbados? Read more:

Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 20+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining soft adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.