Must Do’s

 

1. Go beach hopping

No two beaches are the same in Barbados. Carlisle Bay has white powdered sand and calm waters while Bathsheba has more course sand and waves suitable for professional surfers. Try to explore a different beach every day in Barbados.

 

 

2. Dine at local restaurants

Barbados is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean because everything from street food to fine dining is simply delicious. Some of our favourite local restaurants are Champers and Tides for fine dining and Chutneys or Salt for fast casual food.

 

 

3. Rent a car and explore

The roads in Barbados are more narrow and windy than usual, but the island is safe and easy to navigate. Rental cars have license plates that begin with an H so locals know to be patient and helpful to new drivers on the roads. Google Maps or Waze work well in Barbados, just don’t forget to drive on the left-hand side. Tip: Craggy Nook guests get 10% off their car rental from Stoute’s.

 

 

4. Ride the Public Transport

ZR’s or ‘Reggae Vans’ as the visitors like to call them are minivans that run on routes around the island. The run every 2 mins and are just $1 USD a ride. Wear your seatbelt and enjoy this truly local experience.

 

5. Explore the capital Bridgetown

There is so much to see and do in the historic Bridgetown. Learn about the history of the island at one of the museums or simply give yourself a self-guided walking tour. There are many duty-free stores in Bridgetown, so don’t forget to walk with your passport.

 

 

6. Go on a cultural tour

Barbados has such a rich history! Get to know more about what makes Barbados so unique by stepping back in time at the St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation Tour. Learn more about the rum that invented rum by doing the Mount Gay Rum Tour. There are so many cultural experiences to choose from.

 

7. Go on a catamaran cruise

Probably everyone’s favourite thing to do in Barbados! Book a catamaran cruise to enjoy a relaxing day of sailing up the calm west coast of the island. Snorkel shipwrecks and swim with sea turtles before enjoying a Bajan buffet lunch and all you can drink rum punch. Craggy Nook guests get a discount when cruising with Cool Runnings.

 

 

8. Play a round of golf

Barbados is home to 5 incredible golf courses. The tropical climate and scenery make it a perfect place for your best round of golf! Sandy Lane and Westmorland are more expensive, and The Barbados Golf Club and Rockley Golf Club are more reasonable.

 

9. Eat fresh fish at Oistins

Oistins Fish Market is the thing to do on a Friday night in Barbados. Taste local favourites like Mahi Mahi, Barracuda or Red Snapper grilled right in front of you. Enjoy the music, atmosphere and blending of locals and visitors.

 

 

10. Taste a beer from Barbados

Barbados may be known for its rum, but it has some pretty good local beers too. The go-to is the classic Banks Beer or Deputy, but we encourage you to try Craft Brews by The Brew House for some unique flavours that pair well with local foods.

 

 

Do Not’s

 

1. Do not wear camouflage

Camouflage may be trendy right now, but not in Barbados. It is actually illegal to wear anything camouflage from shirts and swimsuits to bags and headbands. Only members of the army are allowed to wear camouflage. This law allows people to know who is actually a member of the army and prevents imposters.

 

2. Do not sunbathe topless (or bottomless)

Public nudity is illegal in Barbados. Please respect the laws and work on evening out your tan lines in the privacy of your own outdoor area.

 

 

3. Do not get too close to monkeys

Green Monkeys roam the island of Barbados. These little guys are super cute and friendly but can be a bit mischievous. They love to steal anything reflective including sunglasses right off your face, so please proceed with caution.

 

 

4. Do not disturb nesting sea turtles

Sea Turtles are endangered species and are highly protected in Barbados. Sea Turtles are known to nest on the Craggy Nook beach regularly. Please do not touch or disturb nesting females. The process can be stressful on the turtle and things like flash photography or gathering crowds may prevent the nesting mother from completing her mission

 

5. Do not be fooled by the Bajan Rum Punch

Barbados Rum Punch is some of the best in the world, making it really easy to sip on while at the beach all day. Do not let the sweet taste fool you. Rum Punch packs a punch and can be especially dangerous if you are drinking it in the sun all day long.

 

 

6. Do not light bonfires on the beach

Fires on the beach may be super romantic, but jail time in Barbados is not! Lighting bonfires on the beach in Barbados is illegal without a permit. Please do not ruin your vacation by trying to light one.

 

7. Do not shelter under a Manchineel tree

These trees are found mainly along the west coast of the island. They are big and shady so look like the perfect tree to shelter under, but the little green apples (manchineel) are actually toxic. The fruit can blister the skin or cause blindness they come in contact with your eyes. Most of the Manchineel trees in Barbados have a red ring painted around the trunk to identify them.

 

 

8. Do not walk on the reefs

Walking on the reefs could be harmful to both you and the reef. You may step on a sharp rock or even worse, an urchin! Walking on the reef may actually kill the coral that takes years to grow. Barbados is trying to protect the reefs by preventing people from touching this delicate and living species.

 

 

9. Do not snorkel without a marker

There is a lot to see under the sea, but while you are gazing below you lose sight of what is happening above the ocean. Boats and jet skis are trained to look out for swimmer or snorkelers, but as the swimmer, you must also do your part. Always swim with a floating marker or in a designated ‘no boat’ area.

 

 

 

10. Do not forget to wear mosquito repellent

Barbados is in the warm tropics, so you can expect to find the odd mosquito. The island does a great job to prevent the breeding of mosquitos thanks to a national education campaign on the species. Locals and visitors are encouraged to protect themselves by using mosquito repellent or mosquito bracelets.