Outdoor Adventures in Barbados

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
8 Places
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Barbados’ multitude of pulse-pounding outdoor activities and adventures are in direct contrast to the calm and mellow vibe found across its beaches. The island is a hotbed of adventure-themed activities, from diving and snorkeling to horse racing and underground cave exploration. Thrill seekers will find numerous options around the country. Credit: Collected by Brian Major, AFAR Local Expert
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Bushy Park Barbados

Car racing venue · Saint Philip

"Lap the Field Motorheads can get their vroom on at Bushy Park, a 2.2 kilometer, FIA grade-3 race course that hosts professional events including the Global Rally Cross Championship. Visitors can opt to pilot a variety of vehicles from karts to Suzuki Swift Sport race cars. Race rates start at $35 for 10 minutes."

Photo courtesy of Bushy Park Racing Circuit

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Zoo · Saint Andrew

"This wildlife reserve in St. Peter parish is designed to present several animal species native to Barbados in their natural environment. Visitors can stroll through habitats that feature armadillo, brocket deer, pelicans, caimans, and monkeys. Reptiles including snakes, iguanas, turtles, and tortoises also share the reserve, alongside colorful parrots and flamingos."

Photo by Ins1122/Flickr

Folkestone Marine Park & Visitors' Centre

Park · Saint James

"This government-run marine park is located one mile north of Holetown and features underwater exhibits plus diving and beach facilities. Visitors will find convenient showers and shops, plus an interpretive center and museum with marine and coastal environment displays and exhibits of the island’s fishing industry."

Photo by Gary J. Wood/Flickr

Welchman Hall Gully

Tourist attraction · Saint Thomas

"Tours of this rain forest gully, three quarters of a mile long and home to numerous exotic and tropical plants, are available daily. The gully also features wild monkeys who swing from vines connecting the gully’s trees. Visitors can watch the monkeys feed on a specially built platform."

Photo by Joe Ross/Flickr

Westwater Adventures Barbados

Boat tour agency · Bridgetown

"Westwater Adventure This operator offers small-boat cruises of Barbados’ west coast. Highlights include colorful species of coral fish, plants and coral formations, all viewable through the glass-bottomed boat. Passengers will also visit the shipwreck and sea turtle area, where guides lead snorkeling and diving excursions to view exotic fish and hawksbill sea turtles."

Photo by Björn Stude/Flickr

Garrison Savannah

Racecourse · Barbados

"Bet it All on Boxing Day in Barbados One of the best days for horse racing in the islands is Boxing Day, or as it’s known in the States, “The Day After Christmas.” This past Boxing Day, I was lucky enough to be in Barbados, so I made a point to pay a visit to the Barbados Turf Club at the historic Garrison Savannah. Located just east of Bridgetown, this storied patch of land has been hosting horse races since 1845! To put things in perspective, Churchill Downs didn’t open its doors until thirty years later in 1875! So what can you expect from a day at the races in Barbados? Sun, rum, horses, pudding and souse eating, betting, cheering, thrills, and more! Not going to be in Barbados for Boxing Day? Don't worry. There are approximately 25 race meetings throughout the year running from January to April (Spring Season); May to September (Summer Season) and from November to December (Winter Season). So you’d be hard pressed to visit the island when there is no racing going on at all."

Carlisle Bay

Bay

"Diving the Five Wrecks of Carlisle Bay, Barbados Carlisle Bay Beach is a beautiful crescent of sand just south of the urban center of Bridgetown. Hotels like the huge Barbados Hilton and the all-inclusive Almond Beach Club & Spa empty their vacationers onto her sand, cruise ship buses add to the masses, and the best place to get lobster on the entire island, Lobster Alive, feeds her throngs. But for the uncommon traveler, it’s not what’s on the sand that makes Carlisle Bay special, it’s what’s under the waves: five storied shipwrecks teaming with sea life in shallow water that turn an easy dive into an exceptional one. There’s the 20ft Berwind sunk by its own mutinous crew, the ill-fated Canadian Cornwallis torpedoed TWICE during World War II, 110ft captured drug boat the Eillon, the 45ft Ce-Trek deemed too ugly to float, and the Bajan Queen, a onetime local party boat whose partying days are behind her. There’s a standard course to take through the sights found on the sea floor in Carlisle Bay, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be surprised by a bunch of friendly turtles, majestic rays, or curious barracuda. The water is crystal clear, fairly shallow, and guaranteed to deliver exceptional sea life sightings. There’s also a mixed bag of other seafaring relics littering the area, like old anchors and cannons."

Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park

Tourist attraction · Saint Thomas

"Harrison's Cave Located in the center of Barbados inthehighlands, the Harrison's Cave underground system of rivers and caves is one of the Caribbean’s great natural wonders. Visitors tour deep inside the crystallized limestone caverns via small electric tramcars and are allowed to get off at certain points, including ata 15-meter-high (50-foot) "cathedral" and a"village" with multiplestalagmite columns. Lights illuminate the waterfalls, pools and magnificent geological formations."

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