Barbados Vacation Packages

St. Lawrence Gap is located south of Bridgetown and is a major hub for eating, drinking and shopping. Considered the most sophisticated portion of the island, many visitors remain in this part of the island for their entire stay. But if you want to see a more rural, historic side of Barbados, traveling through the central region of the country allows you to see the natural vegetation Barbados has to offer. Taking a tour up to the northern point will let you see some gorgeous 19th century buildings with overhanging balconies. Many of these homes are being renovated. You’ll also get to see fishing villages with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Most Caribbean islands claim being the founding father of rum, but Barbados has the world’s oldest distillery. Mount Gay has been producing rum well before 1703, so they might just have bragging rights to be the birthplace of rum! To really learn about this sweet treat, take the 45-minute tour in their Bridgetown plant and learn about the rum-making process. The intense process of turning sugar cane into fine rum will give you a whole new appreciation for the alcohol. And to quench your thirst, the tour even includes sampling the rum. If you're looking for a great souvenir, you can buy a bottle of this famous concoction to take home with you!

Plan to spend an afternoon experiencing Barbados on horseback. You’ll love riding along the shores as the gentle ocean waves roll in. The breathtaking views you’ll see of the ocean and countryside make for memorable moments on your vacation. This is for sure a photo op moment! Can't you see a vacation picture of yourself on a horse with the ocean in the background? Most tours will take you through lush green trails and down to the beach, where you can ride along the ocean's edge. You'll for sure stop off at some great lookout points with stunning views of Barbados. Saddle up for this journey of the island!

Barbadians are enthusiastic sportsmen and love a wide variety of sports and activities. And, if you have always wanted to see a Polo Tournament, then plan to see visiting teams take on teams from Barbados. The sport dates back to 1884 in Barbados and has a strong polo club that has made sure this sport is a continued tradition. The sport delights children as they watch the majestic horses charge up and down the field, and the skill of the players as they strike their mallet and control their horse is amazing to see. The best time to see a tournament is January-May, during Polo season. This Barbados tradition makes for a day of family fun! The tournaments often draw large crowds, but you'll have several sporting facilities to choose from to watch this sport in action.

In 1987, the Barbados Sea Turtle Project began to help keep turtles protected on the island. Because of their efforts, the island now boasts a healthy population of these tantalizing turtles. So, when you want to explore more on your snorkeling adventure than the brightly colored coral and the vibrant marine life, choose a tour where you get to interact and play with the sea turtles. These delightful creatures glide through the sea, making it easy for you to interact with them. A trusty guide should be near too! You’ll love seeing turtles in their natural habitat on your island adventure. Plus, you'll get to take a refreshing swim in the ocean.

Barbados is home to one of the world’s most famous surfing sites, the Soup Bowl. Off the east coast of the island, the Soup Bowl calls only those that are proficient swimmers and skilled surfers. Even if you aren’t a surfer, taking a day to sit back on the beach and watch the experienced surfers take on the waves is still worth your time. It's fascinating to watch how effortlessly they can glide over the waters. In November, the Independence Classic Surfing Championship is held here, so if you want to see the pros in action, plan to check it out on your vacation.

Language: English, but the Bajan dialect can be heard around the island.

Currency: Barbados dollar is the official dollar, but the US dollar is widely accepted.

Electricity: 110v is available in the majority of the hotels, but some do have 220v.

Passport/Immigration: All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport when traveling to and from Barbados.

Drinking water: Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.

Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT -4 hours)

Peak season: Mid-December through mid-May

Travel with us around the entire island, taking in a 360° panorama experience with stops at all major towns - Bridgetown, Oistins, Holetown and Speightstown, also included are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic churches, and picturesque beaches. This tour includes lunch and one complimentary drink at the Animal Flower Cave, which is located at the very northernmost tip of the island; one of the most picturesque locations anywhere!

Included:

• Transportation
• Lunch & one drink

Not Included:

• N/A

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera

Hours: The tour lasts 7 hours.

Where to Go: Pick-up and drop off from host hotel.

Age Restrictions: N/A

Additional Information: St. James Travel & Tours Ltd.

Telephone number: 246.432.0774

Email: reservationsbgi@stjamesgroup.com

Discover two of Barbados' greatest wonders in one day! Experience the geological wonder of Harrison's Cave while learning about the archeological formation of Barbados, and then be whisked away to learn about the history of rum making and Barbados' key role in the delicious liquor. Delve deep into both the geological and industrial histories of Barbados as you begin to understand what makes Bajan life so very, very sweet. This tour has proven a favorite with kids as there's lots to see, discover and learn.

Included:

• Transportation
• Lunch & one drink

Not Included:

• N/A

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera

Hours: The tour lasts 5 hours.

Where to Go: Pick-up and drop off from host hotel.

Age Restrictions: N/A

Additional Information: St. James Travel & Tours Ltd.

Telephone number: 246.432.0774

Email: reservationsbgi@stjamesgroup.com

Explore the geological wonder of Harrison's Caves and learn about the archaeological history of our beautiful island, while being awed by the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Then onto a friendly visit with our indigenous Green Monkeys at the Wildlife Reserve, where you can see not only monkeys but also a number of other interesting critters. There is also a scenic drive along the ruggedly beautiful East Coast included. This tour has proven a favorite with kids as there's lots to see, discover and learn.

Included:

• Transportation
• Lunch & one drink

Not Included:

• N/A

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera

Hours: The tour lasts 5 hours.

Where to Go: Pick-up and drop off from host hotel.

Age Restrictions: N/A

Additional Information: St. James Travel & Tours Ltd.

Telephone number: 246.432.0774

Email: reservationsbgi@stjamesgroup.com

Best of Barbados' Nightlife beginning with sundowners and snacks at Copacabana on the picturesque Carlisle Bay, then proceeding to the effervescent Oistins Fish Fry to ensure you can make the most of another great day in Paradise!

Included:

• Transportation

Not Included:

• N/A

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera
• Money for souvenirs

Hours: The tour lasts 4 hours.

Where to Go: Pick-up and drop off from host hotel.

Age Restrictions: Adults-only

Additional Information: St. James Travel & Tours Ltd.

Telephone number: 246.432.0774

Email: reservationsbgi@stjamesgroup.com

This tour will take you to the magnificently renovated Jacobian Mansion of St. Nicholas Abbey, set amongst manicured gardens and rugged gulleys, to learn about architecture, history, geography and the art of rum making. The Abbey tour is followed by a scenic drive along the ruggedly beautiful East Coast featuring photo opportunities at Cherry Tree Hill, Morgan Lewis Windmill and Barclays Park. Then it is onto the Flower Forest; a botanists' haven located in St. Joseph. Stroll the winding, lightheartedly named paths of this 53.6 acre tropical rain forest and explore its 7 acres of wild gardens and exotic plants. Breathtaking and commanding panoramic views of the island's East Coast await you as you wander through this stunning garden. After your tour, make it a point to visit the souvenir shop where you can purchase locally made items at great prices or sit out on the open deck and enjoy a tropical beverage.

Included:

• Transportation

Not Included:

• N/A

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera
• Money for souvenirs

Hours: The tour lasts 4 hours.

Where to Go: Pick-up and drop off from host hotel.

Age Restrictions: N/A

Additional Information: St. James Travel & Tours Ltd.

Telephone number: 246.432.0774

Email: reservationsbgi@stjamesgroup.com

The UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights numerous military and heritage sites, while exhibiting the remarkable instances of British colonial architecture of a well-protected quaint town. This tour features a stop at The Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum; one of the first synagogues ever built in the Western Hemisphere. The museum transmits the history of the Jewish Diaspora in the western world. Explore historic Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados and what was once the island's main hub for trade and commerce in the 17th century. Bridgetown today, though filled with an air of modern architecture and bustling streets, is still home to many historic points of interest including the Parliament Buildings, Statue of Lord Admiral Nelson, The Careenage, The War Memorial, Screw Dock and much more. Then on to George Washington House, another key piece of international history!

Included:

• Transportation

Not Included:

• N/A

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera
• Money for souvenirs

Hours: The tour lasts 4 hours.

Where to Go: Pick-up and drop off from host hotel.

Age Restrictions: N/A

Additional Information: St. James Travel & Tours Ltd.

Telephone number: 246.432.0774

Email: reservationsbgi@stjamesgroup.com

Locals and tourists line up every night for the fish fry at Oistins, where you can feast on a variety of fresh fish in an informal setting. It's the delicious, fresh seafood that brings people to this spot near the beach. You can dine on such seafood favorites as tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi and flying fish. All the fish is cooked right in front of you too. If you want more of a party atmosphere, then Friday night is when you should go! There will be lots of live music, arts and crafts for sale and people stopping by for some fresh fish and a chance to see the stunning sunset off the pier.

You can step back in time when you visit some of the restored and historic buildings dotted throughout Barbados. You can visit restored plantation houses, lighthouses along the ocean or stroll through the capital Bridgetown to see the white and coral buildings with red tile roofs. And, the eclectic charm of the Chattel Houses is very impressive! These quaint cottages were original designs of the plantation workers' homes. The homes were designed to be movable in case of landlord disputes and many were mini-replicas of the main houses. The pride and detail of each one will win you over!

Bottom Bay Beach is on the south coast of the island is semi-enclosed by coral cliffs, but offers panoramic views of the south shore. With the coral cliffs and the shady palm trees, you’ll want your picture taken here! This bite-sized beach is not too crowded and the perfect place to spend a day in the sun or having a picnic by the ocean. And, the tide isn't too strong so you can give body surfing a try.

Located on the north side of Holetown, you'll find Coxie's Chattel Bar. The little pink house barely fits a dozen people, so you'll get to enjoy an authentic cocktail in a cozy setting! Coxie himself will be serving up the drinks, plus he'll provide political talk, stories and plenty of rum punch. This cozy pink house has been in the family for years so you're bound to hear some interesting tales. One inside tale: his grandmother gave birth to seven children in this house.

Run Barbados has become a local and tourist favorite. Held in December, the run includes a Midnight Fun Mile, 10k, 5k, 3k, a full marathon and a half marathon, and when you finish the race, you can take a dip in the blue ocean waters! The run has been going on for over 25 years and is one of the oldest marathons in the Caribbean. And, the run isn't just for the serious marathoners. In fact, you can find all kinds of entertainment and festivities during the entire week of the run! And what better location than being in sunny Barbados!

To get to the Barbados you'll fly into Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). The airport is located approximately 10 miles (16km) southeast of Bridgetown city centre, which is the capital of Barbados.

At Immigration make sure you have a passport and a return ticket. The airline staff will have you complete embarkation/disembarkation cards and a customs declaration card. Complete the embarkation card and hand to immigration when you arrive. The disembarkation card is to be completed and handed to immigration when you depart the island.

CheapCaribbean.com has partnered with Johnson's Tours Barbados Ltd. and Drive-A-Matic Car Rental as our premier transportation company in Barbados. They’ll provide you with safe, comfortable and professional transportation. It’s easy to find your Johnson's Tours Barbados Ltd. and Drive-A-Matic Car Rental team when you arrive at the airport. All drivers are fluent in English, friendly and knowledgeable about the culture, history and things to do while you’re there. By the end of your ride, you’ll have made a new friend.

If you need to rent a car while touring the island, CheapCaribbean.com has partnered with Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals to provide the best deals for you. You can book this online when you book your vacation.