Aerial View of Bridgetown Harbor

Brighton Beach

Barbados is blessed with more than its fair share of wonderful beaches, from quintessential Caribbean beaches on the south and west coasts, to wild windswept surfers' beaches on the eastern side of the island. Just a mile north of Bridgetown cruise port lies Fresh Water Bay, with a beautiful threesome of beaches, Paradise Beach, Brandon's Beach, and - the best of the three - Brighton Beach.

Welchman Hall Gully

Welchman Hall Gully is a lush tropical garden filled with tropical specimens set amid impressive natural caves. You can walk through a 3/4 mile section of original tropical forest, one of the few remaining on the island. You're almost sure to spot a noisy colony of wild monkeys, way up in the tree canopy.

Sunbury Plantation House

Sunbury plantation was started in around 1660, and was a large sugar plantation worked by slaves. Sunbury Plantation House makes a fascinating tour, with rooms furnished in period style, many old paintings, original shopping lists, and a collection of horse carriages. Sunbury is over towards the west side of the island, near the town of Bathsheba, about 15 miles from Bridgetown cruise port.

Crane Beach

Crane Beach is considered by many to be one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Protected by a natural coral reef it makes a great swimming beach, and it's kind on your feet too, as there are no urchins or stones underneath the waters, just soft sand. The public access point to the beach is at its far end. Situated on the south east coast of the island, about 8 miles from the cruise port.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery and Banks Beer Brewery

There's nothing to beat relaxing at a chilled-out bar on one of Barbados's lovely beaches and sipping a wonderful rum cocktail (apologies to all teatotallers!). If you'd like to know about the origins of the rum, why not try a memorable tour and tasting at the island's Mount Gay Rum Distillery. And/or a trip to Banks Brewery, home of the island's famous beer brand.