Two Coasts, One Island in the Sun

Barbados

Barbados is an island for travelers desiring to take a vacation and never look back. At just 14 square miles, Barbados is a small island packed with experiences — and beaches — at every turn. Across the island, visitors can sip rum at one of the 1,500 rum shops, snorkel lively coral reefs and savor local and international cuisine. Two primary resort regions offer travelers their own personal paradise: the energetic South Coast and the refined West Coast.

Platinum and Gold
Discerning travelers looking for a more exclusive getaway will find solstice on the West Coast. Luxury and duty-free shopping entice fashion enthusiasts while the sunsets will make any visitor feel like a million bucks. Upscale hotels and villas are the perfect escape for both families and couples looking to be pampered. The powdery, golden sands of Batts Rock Beach, Reeds Bay, Carlisle Bay and many other beaches are just part of the reason the West Coast earned the name "the Gold Coast" before being promoted to "the Platinum Coast".

Shake Your South Side
Day and night, the South Coast of Barbados is constantly buzzing. Active waves create prime windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions while the sandy shores at Dover Beach and Mullins Beach are ideal for soaking up Barbados' year-round sunshine. At St. Lawrence Gap, fine-dining and street fare tantalize taste buds while upbeat music pours out of nightclubs and bars. Every Friday, fresh seafood brings locals and travelers together at Oistins Fish Fry.

More Beaches, More Beauty
Beyond the South and West Coast resort areas detailed above, the North and East Coasts offer miles of rugged and unspoiled picturesque beaches and historical landmarks such as old sugar plantations. To see all that the island has to offer, visitors can rent a car and easily navigate the island's roads. Buses are an affordable option for travel and stop at most hotels and popular sites such as Harrison's Cove, a limestone cavern located in the center of the island. Jeep tours offer a more thrilling way to traverse the island while open-air Banjan bus tours don't just arrive at the sights, they journey to them with upbeat music and flare.

To plan your Barbados vacation or to find cruises visiting the island, contact your Cruise Planners Travel Advisor.