Three Only In Barbados Experiences

The Caribbean is a favourite region for Canadians looking to sunbathe, enjoy the tropical air and walk along white sand beaches. With a quick 5-hour flight from Toronto, Barbados is a Caribbean destination rich in the sensual winter getaway experience—yet there is so much more to explore.

Though the island is a mere 166 square miles, it offers distinctive things to do once the beachside boredom kicks in. Here are three adventures to consider that can only be found in Barbados:

St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey is a Bajan gem—it is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the parish of St. Peter, it was built in 1660 and is now a great house open to the public. Here visitors can join guided tours and explore the wealth of tradition, including antiques and artifacts spanning the home's 350-year history…fun fact: Benedict Cumberbatch’s family were once owners!

There’s nothing more steeped in Barbados’ history than rum—the plantation includes a boiling house and rum distillery where it produces molasses rum available for tasting on-site with the charming owner Simon Warren. Step outside of the great house and be smitten by surrounding gardens, orchards, gullies and the adjacent Cherry Tree Hill.

Try its family attraction, the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, a new steam locomotive journey through the plantation fields and mahogany woods culminating with the expansive highland view of the east coast of the island from Cherry Tree Hill. Rates range from $30-$60 BBD.

Harrison’s Cave

Go far beyond the beach and enter the most famous cave in Barbados—Harrison’s Cave! Go beyond the typical tram tour and get your helmets, headlamps and knee guards for the most exciting adventure. Start by trekking along nature trails with views of tropical flora and fauna, and then descend to explore—on hands and knees—through some of the cave’s natural passages as only the early explorers did!

Located in the central uplands of the island, this crystallized, limestone cave is characterized by flowing streams, deep pools of crystal-clear water and soaring columns. Guides will share the history of the cave and its founders and give groups the opportunity to swim, climb and shimmy through rocky holes. By booking the “Eco-Adventure Tour,” visitors will enjoy 3.5 hours of the guided exploration, testing the limits of their love for tough but rewarding adventure. The thrilling tour is $200 BBD per adult.

Lickrish Waking Food Day Tour

Don't just learn the history of Barbados, eat your way through it! Lickrish Food Tours offers some of the most exciting, informative and belly-filling cultural tours in Barbados. Become enlightened with interesting facts about the island, all while enjoying some awesome local fare. Visit at least five restaurants and tantalize your taste buds with traditional foods on these culinary journeys and discover Barbados like no other tour! Tour is $69 USD per adult.

Take a break from the beach and start in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Sample pigtails, fish cakes and other Bajan delights as your three-hour guided tour shares intimate history including slave markets and old Jewish settlements.