Visiting the Unique Caribbean Island of Barbados
Golden Beaches, Weekly Festivals, Stunning Vistas and Soca Dancing!
Oct 5, 2008
Barbados is the Eastern-most island in the Caribbean. Although relatively small, it offers a wide variety of activities. To experience the best of Barbados, visitors should visit popular Accra Beach as well as the numerous secluded beaches, sample fresh fish at at the weekly Oistins Fish Fry festival and dance the night away to soca in Saint Lawrence Gap.
People Watching on Accra Beach
All beaches in Barbados are public. On any given day, there is a nice mix of both tourists and locals frequenting the beach. This makes for some interesting people-watching. Accra Beach is by far the most popular in Barbados and also the most crowded, though it never feels cramped. On weekends in particular, one can see sunbathers, local teens playing soccer on the beach and kids frolicking in the water with boogie boards. It all adds to the fun scene at Accra beach.
Escaping the Cowds and Enjoying Secluded Beaches
The advantage of having so many beaches in Barbados is that one can opt for privacy if one chooses. Secluded beaches such as Cattlewash Beach on the east coast of the island or Haywards Beach in the north rarely have more than a couple of beachcombers in sight. All beaches have golden white sand and crystal clear waters. While topless bathing is not authorized in Barbados, this is probably where one could get away with it! The various beaches are very easy to reach by car because of the island's small size.
Picnics and Relaxation in North Point
For a break from the beach, head to North Point in the parish of St. Lucy for cliffs and amazing views. Named "North Point" for being the most northern point of the island, this is also one of the island's most breathtaking areas. Located right by the Animal Flower Cave, North Point makes for a perfect lunch stop. There are benches spread about the cliffs, some underneath a small thatched roof. Visitors can have a picnic, read a book, or simply gaze at the ocean and contemplate life.
Sampling Fresh Grilled Fish at the Weekly Oistins Fish Fry
Every Friday night, Bajans flock to the small town of Oistins in Christ Church, for the weekly fish fry night. This is by far the liveliest scene in Barbados. Crowds and music abound, as well as numerous fish "shacks" and outdoor grills all offering varying menus. All evening one can walk around, sit to enjoy the food or dance to the live music and DJ. It's one big local festival and a great way to soak up the Bajan lifestyle.
Dancing to Soca Music at Jumbie's in St. Lawrence Gap
Saint Lawrence Gap, also known as "The Gap," is a stretch of road in the parish of Christ Church offering a slew of restaurants, lounges and nightclubs. Walking down the street one can hear everything from salsa music to reggae. But to experience soca music Bajan-style, folks should head to Jumbie's. A two-story club and restaurant, it's the perfect place to let loose and have a drink. The upstairs has an open-air deck offering a view of the water right across the street. The top floor is also where professional soca dancers on staff perform dance routines. In between these routines, visitors can learn how to “lime” (or dance soca) Bajan style. Jumbie’s also plays reggae and hip hop.
For further information on Barbados, visit the Barbados Tourism Website.
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