Barbados | Winter 2025
Picture this: You’re standing at the Barbados airport, watching everyone else head to the rental car counters while you’ve got a different kind of adventure planned. That was me this January, armed with nothing but Google Maps and a determination to explore this Caribbean paradise without dropping a small fortune on a rental car.
Quick Trip Details
Duration: 5 days (Friday to Tuesday)
Base: Split between Jo’s and J Hostel near Oistins & Ocean Blue Resort in Silver Sands
Local Transport: $3.50 BBD ($1.75 USD) per bus ride
Day 1: Finding My Footing in Paradise
Fresh off the plane at BGI, I made my first smart decision of the trip grabbing a taxi to Jo’s and J Hostel near Oistins. Sure, I could have attempted to navigate the public bus system with my luggage and jet lag, but sometimes, you need to be kind to yourself.
After the essential post-flight ritual of showering and charging my devices (because priorities), I set out for my first adventure: a walk to Oistins Beach. Now, let me tell you about Google Maps in Barbados, it has a fascinating habit of sending you down what I can only describe as “character-building” routes. Picture me dodging traffic on backstreets with no sidewalks, wondering if this was the start of a travel blog or a survival story.
But then the sunset hit. Standing on Oistins Beach, watching the sky transform into a canvas of oranges and pinks, I knew every near-miss with a passing car was worth it. I celebrated my survival with dinner at Chillin and Grillin at Oistins Fish Fry.
Day 2: Embracing the Local Transport Life
Waking up to leftover fish fry for breakfast (a travel hack I’m particularly proud of), I packed up and headed to my next accommodation, Ocean Blue Resort in Silver Sands. Breathtaking views and body slamming winds.
By 11:00 AM, we were on the #11 bus headed to Bridgetown. The city unfolded before me like a treasure map. I wandered through Queen’s Park, made the obligatory pilgrimage to Rihanna Drive to see Rihanna’s Childhood Home (seriously, how is there not a museum yet?) and discovered the joy of saltfish pie and jam tart at Crumbz Bakery. When hunger struck again, Gloria’s Fish Fry provided another perfect marlin platternbecause when something works, you stick with it.
Day 3: Underwater Adventures and Island Time
Determined to make up for missing the Atlantis Submarine tour the day before, we caught an early bus back to Bridgetown. I was buzzing with excitement, how often do you get the chance to ride in a submarine? I knew I’d have a treasure trove of cool stories to share with my future children. The experience was surreal imagine being in an aquarium, except you’re the one in the tank. The coral reefs and tropical fish put on a perfect morning show as we descended 135 feet below the surface.
Now, let’s talk about the marine life. After marveling at two or three schools of vibrant fish, I couldn’t help but feel a bit underwhelmed. I mean, come on where were the dramatic encounters? At one point, I half-expected a great white shark to make a surprise cameo. Picture it: Jaws on replay in my head!
After the submarine tour, lunch at Savvy on Bay followed, and then, embracing true island spirit, I took an afternoon nap. Because sometimes the best travel stories come from the moments when you’re not trying to create them just letting the island’s magic seep in, one unexpected moment at a time.
Day 4: Into the Heart of Barbados
I woke up with a mission to squeeze every last drop out of this day. No lazy island morning today; we were out the door by 9 AM, determined to maximize every moment.
First stop: Café Utopia in Bridgetown for a quiet breakfast. The ambiance was exactly what we needed a peaceful, cozy spot to sip coffee and map out the day’s adventure. Fueled up and ready to go, we made a quick stop at a duty-free shop to exchange some U.S. dollars for Bajan dollars because, of course, the next adventure required cash.
From there, it was off to Princess Alice Bus Terminal to catch a ride to Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park one of the island’s most famous natural wonders.
Harrison’s Cave felt like stepping back in time. It’s incredible how these ancient places continue to stand, mesmerizing people from all over the world. Our tour guide took us through the history of the cave’s discovery and the team that turned it into the breathtaking attraction it is today. Riding through the underground passages in a tram, we watched in awe as the cave revealed towering stalactites, crystal-clear pools, and dramatic rock formations that looked like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
A Surprise Bird Encounter
After the cave tour, we decided to check out the bird sanctuary nearby. Now, I’ve been to petting zoos and animal sanctuaries before, but I’ve never really felt the urge to interact with birds. (They’ve always seemed like the divas of the animal kingdom gorgeous but unpredictable.) But credit where it’s due the animal keeper made the experience genuinely enjoyable. There was a majestic peacock strutting around like it owned the place, a few pigeons giving off “we run this joint” energy, chickens minding their own business, and vibrant parrots squawking greetings. I even let a few birds hop onto my arm progress, right?
Beachside Conversations and Sunset Vibes
After the tour, we met another solo traveler, an incredible woman who had visited over 50 countries. Naturally, we got to chatting, swapping stories about our favorite places and future destinations. There’s something about meeting fellow travelers that reminds you just how big yet connected the world really is.
With the day still young, we decided to continue the adventure together and headed to Calma Beach Club to unwind. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, drink in hand, I reflected on how much I had packed into the day. Sometimes, it’s about the grand adventures exploring caves and crossing paths with inspiring people but other times, it’s just about slowing down and soaking in the moment.
The day ended the best way possible back at Oistins Fish Fry, to indulge in the macaroni pie from Chillin & Grillin . Some might call it repetitive; I call it knowing what you love.
Day 5: Last Dance with Island Life
Bliss Café was closed for the holiday, and just like that, our perfectly planned final morning had a hiccup. But in true travel fashion, one detour led to an unexpected discovery. Taking a stroll near the race track, we stumbled across the George Washington House & Museum or, more accurately, we were caught peering through the fence before opening hours.
One of the grounds men spotted us and recommended the café George Washington Coffee House. And that’s how we found ourselves sipping coffee in a lively, sunlit courtyard, surrounded by fellow travelers fueling up for the day ahead.
After breakfast, we made our way back to the hotel for a slow, relaxed farewell to Barbados. With our bags packed and a few hours to spare, we lounged by the pool, letting the last bits of island sun soak in. The moment felt like a proper send-off. No rushing, no stress, just the simple joy of being present in a place that had given us so many incredible memories.
When our taxi finally arrived, reality set in. It was time to go.
As I headed to the airport, my phone full of photos and my heart full of memories, I realized that exploring Barbados without a car hadn’t just been possible it had been perfect. The combination of local buses, occasional taxis and my own two feet gave me a ground-level view of the island that I might have missed from behind a steering wheel.
