Outdoor Adventures in Barbados

This wildlife reserve in St. Peter parish is designed to present several animal species native to Barbados in their natural environment. Visitors can stroll through habitats that feature armadillo, brocket deer, pelicans, caimans, and monkeys. Reptiles including snakes, iguanas, turtles, and tortoises also share the reserve, alongside colorful parrots and flamingos.

This government-run marine park is located one mile north of Holetown and features underwater exhibits plus diving and beach facilities. Visitors will find convenient showers and shops, plus an interpretive center and museum with marine and coastal environment displays and exhibits of the island’s fishing industry.

One of the best days for horse racing in the islands is Boxing Day, or as it’s known in the States, “The Day After Christmas.” This past Boxing Day, I was lucky enough to be in Barbados, so I made a point to pay a visit to the Barbados Turf Club at the historic Garrison Savannah. Located just east of Bridgetown, this storied patch of land has been hosting horse races since 1845! To put things in perspective, Churchill Downs didn’t open its doors until thirty years later in 1875! So what can you expect from a day at the races in Barbados? Sun, rum, horses, pudding and souse eating, betting, cheering, thrills, and more! Not going to be in Barbados for Boxing Day? Don’t worry. There are approximately 25 race meetings throughout the year running from January to April (Spring Season); May to September (Summer Season) and from November to December (Winter Season). So you’d be hard pressed to visit the island when there is no racing going on at all.

Located in the center of Barbados in the highlands, the Harrison’s Cave underground system of rivers and caves is one of the Caribbean’s great natural wonders. Visitors tour deep inside the crystallized limestone caverns via small electric tramcars and are allowed to get off at certain points, including at a 15-meter-high (50-foot) “cathedral” and a “village” with multiple stalagmite columns. Lights illuminate the waterfalls, pools and magnificent geological formations.