Barbados: When you visit, don’t miss out on these things!
In all the world, no beach surpasses the beauty of the sugar-white sand beaches of Barbados. Some Caribbean islands are volcanic, with dark sand, even black. These have their own beauty, of course, but when most of us dream of the Caribbean, our dreams are in Technicolor, with a sea of bright, vibrant blue water that is as clear as glass: the beaches of Barbados.
Naturally, when you visit Barbados, you’ll head straight for the uncrowded and pristine beaches. What you may not know is that there is more to explore on the 14-by-21-mile island paradise than the beaches. Some ideas to get you started:
* An adventure tour on the island: A complimentary rum punch begins your day trip in a customized 4-wheel drive Land Rover through quaint villages, spectacular scenery and Barbados wildlife. One of the most popular day trips on the island, the guides are witty and funny, ensuring you have a great time. Two companies to visit: Island Safari and Adventureland Tours, Inc.
* A catamaran cruise: A must if you want to snorkel with the magnificent and gentle giant sea turtles of Barbados. Offering a lazy day with several stops along the magnificent coastline for swimming and snorkeling, Cat Cruises serve up a fabulous Barbadian lunch and libations of every variety, all included in the price. Check out the Tiami, Cool Runnings and El Tigre catamaran cruises.
* the accord: From 1976 to 2003, the Concorde fleet of 20 flew at Mach II speeds between London, Paris, New York and Barbados. Today, you can visit the magnificent Concorde in Barbados and take part in a fun and educational sound and light display. Do you want to sit where Mother Teresa, Muhammad Ali and Mick Jagger sat? Then fasten your seat belt in Seat 1A.
* Welchman Hall Ravine: See what Barbados looked like 300 years ago with its native and exotic tropical plants and playful vervet monkeys. To guarantee a good laugh, try to time your visit during the feeding time of the playful monkeys around 10 am and 1:30 pm
* harrison’s cave: A tram takes explorers deep into enchanting caves you might not believe exist on a coral island. Complete with dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and a crystal clear lake, the cave is a wonderful family outing.
* Mount Gay Rum Visitor Center: Rum is believed to have been invented in Barbados by early English settlers; today, rum is a religion on the island. The Mount Gay tour shows you their rum processing operation…and offers free samples!
* earthwork ceramics: Regular visitors to Barbados return time and time again to Earthworks to add pieces to their Earthworks dinner set. The beautiful colors of this handmade pottery are a way to take home a little bit of beautiful Barbados.
* Bridgetown Synagogue: A masterful restoration has breathed new life into one of Barbados’ national treasures. The synagogue dates back more than 365 years, making it reputedly the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
* george washington house: The only country outside of colonial America visited by the first US president was Barbados, in 1751. Washington was fascinated by the British colony’s well-fortified coastline, possibly influencing his later military career. Details like slave wives and the means by which food was kept cool without ice offer a fascinating insight into Barbados 250 years ago.
* Harbor Master Party Cruises: Join a big party on this steamboat that looks like. Good food, drink and entertainment, along with sunbathing and snorkeling, even a slide into the water from the boat, offer a great time to forget your worries.
* arlington house: Arlington House, a sunny and beautifully restored colonial home once owned by a merchant selling shipping supplies, is now a museum depicting the history of Barbados in the most lively way possible, through contact, observation and the interaction. Say “arrrr, mate” to a pirate so real it’ll take your breath away. Lots of fun for kids and adults alike.
If you are on your first vacation on the island, enjoy the beach. If you leave Barbados without seeing monkeys playfully throwing coconuts at each other, you’ll have to come back. It is very likely that it will, in fact; Barbados has the most repeat visitors of any Caribbean island.
Learn more at http://Barbados.org.