Totally Barbados
Barbados Island Guide
Everything You Need to Explore, Experience, and Enjoy Barbados
Accommodation in Barbados – Hotels, Villas, Apartments, and Holiday Rentals.
Explore More About Barbados
A comprehensive guide to Barbados is a valuable resource for visitors and locals, providing information on various aspects of the island.
Key features of the website include detailed sections on accommodation, with options ranging from hotels to villas; dining, highlighting restaurants and eating places by type, cuisine, and location; and a guide to events and entertainment, including festivals and nightlife.
The site also provides essential travel information, including transportation options such as car rentals and bus services, as well as practical tips for those moving to or visiting Barbados. It focuses on the island’s attractions, including beaches, shopping destinations, and many reasons why Barbados is the perfect destination for your next island vacation. Sections on health and safety tips, local parishes, and weather are also available to help visitors plan their stay.
Additionally, the website offers insights into the island’s culture, history, and people, providing a deeper understanding of the island. It includes guides on local experiences, sports, and leisure activities, making it an indispensable resource for planning a thorough and enjoyable trip to Barbados.
Recently Updated
January 3, 2026
December 30, 2025
- Recommended by Totally Barbados
- The Smart Visitor’s Guide to Shopping in Barbados
- Barbados Realtors Limited
- Barbados Realtors Limited Holiday Rentals
- Pavão Barbados
- Voyager Rent A Car
- Barbados Conference Services Limited
- MD’s Green Scape and Arbor Services
- What’ SUP Barbados
- Simone Your Critter Sitter
- The Ark Animal Welfare Society
December 23, 2025
- Barbados Newsletter – Island Life Updates
056 – December 23, 2025 – Your Barbados Christmas Week Guide
December 17, 2025
- Blakeys Bar and Restaurant on the Hastings Boardwalk offers oceanfront dining, cocktails, and live music with sunset views on Barbados’ south coast. New menu added and new signature photo.
December 8, 2025
- Legacy Fishing Charters: No credit cards accepted. Days and times of operation updated
How to Apply for a Welcome Stamp?
Since the Coronavirus Pandemic hit the world in 2020, the virus “has caused social and economic disruption worldwide, including the largest global recession since the Great Depression” – Wikipedia.
The Government announced the introduction of the 12-month Welcome Stamp, a new remote work program that grants a visa allowing people to work remotely on the island for up to 12 months. The new visa is available to anyone who meets the visa requirements and works in a location-independent capacity, whether as an individual or as a family.
Many people are now working remotely from their homes around the world. The island offers all the tech and modern conveniences, professional services, and excellent schools in a safe and friendly environment – come live where you are on holiday.
The UNESCO World Heritage List features the world’s greatest wonders, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and China’s Great Wall. Since 2011, the capital city of Bridgetown and its Garrison area have been internationally recognized for their beauty, history, and significance.
Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago were the first six to implement the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) on January 1, 2006. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines followed about six months later.
Barbadian culture uniquely melds English and African influences, creating an intriguing cultural melting pot. As the nearest island west of Africa and a crucial trading hub, many West Africans, brought as enslaved labor for sugarcane plantations, significantly shaped the cultural landscape.
The Barbadian dollar is divided into one hundred cents. There is also a one-dollar coin. Robust, stable, and secure, the dollar has been pegged to the U.S. dollar (USD) at 1.98 (BBD) to 1 since 1975.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
As published by H. Plecher on November 26, 2020, the statistic shows the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita from 1985 to 2019, with projections until 2025. GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year.
It is considered a significant indicator of a country’s economic strength, and a positive change indicates economic growth. In 2019, the GDP per capita was approximately 18,139.48 US dollars.
Support from the United States is primarily directed through international organizations, such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), based in Bridgetown.
Known as “The Land Of The Flying Fish,” the national dish is cou-cou and flying fish, and it is also “The Birthplace of Rum.”
With over 300 years of experience, Mount Gay Distillery is the world’s oldest rum distillery. Mount Gay Rum is infused with the quality, sophistication, and classic style that come from a long history of excellence and tradition.
Sugar cane was introduced to the island by the early settlers in the 15th century, providing Britain with sugar, rum, and molasses.
While our island boasts several elevated areas, it is not considered a mountainous region. However, near the island’s center, just west of the Scotland District in St. Andrew (on the island’s east coast), one will find the highest point – that of Mount Hillaby.
Our island has one of the oldest Westminster‑style parliaments in the Western Hemisphere and one of the oldest constitutions in the Commonwealth. The Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, is the head of the government of Barbados. The House of Assembly has 30 members (MPs); the political party with the most members, currently the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), forms the government.
Barbadians vote in general elections every five years, directly electing their Members of Parliament. The head of state is now the President, a position created when Barbados became a republic on November 30, 2021. Both houses of Parliament elect the President for a four‑year term and may serve a second term.
Sandra Mason, Barbados’ first female President, served from November 30, 2021, to November 30, 2025. The next President, Jeffrey Bostic, was elected by Parliament on October 7, 2025, and took office on November 30, 2025. (wikipedia.org).
Sandra Mason, Barbados’ first female President, concluded her term in November 2025. She is succeeded by Jeffrey Bostic, who became the incumbent President on November 30, 2025.
The local language is often referred to as the Bajan dialect. Although our native language here on the island is British English, the dialect can usually seem like another language.
Life Expectancy
- The current life expectancy in 2020 is 79.27 years, a 0.16% increase from 2019, and is higher for women at 80.1 years than for men at 77.6 years, making the island the highest-ranking in the region.
- The island ranks 34th among 184 countries in terms of development and has the highest life expectancy (source: The United Nations Human Development Report 2019).
Anglican (Anglicanism) is officially the national religion; however, various denominations of Christianity and non-Christian religions are practiced throughout the island.
Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations for tourism and vacation.
Tourism has emerged as the leader among the rest of the world and secured the number one spot in the 2017 Destination Satisfaction Index (DSI) by The World Economic Forum. The DSI is a metric that measures the overall valuation of a holiday destination based on the factors travelers find most attractive.
Our island was named the highest-ranking destination in the West Indies and the world’s 58th most innovative nation in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017 Report.
The island has attracted many West Indian visitors from significant markets, as well as cruise ship passengers. Sports and health tourism are viable economic options for attracting more visitors to the island who seek sports, fun, entertainment, and health-related treatments.
The best part about the tropical island is that you do not need to be a tourist to experience all it offers. As a country of deep historical foundations, you can always learn more about the island, whether you’re a local or a visitor on vacation.
Many of the hotels and apartments listed offer exclusive deals and special packages to locals and visitors on vacation.
As a Bajan at heart, you can learn exciting facts about the island while recognizing and appreciating the culture and its unique flavor.
With so many great things to do, see, and experience, many have become excited and chosen to live, stay, work, and have fun in this island country paradise.
The natural spring water on the island is among the purest in the world.
The state-run Water Authority Limited (BWA) is the island’s exclusive supplier of potable water.
Water supplied by the BWA is pumped from wells within natural coral aquifers. The result is a freshwater source of naturally high quality.
Despite this, to comply with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, the Water Authority treats its potable freshwater with chlorine.
According to one BWA survey, groundwater has consistently been the most significant source of supply, accounting for nearly 90%. Around half was drawn from just two wells, which were operating at near-total capacity.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, “Of the numerous impacts of climate change expected, increases in atmospheric temperature, rising sea level, and changes in weather patterns are expected to pose problems to the island in the future.”
In Barbados, the rainy season runs from June to November, while the dry season spans December to May; both periods are now experiencing more extreme temperature swings and shifts in precipitation that amplify the climate‑change risks highlighted by the UNDP.
On Thursday, September 22, 2022, the Government announced changes to the travel entry protocols.
Effective at midnight on Thursday, September 22, 2022, all COVID-19-related travel protocols have been discontinued.
Therefore, there will be no testing requirements for entry, regardless of vaccination status.
In addition, mask wearing will now be optional.
Last Updated on December 9, 2025, at 9:14 pm local time.
Kind compliments go out to The Barbados Government Information Service.
Learn more about the Vaccines for COVID-19 at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and COVID-19 at the Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Discover events, activities, and things to do with daily schedules, maps, and directions.
- Events Calendar – View the updated plans for all upcoming events and activities.
- Daily Events – View all daily events.
- List of Annual Events – Look at the list of annual events.
- Festivals – Festival Fever is in the air year-round, with music, arts, theater, and food festivals.
- Add an Event – Get more people to attend your event or activity.
We include various events on the island, from business and entertainment to nightlife and sporting events.
Crop Over is our island’s most significant cultural festival and marks the end of the once-dominant sugar-cane harvest. The party carnival involves various entertainment and celebrations that bring thousands of tourists to the island each year.
The summer festival is a must-attend event for Rihanna, who makes a point of joining the annual celebration in her native country. Mingling with the locals, she always stands out in her attire, reflecting a deep engagement with the carnival’s essence through sparkling glitter and vivid colors.
Crop Over season runs throughout July and culminates in a big Grand Kadooment Day finale parade on the first Monday of August.
Barbados is the ideal destination for traveling with your family, as it offers something for everyone, regardless of age.
If you are going with elderly relatives, such as grandparents or a tiny baby, don’t worry; the island is a suitable vacation spot.
If you travel with children under ten, it is advisable to book an all‑inclusive resort. They offer buffet‑style lunch, so children can eat as much or as little as they like, and they usually have a barbecue serving burgers and hot dogs. This way, you can relax, enjoy yourself, and not worry about the children wanting to eat at different times or organizing where to go for snacks, lunch, or dinner.
A visit to the beach alone can be pretty breathtaking; on the west coast, you will find golden sand, a calm, turquoise Caribbean Sea, and stunning blue skies.
On the south coast, you will find white sandy beaches flecked with pink coral, the rougher waters of the Atlantic Ocean with cooling breezes, and the tranquility of swaying palm trees that provide shade. It is a view that you won’t forget quickly.
Are you traveling with teenagers? They will love the St. Lawrence Gap, abundant with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. There is always something to do in the Gap, with live music playing and many bar and restaurant options.
During the Oistins Fish Festival, families can enjoy fresh catch prepared on open grills, local music, and a lively market atmosphere. The festival adds a cultural highlight that fits perfectly into a family itinerary.
With many places to eat and drink, you can enjoy fantastic meals at fine‑dining restaurants.
Or perhaps the family would enjoy afternoon tea at the world‑famous Sandy Lane Hotel.
Athletic activities and lifestyle choices are rising, and our ‘no stress’ policy is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
With multiple spas, gyms, and health clubs, you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle while relaxing on vacation.
Fitness groups are standard on the island. Various sports such as swimming, squash, tennis, sailing, windsurfing, polo, rugby, and football (soccer) are great ways to get involved in the community and keep active and healthy.
The island has multiple first-rate spas to help you relax and improve your health and fitness. Most major hotels have world-class resorts boasting massage therapies, manicures, pedicures, facials, and waxing.
Another part of a healthy lifestyle is finding time for your family and friends. Locals are sure to see relatives and friends on Sundays for their weekly beach picnic.
Are you looking for a great holiday destination? Learn about the island in our travel guide, suitable for locals and visitors alike.
Visit Barbados
Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) is the gateway for the 2 million commercial passengers who arrive and depart each year. The 11,000 ft asphalt runway is one of the longest runways at an airport in the eastern Caribbean.
Within our island guides, you can be sure of staying up-to-date with helpful information about our island.
U.S. citizens from all states, including California, must have a valid U.S. passport to enter. No visa is needed for stays up to 6 months.
Visitors from Canada must present a valid passport to visit. Before you leave Canada, ask your transportation company about its passport validity requirements, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. Tourist visa: is not required.
Holders of a British passport are exempt from needing a visa. However, to extend their stay, they must apply to and pay the Immigration Department. Overstaying the authorized entry period or working without a work permit is against the law.
All visitors must have a valid passport and a return ticket to enter the island.
Both travelers and locals will find insider tips and advice on local events, including Crop Over, as well as relevant facts and information, and insights into the island’s rich culture and heritage.
With our white-sand beaches, hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and exciting nightlife, visitors will always experience the charm and friendliness of the people.
Helpful Top 10 Guides will ensure you have the best experience on this island in the Lesser Antilles and the Leeward Islands.
Learn about the most popular amenities at the top beach resorts, hotels, and other accommodation options. Take advantage of exclusive special offers, discounts, and coupons to save on your holidays.
Plan your time using our local events calendar to get updated schedules, dates, and times for important events and activities.
Are you on a cruise and looking for a one-day shore excursion?
Sightseeing tours will pick you up from the cruise terminal and take you on island tours to see and experience our island’s beauty.
Harrison’s Cave is one of the most popular tourist attractions for families and was first mentioned in historical documents in 1795. Jack Peeples rediscovered the caves in the early 1970s and, in 2008, renovated and reopened them. The caves are among the most beautiful natural formations in the world and are accessed via a tramway.
St. Nicholas Abbey is located in the parish of St. Peter on the west coast of Barbados. The house was built in 1650 by Benjamin Berringer and is one of only three remaining Jacobean properties in the western hemisphere – another is Drax Hall in St. George, Barbados.
Choose to go on a catamaran cruise, or scuba diving, and swim with the sea turtles. You can join a group for a casual lunch at two or three selected attractions. All visits ensure you get back in time for the ship’s departure.
Snorkeling is a ‘must-do’ when on the island. With several colorful coral reefs to explore and plenty of fascinating marine life, snorkeling is a popular pastime for both island locals and visitors alike.
You will find helpful travel information on our Barbados Island Guide website if you wish to stay longer than your projected holiday. View the immigration requirements, working regulations, and information about renting a property and other real estate options to help you get started.
You can find the most highly recommended locations and businesses within the World Travel Awards, including the World’s Leading Travel Destination Website.
The government allocates the most significant chunk – nearly a quarter – of its annual billion-dollar budget to funding close to 100 primary and secondary schools, plus four tertiary-level institutions.
State financing covers actual tuition, free bus fares to and from school, and free books and meals for all primary students who need them.
Several institutions are available to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
For the more academically inclined, post-secondary education is available.
For the more technically minded, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) provides both day and night hands-on courses, and it’s not surprising that this 166-square-mile island of approximately 274,000 people boasts a literacy rate of nearly 98%.
View our Google Maps and explore places of interest, shopping areas, beaches, churches, and major roads.
Interactive Maps are available for various needs, including directions and locations of recommended attractions, hotels and accommodation, beaches, restaurants, and eating places.
Are you looking for an ideal place to stay or buy on our famous island?
Buying a villa, real estate, or vacation rentals can all be supplied to you within our Real Estate and Property Guide.
You can search for all property types and real estate for the ideal sale or rental.
Find information on investment opportunities with realtors and agents, especially in the parish of St. James (Saint James), known as the “Gold Coast.”
If you are passionate about sports, come prepared with your athletic gear when you visit this famous island.
Sports and activities on the island range from cricket to horse racing to athletic and non-athletic games.
Whether you want to participate actively or be a spectator, you can choose from many sporting activities on the island.
World-famous for its excellent surfing conditions in ‘Soup Bowl,’ Bathsheba provides a hub of activity all year, as surfers from around the world congregate here for some of the best surfing action.
It’s a small island – just 21 miles (34 kilometers) long by 14 miles (23 kilometers) wide, and the terrain is relatively flat, so nowhere takes too long to get to, and there’s a wide choice of transport options to suit both your lifestyle and budget.
- Airport Transport
- Bus drivers do not carry money, so you must pay your fare with the correct change.
- Car Rentals
- Cruise Terminal Transport
- Limousines
- Taxi Rentals – taxis are not metered, so make sure you agree on a fixed fee with the driver before setting off to your destination.
- Tour Operator
- ZR Vans (pronounced Zed-R’s)
Find the tour operator and sightseeing contact details here.
Whether you plan to use public transport buses or taxis or rent a car while visiting the island, you will find the various transportation options very convenient.
Happy traveling!
- Bridgetown, St. Michael, is the capital of Barbados and is rich in culture and history.
- Holetown, St. James
- Oistins, Christ Church, is a popular entertainment venue for locals and tourists with its thriving fishing community and infamous Friday night Fish Fry.
- Speightstown, St. Peter
- St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church
- The Crane Village, St. Philip
Are you planning to get married in Barbados? Our Barbados wedding guide covers everything you need to plan and organize your wedding in Barbados.
We appreciate that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life; therefore, we have put together a comprehensive section dedicated to your wedding day.
There are many places to choose from when deciding where to get married. You can have a conventional white wedding in a church, a civil ceremony on a beach, or even get married at sea.
Use our Business Guide to find essential information, including statistics, business articles, and links to the most relevant and helpful business websites.
Our Business Guide is your comprehensive information resource for business on our island.
Learn why many foreign investors and business people who visit our island fall in love and find a way to become part of this small but affluent country.
Overseas investors from Europe and North America jump at the island’s array of real estate opportunities. Constantly rising property prices have been producing a significant return on investment. You can invest in an extra home, a tourism enterprise, or a property to rent, short-term or long-term, to locals or visitors.
With many international tax and investment protection treaties, a long history of democracy, and social and economic stability, the quality of life on the island (as ranked by the United Nations) strengthens its position globally.
The island aims to become the world’s smallest developed nation and be the Number One (1) Place to Live, Work, Play, and Invest.
You also have the option to set up, as many have, an International Business Company (IBC), a captive insurance company, or an offshore bank to take advantage of the tax benefits or to trade on the Barbados Stock Exchange.
