From parties to rallies, performing arts to mud parties, there’s quite a lot going on in this little island in the coming months.
So I’ve put together this list of 5 great reasons to visit Barbados this summer.
Crop Over Summer Festival May to August
Besides being one of the best, and fastest growing, Caribbean festivals, Crop Over has something for everyone. There are booze cruises, breakfast cruises, beach parties, paint parties, bougie parties and foam parties….to name a few. Between May – August there is non-stop party action in Barbados. People flock to Barbados from all over the world to party in paradise and they get better and better every year. Most of our parties are ‘all-inclusive’, so you pay a set price for the ticket and premium alcohol and food are included!
My favourites are j’ouvert (a paint party) and the Grand Kadooment (Street Carnival) which takes place on the first Monday of August. Both of these parties deserve their own reviews, but in a nutshell:
• J’ouvert, which means “dawn” or “daybreak”, is a paint/mud/chocolate party that usually starts very early in the morning (like, 3am kinda early) and can go on until noon! You can choose from various groups to play with, namely Mix Nutz and Caesar’s Army.
• Kadooment is a street Carnival concept similar to Brazil Carnival and it’s the grand finale of the Crop Over season in Barbados. You can ‘jump’ Kadooment with various bands, namely Baje International, Harbour Lights and Xhosa.
Low season and lower prices May to October
Not only are flights cheaper during the months of April – October, but hotels and local businesses in Barbados have a plethora of great deals. Sugar Bay Resort, an all inclusive boutique hotel, also has some golf and dive packages. There is an island wide ‘Kids Play and Stay Free‘ deal until the end of October if you’re travelling as a family, which you can read more about here. If you decide to come visit Barbados with your kids, you can get in touch with Island Sitters about childcare during your holiday. Airbnb is another great option when visiting Barbados of course, with our list of hosts growing daily.
Mount Gay Rum Tour Bridgetown
What do you do on a trip to Barbados? Rum is a must! The Caribbean Elixir, a visit to Mount Gay is highly recommended. Rum, originally called “Kill-Devil” by the Barbadians who first distilled it, is truly a product of this beautiful island. Mount Gay Rum, the oldest, most storied rum in the world, has been produced in Barbados with passion and unparalleled craftsmanship since then, thus earning it the title “the rum that invented rum”.
You are welcomed with a complimentary rum punch, followed by an exploration of the history, heritage and craft, a cocktail mixing session or a traditional Bajan lunch.
What are you waiting on? As the locals would say, “The rum won’t drink itself!”
Jammin’ Catamaran Cruises, Bridgetown
Sail along Barbados’ beautiful coastline and experience the beautiful coastal waters, on this 63-foot recreational craft. Cruises leave the Screwdocks in Bridgetown around 9.30am and return around 2.30/3pm. Stop for snorkelling, swimming with turtles, riding with jet skis en route, or simply to sit back and enjoy the crystal waters. Lunch and a copious amount of beverages are served on board. More information here
Calm waters June to September
Barbados is one of the top dive destinations in the world and it’s no wonder; with beautiful, shallow reefs, shipwrecks and friendly sea turtles, this island is a great place to explore underwater. The water is very calm during these months, so it’s a perfect time to explore every dive and snorkel spot around the island. There is a Dive Fest that takes place early July, with trips to the lesser known East Coast of the island, beach clean-ups and lots of other activities.
For a full list of must-do activities on any trip to Barbados, have a look here.
With thanks to Skip to Malouuu!
Malou is our local Barbados specialist, blogging about island life!
Any Questions or Tips to add?