Holidays in Barbados are rich in cultural and visual delights, from the pristine underwater world to the lush hillsides, historic churches, spectacular plantations and, of course, the beaches.

Barbados is a great island to vacation with children. Safe beaches, particularly along the west coast, and numerous activities and attractions make vacations enjoyable for the whole family. Submarine tours, wildlife reserves, nature sanctuaries, horseback riding, and water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming lessons are available.

Some hotels offer Kids’ Club facilities, allowing parents to spend time alone without worry, and babysitters are easy to find for around $20.00BDS ($10.00US) per hour, plus transportation home.

The following 5 Barbados attractions are great for both adults and children. Make sure that the children are well protected from the sun and the heat and you will all have a great time

1 Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Entering through the gates of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, you find yourself in a mahogany forest teeming with vervet monkeys, ducks, turtles, peacocks, otters, raccoons, agoutis, deer, macaws, porcupines, flamingos, parrots, and pythons. . With over a mile (2 km) of trails winding through the forest, a trip through the preserve is a journey of discovery and wonder.

All animals except pythons and parrots roam freely in the forest. The animals are in their natural environment so, unlike in a zoo, you have the unique opportunity to see them behave naturally, with no barriers between you.

Brought to the island from Africa at the end of the 17th century, the Green Monkeys are one of the main attractions of the reserve. The best time to see them is in the late afternoon when they come out to feed.

There is a collection of exotic orchids and an iguana sanctuary, an aviary, and an information center where you can learn about the habitats and history of the animals.

There are plenty of places to sit and rest and just watch the animals, and a cafe and shop on site where you can buy a snack and cold drink, which you may need as it can get quite hot.

The entrance fee to the Wildlife Reserve includes admission to the adjoining Grenada Hall Forest and Signal Station, so be sure to visit it once you’ve completed your tour of the reserve.

Telephone 246 422 8826

2 Forest of Granada Hall and signal station

Built in the 1800s, the signal station, one of six towers erected at vantage points on the island. Restored to its original state, the interior of the tower now houses a number of historical exhibits and artifacts.

Grenada Hall Forest encompasses a coral stone path with educational resources along the path providing an opportunity to learn and appreciate the natural environment.

Telephone 246 422 8826

3 harbor master cruise

The MV Harbor Master is described as a “floating entertainment center”. The Bajan Village Life Lunch Cruise recreates the spirit of Barbados with crew members dressed as historical figures providing entertainment.

At the beach stop, the kids can swim or snorkel in the reef, or for the daredevils there’s a 70-foot water slide. On the return trip there is a live calypso band for dancing and entertainment.

Telephone 246 430 0900

4 Harrison’s Cave

This spectacular cave, located in the parish of St. Thomas, is a must-see on any Barbados vacation.

The tour begins with an audiovisual show documenting the geological history of Barbados and the wonders of the cave.

After the show, you’ll board a tram for a spectacular ride through vast caverns, with waterfalls tumbling over ledges into crystalline pools and thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.

Telephone 246 438 6640

5 Swim with the turtles

Swimming with turtles is an amazing experience for both adults and children and will certainly be the highlight of your vacation. Barbados is home to a large population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Once endangered from overfishing, these large creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the island.

Tortoises are sociable and tend to stay in the same area, following a constant routine. They can be seen playing and feeding along the inshore reefs. In some areas, they are relatively tame and have become accustomed to humans. You can swim with them while they feed among the corals. A good way to do it is with a sailing trip and a snorkeling picnic.

A Barbados vacation is great with or without kids. The island is rich in history; Home to more good restaurants than you could cover in a month, it has enough sports and activities to keep the whole family busy and has some of the friendliest people in all of the Caribbean.

For more activities, see the article “Holidays in Barbados with children: more things to do”