There is so much to do in Barbados apart from enjoying the white sandy beaches the Caribbean Sea and the 365 days of sunshine while sipping on that deliciously teasing rum punch, Barbados is a destination for all the family. Barbados as a country is fascinating and a car is recommended to get the most out of your visit to this wonderful gem in the Caribbean.

Kendal Sporting,
Paintball
Paintball is an adrenaline pumping contact sport that combines strategy, exercise and loads of fun.
Groups are welcomed to play on a 120ft X 180ft speedball field. Obstacles and bunkers on this field make things interesting offering sufficient cover for many strategic options during game play.
In the game of paintball, players 'mark' their opponents to eliminate them from the game. Once all the players from one team have been marked/ eliminated, the game is over and the un-marked team prevails. In this sport, paint filled balls (similar to bath beads) are expelled from a special air gun called a marker. Although the paint is water soluble, it's best to wear old clothes because of grass stains and the like. Running shoes or football shoes are probably the best footwear to bring. Essential facemasks are provided and for added protection, optional chest/ back protectors and gloves are available.
Kendal’ has rapidly become a leading sports venue in Barbados. Comprised of shotgun ranges, indoor and outdoor pistol ranges, sports bar, restaurant and pool, it is the ideal location for visitors and locals alike to gather and practice their sport. Beginners to the sport are also welcomed as there are professionally trained range officers always ready to assist. Ocean Echo stables
Enjoy incredible views from your horseback, riding fun trails down to Bath Beach and back, riding at a leisurely pace.
This is a great tour for the beginner equestrian who is looking for a little adventurous activity in their holiday.
You will surely feel like a real rider when you're through!...
Ocean Echo Stables, Newcastle, St. John Tel 246 433 6772

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary
The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary which is a part of the Graeme Hall Swamp National Environmental Heritage Site.  A lush, 35-acre oasis, Graeme Hall is regarded as one of the last significant wildlife habitats in Barbados.
Carefully designed boardwalks, aviaries, observation points, and education pavilions have been constructed to make the exhibits easily accessible and thoroughly enjoyable.
In addition to being the last significant mangrove and sedge swamp on the island of Barbados, the Sanctuary is a true community centre offering something for everyone.
Favourite activities include watching wildlife, visiting the Gully Habitat, Marshland, Migratory Bird and St.Viccent Amazon Aviaries, touring our Boardwalk and trail system, or shopping at our new Sanctuary Store.  We have a sophisticated network of trailside educational exhibits, as well as the Migratory Bird Exhibit.  It's a haven for photographers, landscape and wildlife artists who are attracted by the beauty and tranquillity of the Sanctuary.  If you wish, you can simply relax with a drink and a snack overlooking the lake, but don't forget to bring your binoculars.
(Tours Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, weekends by appointment only; admission fee; Tel: 435 7078)
  

Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Opens Daily 10am - 5pm
This small free-range zoo, about 25km (16mi) north of Bridgetown, has meandering paths through mahogany woods across the road from the Farley Hill National Park in the parish of St. Peter.  Visitors are offered a unique opportunity to stroll freely through the Reserve, which is primarily a monkey sanctuary. They can observe the Green Monkey of Barbados at close range and in their own natural environment.  There are few cages and the animals can be observed as they eat, play and interact with the other animals.  Other animals that can be found at the Reserve are ducks, turtles, tortoises, birds, peacocks, otters, raccoons, agouti, deer and snakes. 
About a kilometre farther north are the 17th-century St Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest plantation houses in the Caribbean, and Francia Plantation, which has formal gardens and is surrounded by fields of vegetables.
 

Sunbury Plantation House
This atmospheric 17th-century plantation house is the only one on Barbados that can be explored in its entirety. The house has thick stonewalls built of local coral blocks and ballast stones from the English sailing ships that picked up shipments of Barbadian sugar. The interior retains its colonial ambiance and is furnished with antiques, many made from Barbadian mahogany. The articulate guides are well versed in local history, making this the finest plantation tour on the island.

Flower Forest
About 20km (12mi) northeast of the capital sits the Flower Forest, 20ha (50 acres) of tropical flora and meandering paths on a former sugar estate where you can learn the name of virtually every plant on Barbados. The garden has sweeping views of the Chalky Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. A few kilometres south of the Flower Forest is Welchman's Hall Gully, where a trail winds through the island's only remaining rainforest. Nearby Harrison's Cave is a fascinating network of limestone caverns with stalactites and stalagmites, subterranean streams, pools and waterfalls. A battery-powered tram enters the cave, stopping en route to let passengers examine the more impressive sites, such as the huge domed cavern known as the Great Hall.

Harrison's Caves
One of the great natural wonders of the Caribbean is Harrison's Cave open daily; first tour 8:30am, last tour 4pm; It's a massive limestone cavern with stalagmites, stalactites, rivers, waterfalls and lakes that you can see from an electric tram that weaves its way through the caves. The existence of a cave network was known in 1796 and is believed to have served as a hiding place for runaway slaves. Tel: 438 6640

Ocean Park Marine Aquarium
Ocean Park is a unique marine aquarium bringing the spectacular underwater world to locals and visitors alike through the presentation of a number of fascination aquatic displays.  You can even walk underwater without getting wet!
A relaxing park atmosphere, 'Something Fishy' souvenir shop, 'Shark Bites' bar & restaurant and the 'Pirate Adventure' mini golf course, it is a great day out for couples, singles or the entire family.
Ocean Park displays a fascinating collection of the freshwater and tropical marine life of Barbados and the Caribbean in a way that is exciting, unique and educational.

St. Lawrence Gap
Entertainment in Barbados starts in St. Lawrence Gap! A stroll through The Gap reveals a number of nightclubs, catering to all musical tastes.

• Don't miss The Whistling Frog's party nights - there is a street party, Karaoke and live bands to entertain you. Time Out at the Gap is where many Jazz entertainers choose to stay and to play and you will find some of the best names in Jazz playing right here.
   
• Reggae Lounge - this open-air nightclub offers the opportunity to dance the night away under the stars, surrounded by natural, tropical vegetation. The club offers a wide range of music, from reggae and calypso to mellow music and Rhythm and Blues.
• The Ship Inn, proclaimed as "The Original Pub" has a DJ several nights of the week, along with live bands.
  
  While waiting for the music to heat up, night clubbers can sample the local fare of food vendors that assemble in the Gap!

Harbour Lights
Harbour Lights is an exclusive open-air beachfront club with top live entertainment; and one of the island's most popular, tropical and trendy nightclubs; a great night out for all the family with the most amazing line up of entertainment.

Harbour Lights appeals to both locals and visitors alike. Each night offers its own special theme, from Beach Parties and 'Drinks Free' nights to top live bands and '$1.00 Drinks' nights.

They host superb Beach Extravaganza Dinner Shows. It's barefoot elegance under the stars with free-flowing exotic drinks, a friendly tropical ambience and lively entertainment. Nightlife as you would expect it in the Caribbean.
www.harbourlightsbarbados.com
Tel: (246) 436-775 - Not to be missed!

The Plantation
Bajan Roots & Rhythms, held at The Plantation Theatre, is the only dinner and stage show in Barbados designed to offer visitors a genuine representation of West Indian culture. Bajan Roots & Rhythms, uniquely known for its interactive segments and party atmosphere, affords its guests plenty of opportunities to join in the fun.

This cultural extravaganza is an all inclusive value package, complete with costumes, thrilling choreography, music, song, dance and the red-hot excitement of a fire-eater and flaming limbo. This provides unrivalled live entertainment, which beautifully and creatively pays tribute to Barbados and its musical heritage.

The evening begins with the sweet sounds of the steel pan that you can enjoy during your dinner. After dinner sit back and enjoy a spectacular dance show. If you like a challenge; join in the fun with the limbo queen and then end the evening with dancing to the music of The Plantation Band.

Harbour Master Cruises
Sunset shadows play across the deck of the MV Harbour Master as the crew members make sure that everything is just right for the night's activities. The night cruise is full of romance and excitement. If you make it on board early you will get to see the sun sink into an incredible purple sea, just as the stars begin to twinkle.

The Harbour Master will wine and dine you in style as their on-board chefs create a mouth watering buffet just for you. It's a wonderful mix of local tradition and international flare. So relax, enjoy your meal and your company.

Featuring Barbados' most spectacular floor-show including comedy, exotic belly dancing tropical calypso dancers in swirling skits and a fiery limbo act that will be sure to keep you on the end of your seat.

One of the hottest local bands and D.J. on the island ensure you that you will be staying on your feet all night long. The live music is just a touch of the action that makes their night cruises fascinating. Find yourself a cosy spot at any of the bars; sip on a truly delightful cocktail and just let the MV Harbour Master make it an unforgettable night.

Barbados is blessed with beaches and has good swimming, snorkelling and diving. Some of the island's prettiest beaches and calmest waters are along the western coast; top spots include Paynes Bay, Sandy Bay and Mullins Bay. On the south eastern side is Crane Beach, voted one of the top ten beaches in the world, a scenic stretch of pink-tinged sand that's popular for bodysurfing but rough for swimming. The eastern coast has dangerous water conditions, including rocky shelves and strong currents, suitable for only the most confident swimmers and surfers.

The western coast of Barbados has reef dives with soft corals, gorgonians and colourful sponges. There are about a dozen accessible shipwrecks, some - such as the Berwyn in Carlisle Bay - lie at good snorkelling depths. The island has excellent windsurfing conditions from November to June at Maxwell and Silver Sands, and good surfing at the Soup Bowl, South Point and Brandons.
National Trust

The Barbados National Trust leads weekly guided hikes in the countryside on local history, geology, flora and fauna. You can also arrange horseback riding along the beach at Mullins Bay.

    
Snorkelling and Swimming
The West Coast of Barbados is definitely the best coast for snorkelling and swimming as the reefs are close to shore and the water is the calm Caribbean Sea. Some of the better places for snorkelling are Fitts Village, Paynes Bay and Folkstone Marine Reserve. After snorkelling at Fitts Village, lunch, happy hours and dinner are available at several restaurants and beach bars on the same coast.

Body Boarding
Carlisle Bay has over two miles of dazzling white sandy beach, calm crystal clear water and has been voted the number 1 beach in the Caribbean for 2003. To learn why, go to the Boatyard and join them for the day on the Adventure Beach & Carlisle Bay Snorkel Tour . You will have the opportunity to snorkel on three fascinating shipwrecks, which are alive with tropical marine life and to relax on this idyllic beach complete with lunch, drinks and other amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, non-motorized water sports and fun activities.

Surfing
Bathsheba is a well-known surfing spot, and surfers from over the world go there to surf. Not only is it the perfect spot for surfing but is also one of the more scenic spots on the island.
This ride on our Caribbean waters is a must for those thrill seekers and high speed movers.

Jet Ski operators can be found from one coast to the next of the island. On the South coast you will find them at places like Dover Beach with Charles Water sports and the Boatyard. If you are looking for them on the West then check out beach spots like Mullins, Paynes Bay and Sandy Lane beaches.
Safe enough for all ages; however younger children will need to have adult supervision.
Prices are quoted according to the amount of time you use the Jet Ski.

Sandy Lane Golf Club
Set in a mahogany grove overlooking the Caribbean on the wind-swept west coast, the scenic Sandy Lane Golf Club was recently redesigned and rebuilt by master architect Tom Fazio, this Par 72 and Slope 132 (7060 yards off the back) is lined with now-mature trees that were planted more than 25 years ago. There is also the old nine hole golf course adjacent to the hotel which winds a pretty route through the mahogany woodland.

Royal Westmoreland
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the views of the Caribbean Sea from every hole makes this good golf course even better; built on sloping terrain, you have got generous fairways to aim for and large greens to putt on but it still isn't easy. Great fun, watch out for the 18th - a great finishing hole!

Host to an annual European Seniors Tour event.

The Barbados Golf Club
Originally built in 1974, this is the oldest 18 hole golf course on the island. It was completely redesigned (by Ron Kirby of Palm Beach) and rebuilt in 1999 to bring it up to full Championship standard. 6805 yards off the back, Par 72 and a Slope rating of 124 - makes it a great course with plenty of water hazards, beautiful mature trees and a few touches of "links". Plus, there's a magnificent finish to a stadium double green.

The Garrison Savannah
The Garrison Savannah is the focal point of the Garrison Historic area, which is steeped in military history. During colonial times, the Savannah was considered one of the finest Parade grounds in the West Indies, but after the British troops were withdrawn from Barbados in 1906, it became an excellent sporting arena. First and foremost is the race track encircling these 50 acres of green open space. The Sandy Lane Gold Cup at the beginning of March has become a festival, with celebrities flying in from all over the world. Every Easter a kite-flying competition turn the sky into a palette of colours; but on November the 30th the ground reverts back to a parade ground when Independence Day is celebrated.

Cricket: The National Sport
Kensington Oval will be one of the Venues for the Cricket world Cup in 2007. Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and the West Indies. Thousands of Barbadians, other West Indians and visitors flock to world-class matches at Kensington Oval, Barbados to watch batsmen of the calibre of Brian Lara, Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul as well as fast bowlers such as Tino Best and Pedro Collins.
Barbados is one of the international capitals of cricket and always contributes a large contingent to the West Indies team. Names like Sir Garfield Sobers three W's, Wes Hall, the late Keith Boyce, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge and David Allen come to mind immediately as Barbadians who have contributed greatly to West Indies cricket.