Barbados

1. The port

2. on foot

3. Shuttle buses

4. Public transport

5. Taxis

6. Car Rental

7. Excursion tips for Barbados

8. Book shore excursions

    8.1 Meine Landausflüge

    8.2 GetYourGuide

    8.3 Viator

Barbados captivates with a fascinating blend of British heritage and Caribbean soul. While the west coast, known as the "Platinum Coast," charms visitors with calm turquoise waters and luxury resorts, the east coast at Bathsheba Beach reveals a wilder side with rugged surf and dramatic rock formations. Key highlights include the capital, Bridgetown (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the vibrant culture surrounding the island's famous rum. Whether snorkeling with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay, visiting historic plantation houses, or enjoying the legendary "Oistins Fish Fry" on a Friday night, Barbados offers a perfect combination of relaxation, history, and culinary delights.

Cruise ships dock at the Barbados Cruise Terminal. You can check the port's website to see how many other ships are in port with you. The modern terminal offers numerous shops, restaurants, and a tourist information desk, as well as free Wi-Fi. If you prefer authentic local handicrafts for your souvenirs, be sure to visit the Pelican Craft Centre located right at the port exit. There, you will find over 25 retail shops, 14 workshops, a gallery, and various restaurants.

You can walk from the ship to the port exit and directly into Bridgetown. The capital of Barbados is approximately 1.5 km from the harbor; you should plan for about 15 to 20 minutes for this walk. There are sidewalks provided for a comfortable and safe walk, though there is not much shade. To reach the beaches of Carlisle Bay, it is about 2 km, which takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes on foot.

Free shuttle buses are provided in Barbados to transport passengers from the more distant berths to the cruise terminal and back to the ships.

Public transportation is quite reliable. Those wishing to travel to the south or east will find the buses at the Fairchild Street Terminal in the center of Bridgetown. Buses heading to the north and west depart from the Princess Alice Terminal, which is located not far from the cruise terminal. You can find the routes here.

When you leave the cruise terminal, you will find plenty of taxis waiting to the right in the Dispatch Centre. They offer one-way trips, beach transfers (including pick-up), and island tours. The fixed rates for these trips are displayed on signs at the taxi stand. Island tours last between one and three and a half hours and cost between $10 and $30 per person. Transfers to Bridgetown and the nearby beaches range from $2 to $10 per person.

Rental cars do not play a major role in Barbados, as taxis are very affordable and convenient. However, if you wish to explore Barbados on your own by car, you will find an office for Caribbean Rentals directly inside the cruise terminal. It is highly recommended to book in advance, as availability is limited on port days. Please note that traffic in Barbados drives on the left. Additionally, you will need a local visitor's permit, which is usually issued by the rental agency for a fee of approximately $5 USD. Some roads are narrow and potholes are not uncommon, so GPS or an offline map (such as Google Maps) is strongly advised.

Barbados can be explored very well independently. Here you can see the highlights awaiting you.

Meine Landausflüge offer you fantastic cruise trips at the most popular ports worldwide. Typically, they are available in much smaller groups and at more affordable prices than the cruise line’s own excursions. All our options are carefully selected to guarantee you an unforgettable outing experience.

• Small group sizes  
• Punctual return guarantee  
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off service from/to the port  
• Money-back guarantee for itinerary changes and port cancellations  
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour (Flex option up to 60 minutes before the tour start)

With GetYourGuide, you can book land excursions in small groups, often at better prices than those offered by cruise lines. All experiences are carefully selected and reviewed by experts. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the excursion.

Viator, a Tripadvisor company, is one of the world's leading online marketplaces for travel experiences. The platform provides travelers with access to more than 300,000 activities, including guided tours, day trips, attraction tickets, and exclusive experiences in thousands of destinations worldwide. A key advantage for users is the millions of authentic traveler reviews that help in making informed choices. 

Viator is known for its high flexibility:

• offering free cancellation on many bookings up to 24 hours in advance.
• Additionally, the "reserve now, pay later" option provides financial freedom during trip planning.