If you're wondering why there aren't more reviews for this tour, let me clear that up right now—this is a fantastic tour with a top-notch company. You can book it with confidence, knowing you'll get both quality and safety. And as a general life tip, if you're kind and respectful to the guides and fellow travelers, you'll have an even better time.
Why Every Tour Needs a Guide Like Charles
Charles is the kind of guide every tour needs. He’s personable, knowledgeable, and keeps things moving. Most stops have scheduled time slots, so he adjusted things as needed to ensure we saw everything. That’s just real-world logistics, folks.
The Van Ride and Why a Cooling Towel is Your New Best Friend
You’ll spend a decent amount of time in the van, especially on the way back. That’s just part of touring an island where hotels and resorts are scattered all over. The company does a smart thing by picking people up in groups and then dividing them into their specific tours at the first stop. It keeps things efficient, but just be prepared for some drive time from there on.
The van has AC, but with the hills and turns, it can feel a little stuffy, and let’s be honest—it’s warm. That’s why you came to Barbados, right? If you get carsick, consider taking precautions. A cooling towel made a huge difference for me—just wet it, add a little ice at stops, and you’re set. I used the Sukeen 4 Pack Cooling Towel (40"x12"). Cold bottled water is also available, which helps.
And remember, you came to Barbados for the warm weather! The island isn’t just a resort and an airport—it’s worth exploring.
Tour Highlights
Bathsheba Beach is stunning, with massive rock formations rising from the sand and waves crashing against the shore. We dipped our feet in the water and took in the view, but I would have loved a little more time here. We got about 10 minutes, which was shorter than planned to keep the overall schedule on track, but even a quick stop was worth it.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve is home to an impressive number of tortoises, along with peacocks, chickens, and more. Of course, you’ll see the famous green monkeys! The monkeys get fed fresh fruit, so they aren’t shy about showing up. Just a word of advice—look up every now and then unless you want an unexpected "souvenir" from above.
St Nicholas Abbey is packed with history and still fully operational today. We met the owner, who was surprisingly funny and clearly treats his team well. The tour takes you through the rum-making process from sugarcane crushing to bottling. There’s also an old film about the island’s history, followed by a tasting session. Another 10 to 15 minutes here would have been nice, but it was still a highlight of the day.
Cherry Tree Hill offers one of the most breathtaking views on the island. No activities here—just a chance to take in the scenery and snap some photos.
Lunch at Sand Dunes Bar and Restaurant was a standout meal. Flying fish, macaroni pie, rice, garden salad, and potato salad—authentic Bajan food that put resort buffets to shame. If you want real local flavors, this is it.
Harrison’s Cave is an incredible underground cave system explored by tram. Be sure to complete the waiver before tour day, or you won’t be able to go in. The island is made of coral and limestone, not volcanic rock like many other islands in the region, and that’s why the tap water in Barbados tastes amazing. Unless you have a deep love for sparkling water, stick with the still water here—it’s naturally filtered through the island’s limestone.
Final Thoughts
This tour is absolutely worth it. The sites are stunning, the pacing is well thought out, and you get a real sense of the island beyond the resorts. Just be ready for some driving, bring a cooling towel, and enjoy the adventure.
Charles was witty, informative, and the perfect guide. We now feel like we have seen the whole island and know a huge amount of its history and present day amenities. Having a local native guide is the best!!