The Guiding Traveler

Barbados: Surf, Sunken Ships, and the Birthplace of Rum

When you think of the ultimate Caribbean escape, Barbados should be high on your list—and not just for its postcard-worthy beaches. This easternmost island in the Caribbean Sea has a distinct blend of adventure, culture, and history that makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re chasing waves, diving into shipwrecks, or sipping the spirit that started it all, Barbados delivers. It is also not very popular when it comes to flying during the summer so if you are looking for a destination worth doing a stand-by ticket to, this should be at the top of your list!

Surf’s Up on the South and East Coasts

For surfers, Barbados is nothing short of a hidden gem. Unlike many Caribbean islands that are protected by reefs and calm lagoons, Barbados offers powerful Atlantic swells, particularly on the east coast. Soup Bowl, located in the town of Bathsheba, is legendary—known for its consistent and challenging waves. It’s a favorite among local and international pros alike, including Kelly Slater, who has called it one of his top surf spots in the world.

On the south coast, Freights Bay and South Point offer more forgiving waves for beginners and intermediate surfers, along with warm waters and friendly locals. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just looking to ride your first wave, Che’s Surf Lessons offers expert coaching to help you catch your first wave with confidence. Known for their personalized lessons, Che’s team is dedicated to teaching you the fundamentals of surfing, no matter your skill level. They will also work with you on your schedule. Many of the other places, while I wasn’t able to take lessons and won’t speak negatively of, were very specific on lesson times where Jason at Che’s Surf Lessons was able to work with my crazy pilot schedule to make sure I was able to still take my first ever surf lesson! Give them a shout if you end up near Drill Hall Beach on the southwest coast.

Liquid Gold: Where Rum Began

Barbados isn’t just a place to relax and recharge—it’s where rum was born. The island is home to Mount Gay Distillery, the oldest documented rum distillery in the world, with roots tracing back to 1703. A visit to Mount Gay isn’t just a tasting; it’s a journey through time. You’ll learn about the island’s role in shaping the global rum trade and how Barbadians turned sugarcane into one of the world’s most beloved spirits.

While Mount Gay is known for being the oldest rum distillery, our taxi driver had recommended a trip up to St. Nicholas Abbey. We were informed that it is the only rum on the island that is only sold at their location at the distillery and they did not disappoint. So, if rum is your passion, you need to get to the northern end of Barbados to taste some of the best rum the island has to offer.

Snorkel Through History: Sunken Ships and Coral Reefs

For those who prefer underwater adventures, Barbados has another surprise in store. Head to Carlisle Bay, where at least six wrecks rest in shallow waters teeming with marine life—from sea turtles and moray eels to colorful coral and tropical fish. As someone who has been on multiple dives, I would like to make it known that this particular snorkeling location had some of the largest trumpet fish I have ever seen!

One standout is the Bajan Queen, a decommissioned tugboat turned party boat that was deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef. The result? A thriving underwater ecosystem and an unforgettable snorkeling experience. The visibility is often excellent, and Barbados Blue Water Sports offers guided snorkeling and diving tours to make the most of this underwater paradise. Whether you’re new to snorkeling or an experienced diver, their expert team ensures a safe and unforgettable experience.

---

Final Thoughts

Barbados isn’t just about sunbathing and rum punches—though it has plenty of both. It’s a place where adventure meets history, where you can surf world-class waves in the morning, explore a sunken shipwreck by afternoon, and toast the sunset with a glass of rum made just miles away.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just looking to unplug in style, Barbados is waiting with open arms—and maybe a few barrels of rum too.

Where to Stay: For luxury and convenience, the Hilton Barbados Resort is ideal, offering great access to the island’s beaches, world-class facilities, and an easy stroll to some of the best surf breaks.

Where to Learn: Catch your first wave or improve your skills with Che’s Surf Lessons on the south coast. Their personalized approach ensures you’ll have a blast while learning.

Where to Dive: For a peek into Barbados’ underwater history, Barbados Blue Water Sports is your go-to for guided snorkeling and diving tours, including trips to the island’s famous shipwrecks.

Finally, because I’m just as much about the cultural experience as I am the tourist activities and food, I want to leave with a fun fact/history lesson. The flag of Barbados is 2 bands of “Ultramarine Blue” and a band of gold in between, referencing the water and sky, and the beaches in Barbados. The centerpiece is a Broken trident. While it is a shoutout to the Roman God Neptune, there’s symbolism in the fact that it is a broken trident and therefore represents Barbados’ independence from Britain in 1966.