With sparkling ultramarine waters, pink-tinged powder sand and spectacular coral reefs, Barbados offers some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Combine these with the year-round warm sunshine and vibrant culture, and this Caribbean Island makes for an idyllic stop on your cruise holiday.
If you’ve booked a Caribbean cruise holiday with a visit to this sunny island, our guide to Barbados Cruise Port and the best activities nearby will help you make the most of your time here.
Discover how to get around Barbados and its cruise port and what to see and do here as we answer questions such as:
Where do cruise ships dock in Barbados?
How far is Barbados from the cruise port?
Is there anything near Barbados Cruise Port?
And what is there to do in Barbados on port days?
Where do cruise ships dock in Barbados?
At approximately 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, Barbados is considered a relatively small island. Therefore, it has just one cruise port, located on the island’s southwestern side, near the capital city, Bridgetown.
Bridgetown Barbados Cruise Terminal, also known as Deep Water Harbour, has welcomed ships since 1994. The terminal consists of 4 deepwater quays that can accommodate up to 6 cruise ships.
When you disembark from your cruise ship and step inside the Barbados Cruise Terminal building, you’ll find modern facilities that include tourist information, cafes and two restaurants, duty-free and craft shops, car rental offices and Wi-Fi. Head outside, and you’ll find a terminal for tour buses and local transport services.
How to get to Barbados from the cruise port
Another great thing about visiting Barbados is its main attractions are within easy reach. The distance from Barbados Cruise Port to the city centre is approximately one mile. So, if you like to walk, you can easily get there on foot. Simply follow the boardwalk, and it will take you around 15 minutes.
Many cruise lines offer complimentary shuttle buses from Barbados Cruise Port to the city centre. However, if your cruise line doesn’t, you can pay $1-2 for a shuttle bus that leaves from just outside Barbados Cruise Terminal. Alternatively, a taxi ride from Barbados Cruise Port to the city centre will take around five minutes and cost $4-$6.
What to do in Barbados Cruise Port
Tourism is a major industry for Barbados, and with over 700,000 cruise guests expected each season, Barbados Cruise Port is an important gateway to the island. Arriving at the cruise port, you’ll find plenty to see and do within easy reach.
Here are our suggestions for what to do in Barbados on port days:
Take in the culture in Bridgetown
With Bridgetown so close to Barbados Cruise Terminal, spending time in this colourful city is undoubtedly worth it. Considered one of the principal locations in the Caribbean, it has many fascinating attractions to explore.
Bridgetown is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historical colonial buildings and museums telling the story of British rule. Visit George Washington House, a temporary residence for the first President of the United States.
Take a picturesque walk to Chamberlain Bridge, built in recognition of Barbados’ independence and an iconic island attraction. Nearby, you’ll also find Parliament Buildings with their gothic architecture, clock tower and stain-glass windows.
Bridgetown also has some beautiful beaches. Enjoying some scuba diving or snorkelling at Carlisle Bay has to be one of the best activities by Barbados Cruise Port. Its clear waters are home to an incredible six shipwrecks alongside abundant marine life. It’s also a pleasant place to relax, with white sands, beach chairs and umbrellas.
Pebbles Beach is another gorgeous beach worthy of a visit. Its calm, turquoise waters and soft powder sands make it a perfect place for families with children.
Marvel at the natural wonders of Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave is a remarkable crystallised limestone cave. Located in the central part of the island, near the village of Holetown, it is undoubtedly one of the best attractions when looking for what to do in Barbados on port days.
The electric tram, which transports you through the mile-long cave system, showcases its dramatic stalagmites and stalactites, subterranean waterfall and pool, and 50 ft-high cavern known as the Great Hall.
Meet the island’s green monkeys
Barbados has been the home of the mischievous green monkey for around 350 years. Since arriving from Senegal and the Gambia, these monkeys have developed their own characteristics, making them a unique and fascinating species.
You can encounter green monkeys anywhere on the island, but the best place to see them is the Barbados Wildlife Reserve near Benny Hall in the island’s north.
Discover the island’s sugar cane history
Barbados produces some of the world’s finest sugar cane, an industry with a thought-provoking history. Visit St. Nicholas Abbey to learn all about it and enjoy a delicious rum-tasting experience. Meanwhile, the Morgan Lewis Windmill in the northern parish of St. Andrew is one of only two intact and restored sugar mills in the Caribbean.
As well as discovering its history, you can admire the breathtaking views across the east coast and the beautifully landscaped grounds.
