I like that my daughter is effectively travelled. However even my jaw dropped a bit once I realised she’d had two Caribbean holidays earlier than the age of two (and had racked up 5 by the point she was seven). I, for sure, was working (very good work, admittedly).
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As a result of though the islands have a well-deserved fame for romantic breaks, they’re unbelievable for household holidays as effectively. Fairly other than the sand and sea, we’ve all the time had a really heat welcome and loved swimming with stingrays in Antigua, making chocolate in St Lucia, discovering a captivating shipwreck in Grand Turk and snorkelling in Aruba.
With direct flights to a number of islands from the UK, I’ve received my eyes on a number of extra Caribbean locations too – Barbados is lower than 9 hours away, with some beautiful luxurious villas like these from The Hollies Reatreats, in addition to loads of family-friendly points of interest. Listed below are my prime 5 issues to do in Barbados with youngsters.
Spot monkeys in Barbados
My very own monkey loves animals – all animals, however monkeys are simply amongst her favourites. So the Barbados Wildlife Reserve can be prime of our record.
It’s a sanctuary for inexperienced monkeys however you’ll additionally discover birds, racoons, deer, mara and reptiles, many residing free inside the reserve relatively than in cages (besides the snakes, happily).
Head underwater in Barbados
You don’t want to have the ability to dive and even snorkel to get near the tropical fish off the coast. Head underwater to the unimaginable reefs with a submarine experience from Atlantis Submarines Barbados – youngsters should be 3ft tall and the tour lasts 90 minutes, round half of that underneath the ocean.
There are even evening dives or you possibly can mix it with a tour of Harrison’s Cave.
In case you don’t fancy going proper underneath the waves, strive a glass bottomed boat tour – you can spot every little thing from turtles to shipwrecks, with this tour together with an opportunity to cease and snorkel should you’ve received each older and youthful youngsters. Appropriate for all ages.
Enterprise underground
Over 500,000 years outdated and three miles lengthy, Harrison’s Cave is likely one of the island’s wonders and unmissable should you’re visiting Barbados with youngsters.
Within the centre of Barbados, a tram takes you down beneath the floor to find stalactites and stalagmites and 50ft excessive caverns, till you attain the teardrop-shaped Cascade pool and waterfall – so clear, you possibly can see proper to the underside.
It couldn’t be farther from the seashore and solar, however that is one unmissable expertise – you can even go to as a part of an island tour.
Sail away
Feed turtles and spot shipwrecks, dance on deck within the solar or leap into the Caribbean from a rope swing – a cruise across the island is the right method to discover.
This family-friendly catamaran cruise is a superb choice, and appropriate for ages 3+, whereas there are boat journeys from Cool Runnings that are nice for infants up.
There are alternatives together with lunch, or shorter cruises – and all the time loads of rum punch for the adults …
Go off-road in Barbados
In case you don’t have lengthy in Barbados, or are in search of a simple method to see all of the sights throughout your loved ones vacation, an island tour is an effective way to discover with youngsters, together with this selection. appropriate for youthful youngsters.
Or mix journey or discovery on a on and off-road tour or this Island Safari, for five-year-olds and up (because the lap belts gained’t match youthful youngsters), for a memorable method to uncover the rainforest, Barbados’ blow holes and among the most picturesque coves and cliffs.
The place to remain in Barbados with youngsters
Whenever you’re planning a family-friendly vacation within the Caribbean, it’s all the time nice to have your individual house – and there are some unbelievable luxurious villas should you’re visiting Barbados with youngsters.
The Hollies Retreats has two beautiful locations to remain on the island, every with its personal non-public pool and with house for six or eight friends – excellent for a multigenerational escape or for giant households (or simply to have plenty of house to unfold out!)
On the west coast of Barbados, close to Holetown and Speightstown, Salt Life is a shell’s throw away from the beautiful Gibbs Seashore, whereas the White Home @ Porters Place (model new for August 2023) is simply a stroll from the sands as effectively.
*First printed 2016, up to date 2022*
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Disclosure: Compiled in affiliation with the Hollies Retreats. This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
Photos offered by Barbados Tourism Advertising and marketing Inc