Barbados is one of the best cruise port destinations, it is full of perfect beaches, historic locations and exciting culture. We visited Barbados from Bridgetown port on our Virgin Voyages cruise and thought it was a very cool destination to explore. Bridgetown Cruise Port is within about 20 minutes walking distance to the town and if you love to explore on foot it is totally possible.
Our Barbados Port Day Itinerary covers all the things you can do from the Bridgetown cruise port, the best excursion options, which is the best beach to visit and what to eat.
It is the perfect itinerary for first-time visitors to Barbados, independent cruisers who like to explore solo, budget travellers who want to avoid expensive excrusions and beach lovers.
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Table of Contents
Arriving At Bridgetown Cruise Port
Where Cruise Ships Dock In Barbados
The Bridgetown cruise terminal is about 1.5km from the town and quite walkable or taxis are available or a port shuttle which runs back and forth for $1 USD per person. The currency of Barbados is the Barbadian Dollar (BBD) but USD is accepted (note, you will always get your change in BBD) and English is widely spoken. We walked into town from the port and there were no concerns for us, it was quite uneventful. The port area itself has some duty free stores and food options there as well.
Morning: Explore Historic Bridgetown
Walk Through Bridgetown And The Garrison
There are lots of things to see in Bridgetown, the Independence Arch and Heroes Square, colonial architecture, Parliament Buildings, Chamberlain Bridge, National Heroes Square and the Careenage waterfront.
Visit Carlisle Bay Boardwalk
Walk along Carlisle Bay Boardwalk and soak up the waterfront views, it is an easy walking route and there are lots of great photo spots along the way while you enjoy the local atmosphere.
Mid-Morning: Relax At Carlisle Bay Beach
Why Carlisle Bay Is Perfect For Cruise Visitors
Carlise Bay is the perfect place to relax for cruise visitors as it is close to the port yet has crystal-clear water and a white sand beach. The swimming conditions are calm, for me it was the best beach we visited on our cruise. We spent most of our day here, you can get to Carlisle Bay with a shuttle that also includes a sun chair on the beach.
Beach Facilities
At Carlise Bay Beach there is a lot on offer to fill your day:
- Sunbed rentals
- Umbrella rentals
- Beach bars
- Restrooms
- Water sports
Optional Activity: Swim With Turtles In Barbados
Swimming with the turtles in Barbados is iconic and one of the most popular excursions in Barbados. There are boat tours departing from Carlisle Bay with snorkelling opportunities.
Lunch At Carlisle Bay Or Bridgetown
Best Places To Eat Near The Cruise Port
Trying local food is always a good idea when in a new country, we think it helps you appreciate the culture better. Local Barbadian cuisine includes foods like flying fish and fish cakes and of course rum punch. There are beachfront restaurants or some close to the port as well. Try Cuz’s Fish Shack, Mustor’s Harbour Bar & Restaurant, The Boatyard Beach Club and Pelican Village. There is also the option to join a food walking tour which introduces you to the best local spots in town.
Afternoon: Choose Your Perfect Barbados Experience
Option 1: Beach Day At Brownes Beach
We went to Brownes Beach and loved spending time here, there was paid sun-bed options and if you walk a little further up the beach there is public space as well. It is within walking distance from the port if you don’t mind a 20-30 minute walk or you can take taxis. The water is calm, swimming and family friendly and the vibe is very relaxed.
Option 2: Mount Gay Rum Experience
Mount Gay Rum is famous all over the world and heading to one of their tastings is a great way to spend a day. You will learn about the history of Barbados rum and taste it at their visitor centre with easy access from the port. If you want a distillery tour then this tour takes you to Foursquare Distillery and the Mount Gay visitor centre so you can see both. You can also do a cocktail making class at the Mount Gay Visitors Centre which is always fun too!
Option 3: Harrison’s Cave Excursion
Harrison’s Cave is a famous limestone cave system full of natural formations. At the cave you take an electric tram tour through the cave to see the waterfalls, pools, stalagmites and stalactites and learning about the formation, this Harrison’s Cave tour includes transport.
Option 4: Island Tour Highlights
Take a Barbados Island Highlights Half-Day Tour to get around the island and see as much as possible while in port. You will get to visit places like Cherry Tree Hill, Morgan Lewis Windmill, Bathsheba Beach, and Barbados Garrison while learning about local life from your guide. This is perfect if you have been to Bridgetown on a cruise before and want to see more than the beaches!
Best Beaches Near Bridgetown Cruise Port
There are some beautiful beaches near the Bridgetown cruise port, the best to check out are:
Carlisle Bay – 3.7km from the port and there are lots of facilities such as sun-beds, food, beach clubs available. This is the best beach for relaxing.
Brownes Beach 4.2km from port, just a little further up from Carlisle, you will find a public beach to throw your towel down. There are facilities along the beach but not any very close by, perfect for budget travellers or those who prefer to not have to pay for a sun-bed.
Pebbles Beach 4.1km away from the port and the end of the beach area, water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking are popular in this stretch of white sand and the water is just as spectacular. Perfect if you want to do some activities while at the beach.
Rockley Beach 7.3km away from the port, it is another stretch of white sand and clear water, there are cocktail bars, eateries and it has a resort vibe.
What To Do In Barbados If You Only Have 4–6 Hours
If you have a short port call then I would do the things closest to the port area. Take the shuttle to Carlisle Bay Beach and enjoy a swim, head to Mount Gay Visitor Centre or pop over to Rhianna’s Childhood Home or the Cricket Museum.
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Our Barbados Port Day Itinerary
- 8:00 AM – Arrive At Cruise Port
- 9:00 AM – Explore Bridgetown
- 11:00 AM – Brownes Beach, Carlisle Bay. Relax on the beach, grab a sun-bed and some lunch or go snorkelling with the turtles.
- 2:00 PM – Walk back through town to Rhianna’s Childhood Home, Mount Gay Visitor Centre and the Legends of Cricket Museum.
- 4:00 PM – Return To Port (depending on your port day all aboard time, ours was 7:30pm!)
Is Barbados Walkable From The Cruise Port?
Bridgetown is walkable from the cruise port, it is about 2km away and took us about 20 minutes. If you want to save time and don’t like to walk there are taxis and shuttles available. If you want to walk to the Mount Gay Visitor Centre it is 1.8km to the north. Rhianna’s Monument is 1.5km walk from the port and the cricket museum is 1.2km away. These can all be reached on foot from the port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk to a beach from Bridgetown Cruise Port?
Yes, you can walk to Brandons Beach which is 2.1km north from the port, alternatively you can walk to Brownes Beach which is located to the south 2.9km from the port.
What is the closest beach to Barbados cruise port?
Brandons Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port.
Is Barbados safe for cruise passengers?
Barbados is considered to be safe for tourists as tourism is a huge part of the economy. Be cautious of petty theft, safe transport and avoid dark, quiet places especially at night. Use your travel safety precautions always.
How much is a taxi from Bridgetown cruise port?
We saw shared vans for about $5 USD and taxis offering $15 USD into Bridgetown or Carlisle Bay.
What is Barbados best known for?
Barbados is known for their stunning beaches, being the birthplace of rum and Rhianna’s hometown.
Is one day enough in Barbados?
One day is enough to get a taste of Barbados, we already want to come back so we can explore it more thoroughly, there is so much to see here.
Conclusion: Is Barbados Worth Visiting On A Cruise?
Barbados is one of the top Caribbean cruise destinations for a reason, it really is beautiful. The beaches are some of the best we have ever seen and there are walkable attractions from the cruise port. The combination of beaches, history and culture makes this a suitable stop for both active travellers and beach lovers. It is also a great destination for independent exploration as the town is so walkable. Save our itinerary for your visit!
Plan your trip:
→ Antigua Cruise Port Day Guide
→ MSC Bahamas Review
→ Ocean Cay Cruise Port Day Guide
→ Martinique Cruise Port Day Guide
→ St Maarten Cruise Port Day Guide
→ MSC Gluten Free Review
→ Virgin Voyages Caribbean Review
→ Virgin Voyages Gluten Free Review
→ Nassau Cruise Port Day Guide
→ Curacao Guide
→ Aruba Guide
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We hope this guide helped you plan an unforgettable trip.
