Hello Fellow Fodorites,
We plan to visit Barbados for the first time in mid-August for 5 days, and would like to experience a little bit of everything that Barbados has to offer. Since several sights/activities are clustered in the same general area, this is what I was thinking, though it need not be in this order:
Day 1 - Check in and relax, then hit the beach for a swim and snorkel, then relax some more (this way the first day won't be overly taxing!)
Day 2 - Scuba dive in Carlisle Bay (with the shipwrecks and turtles) in the moring, then spend the afternoon exploring Bridgetown (and head over to the Garrison Area for the Barbados Museum, St. Anne Fort, etc.)
Day 3 - Scuba dive and/or snorkel in Folkstone Underwater Park (near Holetown) in the morning, then drive over to the north-east area to visit: Farley Hill Mansion Ruins, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, St. Nicholas Abbey and the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill.
Day 4 - Visit Harrison's Cave and Welchman Hall Gully. Perhaps (depending upon our level of adventurousness at the time) try ziplining in the Jack-in-the-box gully area.
If there is time later in the afternoon, visit the Sunbury Plantation House.
Day 5 - Take one of the half-day snorkeling catamaran tours, and relax the rest of the day.
What do you think of this plan? I understand that the bus system is pretty extensive, and that most of these places can be visited via bus. However, I was also considering renting a "mini-moke" for a day or so, because of the increased freedom and flexibility (not to mention that those dune buggy-like cars look fun to drive!)
Any and all comments and suggestions from those who have been to Barbados would be greatly appreciated.
Larz

On day 4 you will be close to Flower Forest. It is one of the most spectacular tropical gardens anywhere. Someone once wrote in their visitors' book, "If I owned both Paradise and Flower Forest, I'd live in Flower Forest and rent out Paradise." Also the east coast is a whole different look.
Sunbury Plantation should not be missed.

Agreed, the East Coast is worth a visit it is so drastically different from the other areas of the island and very beautiful. Your plans sound great! Definitely worthwhile to rent a car even if only for a couple of days. You'll enjoy your outings great picks!

You have a pretty ambitious, although very nice, itinerary for your 5 days with out a vehicle. While there are lots of buses in Barbados, you cannot depend upon schedules, and they are hot. If you can swing it, a mini-moke, or small car would work best - it will cost you more, but you are more guaranteed getting to various places with enough time to enjoy them than depend upon catching a bus.

When we went to Barbados we rented a mini-moke and it was a lot of fun. We only had it for two days, but well worth it. We traveled around most of the island in one day. One time we took a taxi to Bridgetown and that was nice not having to drive in downtown. Have lots of fun!!

Thanks so much for the feedback.
Sounds like a mini-moke or small car for at least a day or two would be a good idea. Do they rent motor scooters as well? How are the roads in Barbados? Are major sights reasonably signposted?
As the island is only about 21 miles in length, what are driving times like betweeen, say, Oistens and the Wildlife Reserve/Farley Hill Mansion/St. Nicholas Abbey area?
Once in Bridgetown, is it possible to walk to the Garrison area? Has anyone done any diving or ziplining?
Thanks again.
Larz