We'll be in Barbados for 1 day off a cruise ship. I'm considering renting a car for the day in lieu of the organized tours. What is your opinion of driving on Barbados?? Should I consider public transportation?? I'm thinking of driving up the west coast as far as North point with stops along the way and swing back through Farley hill. Any thoughts on my (very) preliminary itinerary? <BR> <BR>TX

There is a lot of construction going on. You may want to hire a car and driver for the day instead

<BR>Arranging a private car & driver (as opposed to taking a group tour) are a great option for a day visit on Barbados. As opposed to an organized tour you'd be able to adjust your itinerary as you go, depending on time. You don't have to stay in the time frame set for each stop. You could relax & enjoy the view without worrying about traffic or missing your turnoff (easy to do in Barbados). And if you're not used to driving on the left, why spend your short time getting accustomed to it. <BR> <BR>We were on island for a week, so rented a car, but cruising friends used a private driver & said worked out great. Price was same for 4 as for 2. Said you buy driver's lunch & tip generously at the end of the day if he/she does a good job of getting you around. <BR> <BR>However, if you decide to rent a car, the roads are in great condition compared to other islands. Traffic does tend to be heavy, esp from Holetown to Bridgetown on around to the Gap. <BR>As for itinerary, I'd get the H out of Bridgetown ASAP, stop at Accra (Rockley) Beach, the Gap (shop & beach) on around to the Crane, then up to Bathsheba, the North Point MAYBE MAYBE, depending on time --- dramatic, but out of the way (if you do I'd definitely skip the "Animal Flower Cave" & spend that time elsewhere). Arrange to be in Holetown before the shops close, take a quick dip, eat at Baku or Cocomos for the sunset (or at least get a drink if you plan to eat on the ship). <BR> <BR>Luciano, is it road construction or other construction causing delay? Where is it? The construction we encountered wasn't a big deal, but it's been a few months. <BR> <BR>

SLM, great suggestions, thanks. I have 2 more questions: What is Gibbs beach like?? I feel somewhat obligated to stop there as Gibbs IS my surname. Is it worth a couple hours or is it just a stop-see. <BR>Also do you know anything about Tony's riding school @ Gibbs Hill?

<BR>bg, I don't recall Gibbs beach, sorry. There are so many, that's not surprising though. Do recall signs for stables somewhere though. <BR> <BR>We've beached at Holetown, Mullins Bay, Sandy Beach, Accra, Dover & along the Gap, the Crane (mostly looking), Bathsheba/Cattlewash (walking ONLY). Never got to Silver Sands area, Payne's or Bottom Bay. Did look at Sam Lords, very beautiful.

<BR>Just noticed you mentioned driving up the west to to North Point. If you do, don't try to hug the coastline. Once past Speightstown you will wind around through very depressed residential areas. No signs. Then you get into open area that seems to go forever. <BR> <BR>If you do head North, I'd advise taking the road that cuts across & then up. <BR> <BR>Barbados doesn't look that big on the map, but the roads are so winding & poorly marked it takes forever to get where it seems it should take just a while. One thing we really enjoyed was driving through the cane fields, the smell was so good. The district that looks like Scotland was very pretty too. <BR> <BR>Personally, if I had only one day, I'd want to see as much of the view that includes sand & water, but that's just me. <BR> <BR>How many hours will your ship be in port?

Unfortunately, we only have 8 or 9 usefull hours. Clearly we will not be able to scratch the surface of great stuff to see. Your suggestions have been very helpful. Now I'm faced with the horrible task of deciding on which beautiful beaches, georgous drives, fascinating sites and great shopping to do!! <BR>I like the idea of a private car/driver. Any idea what this might cost for @6 hours?? <BR>

We have spent last 4 years visiting Barbados and always rent a "Moke" for 3 days each vacation. It is more fun than with a driver. Comments about getting to know the lay out and the "other side" of the road are valid, although the fun you will have making mistakes will override all of this! <BR>As an experienced cruiser also, I would avoid the standard tour. <BR>Barbados is an Island famous for its beaches, weather, rum and people. Forget the shopping - it is very very average. Bridgetown is fun to drive through, and perhaps stop for an hour (max). In the morning, drive North along the West Coast and look out to sea and observe where the large Catamarans stop for their paasengers to go snorkling (about 1 -2 miles south of Mullins beach). Park your car, and find the nearest access to the beach and swim out and you will see the giant turtles. If not into snorkling then, any of the beaches adjacent to the main resorts are all nice. Some of them have hidden accesses, but all beaches on Barbados are open to the Public. Drive accross to Bathsheba in the Scotland district and as has already been mentioned, avoid the North of the Island - the roads are poor and hard to navigate. Either take a picnic from the ship (lots of drinks) or spoil yourself and have lunch at the Crane Beach Hotel - spectacular view overlooking Crane Beach. <BR>After that drive around to the south coast past Oistens (local fish market) and stop at St Lawrence Gap for a walk around and a couple of rum punches etc. (good Irish pub in the middle of the Gap). While at the Gap, at the western entrance (one way street), you can park the car and walk west along Sandy Beach and Rockley beach (about 2 miles) with not so many people (very nice as a couple). We have checked out almost every beach on the island and other than Crane Beach (which is a bit rough to swim in), Rockley beach is one of the best to swim at and one of the quietest. (No hotels, no-one selling you things). <BR>On the way back to the ship, stop at "the boatyard" as you enter Bridgetown and enjoy a drink as the sun sets. This is a very popular spot, not expensive and also good to swim. From there it is only ten minutes back to the ship, which will be docked at the other side of Bridgetown. <BR> <BR>Good Luck.

<BR>We had a wreck (not our fault, I swear) the very first day! If it had been our only day it would have been a total waste. We recovered & had a marvelous time. No other problems driving but the North is truly awful. And way over rated IMHO. <BR> <BR>Thankfully no one in either car was hurt but it sure took the wind out of our sails for about 24 hrs. <BR> <BR>Not trying to dissuade anyone from driving in Barbados, we certainly will if we get back, but having a problem is certainly something to think about. Of course a local driver or tour could be involved in an accident, so it's really just a matter of luck, or at least was for us. WRong place, wrong time. <BR> <BR>

<BR>bg, my friend remembers the drivers name Willy Ben but not how to reach him. The other couple knew of him & did the arranging. He was funny & patient & was knowledgable on Barbados history, facts et al. Cost was 125 USD for all 4 & they tipped him 50 plus his lunch was about 20. I'd think that's excellent for an independant tour. He did a good job of fitting in their itinerary in the 8 hours they had on island. <BR> <BR>I looked at barbados.org & several of the tour companies say they can do personalized tours. Maybe try Boyce's unless someone here knows Willy Ben. (She didn't know his last name, sorry.)

Thank you every one for the valuable information. 2 months to go and I can hardly wait!!