🇧🇧 Barbados, Barbados — Cruise Port Guide
The 'gem of the Caribbean' dazzles with platinum-coast beaches, rum heritage, coral caves, and vibrant Bridgetown's British-Caribbean charm.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Barbados
December to April is the driest, sunniest stretch (high 70s-80s°F); June to November is hurricane season with more frequent rain.
Getting back to the ship on time
East-coast excursions like Bathsheba or catamaran cruises can take over an hour each way, so leave a generous buffer since Bridgetown traffic often backs up near the port in late afternoon.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Barbados
Harrison's Cave tram tour
Ride a tram through a dramatic limestone cavern of stalactites and pools.
Relax on Gibbs Beach
Swim in calm turquoise water on the exclusive Platinum West Coast.
Swim with sea turtles
Snorkel over shipwrecks and swim with green turtles on a catamaran trip.
Explore historic Bridgetown
See the UNESCO-listed capital, Parliament, and the Garrison area.
Mount Gay Rum tasting
Sample rum at one of the world's oldest distilleries.
Oistins Fish Fry
Feast on grilled flying fish at a lively seaside food village.
Popular excursions
Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour
Tastings at the world's oldest running rum distillery, est. 1703.
What to eat
- Flying fish and cou-cou
- Macaroni pie
- Pudding and souse
- Fish cakes
- Rum punch
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Dec–Apr (dry season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 84° | 73° | 2.6" |
| Feb | 84° | 73° | 1.6" |
| Mar | 86° | 74° | 1.3" |
| Apr | 87° | 75° | 1.4" |
| May | 88° | 77° | 2.3" |
| Jun | 88° | 77° | 3.5" |
| Jul | 87° | 76° | 4.9" |
| Aug | 88° | 76° | 5.5" |
| Sep | 88° | 76° | 5.5" |
| Oct | 87° | 76° | 6.7" |
| Nov | 86° | 75° | 6.1" |
| Dec | 85° | 74° | 3.8" |
A little history
Barbados was British for centuries, gaining independence in 1966 and becoming a republic in 2021.
The Barbadian dollar is pegged to the US dollar; both are widely used.
Tipping 10–15% is standard; some restaurants add a service charge.
Barbadians ('Bajans') are famously warm; friendly greetings are appreciated.