Updated on 22 July 2024
Boasting palm-fringed beach, consistent surf, a melee of water sports and buckets full of culture, Barbados is an easy and exciting island to explore. Below we’ve suggested an itinerary of activities to help you enjoy this tropical island to the max. It’s up to you how much, or how little, you’d like to do on your holiday.
On the days we have scheduled your surfing lessons, you will rendezvous with your private surf instructor from Bodie’s School of Surf at the cool Surfer’s Café in Oistins. From here, he will transport you to the best waves for that day.
DAY 1
EXPLORE MULLINS, THEN HIT THE SURF…
The first day of your holiday is a great day to get your bearings. Stroll down to Mullins Beach, dip your toes in the ocean and bask in the tropical Bajan climate. We suggest that you head to Surfer’s Café at Oistin’s for lunch, which will be your rendezvous point with Bodie for your first surfing lesson.
DAY 2
BEACH LIFE AND PADDLEBOARDING…
Sundays are made for relaxation, so chill out and make the most of the buzzing beach life on the doorstep. Have a go on the inflatable obstacle course out to sea, or if you fancy trying stand-up paddleboarding, contact Ryan Rodriguez from Surfsup Barbados. End the day with sundowners in the famous Mullins Beach Bar.
DAY 3
SURF’S UP AND CAVING…
This morning it’s time to zip off and meet Bodie for your first surfing lesson. If you want to lap up a bit of island surfing culture before you head back to Mullins, pop into local action man Brian Talma’s shop at Silver Sands, where you’ll find beach art, surfboards and all things to do with water sports on this diverse little island.
On your way back to Mullins, why not stop for an epic underground tour at Harrison’s Cave? You can hop on a subterranean train to take off the strain, as you explore emerald pools and towering limestone on a caving adventure.
DAY 4
SURF’S UP AND LONG BEACHES…
With any luck, by the time you’ve had your third surfing lesson, you’ll be addicted to riding those waves! Before heading back up to the comfort of your apartment, explore a few more of the south coast beaches. We love the stunning two-mile stretch of Long Beach, on the south-easterly tip of the island. It’s a rugged and remote spot where you can feel worlds away from the busier parts of the island.
DAY 5
GO WEST TO KELLY SLATER’S FAVOURITE WAVE…
Take a rest day from the surf and head east to explore the pro surfers’ Mecca of Bathsheba, where you’ll find one of Kelly Slater’s favourite waves – the Soup Bowl. Here you can watch experienced surfers catch fast, hollow rides on a shallow reef, and there are a few shallow rock pools where you can take a natural whirlpool bath. Take a drive along the coast and you’ll discover mile after mile of rugged beaches pounded by Atlantic rollers
DAY 6
SEAFOOD IN SPEIGHTSTOWN…
Nobody likes to spend their holiday rushing around the island, so today we suggest you soak up your surroundings at Mullins and hit the beach on the doorstep. It’s only a 5-minute drive up the coast to Speightstown, where you can wander along the pier, browse the boutiques and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the seaside restaurants – we love the Little Good Harbour’s Fish Pot restaurant right by the water’s edge.
DAY 7
DIVE DEEP AND PARTY WITH THE LOCALS…
If you haven’t teed up your diving and snorkelling trip yet, today’s the day to fit that in before you leave! We suggest you arrange this through Barbados Blue, who are experts in both scuba and snorkelling tours.
A ‘must go’ before you go home is the Oistins Fish Market, where you can experience authentic Bajan culture. After your snorkelling and diving excursion, head straight onto Oistin’s fish market, where on a Friday evening, you’ll find stalls selling freshly grilled fish, salads, and traditional Bajan dishes like macaroni pie and many more. This is one of the best places to have a taste of the local rum and have a dance to some Caribbean tunes.
For more information, see our full family surf guide to Barbados.
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