Barbados beaches. Crystal clear Caribbean waters lapping soft, white powdery sand. Palm trees laden with ripe coconuts. Blue skies stretching into an endless horizon. West coast Barbados beaches have all that, and more. Did I mention the stunning sunsets?
But on the Atlantic facing East coast Barbados is rugged, dramatic and altogether different. We took a mini Bajan road trip to check out the sightseeing on the wild side of Barbados.
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Exploring East Coast Barbados by Car
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We stayed at Cobblers Cove on West coast Barbados which was total calm and bliss but after a few days my wanderlust got the better of me. We picked up a hire car for the day and set off to explore the invigorating East coast of Barbados.
Much of the land along the East Coast is protected, so there’s less major development than in other parts of the island and it retains a rugged unspoiled beauty.
Barbados Shore Excursions
If you’re arriving by cruise ship to Barbados there’s a whole range of excursions which show you the best of Barbados in less than a day.
Learn about the people, culture, and history of Barbados on this 5-hour Pride of Barbados Plantation Tour which includes lunch and drinks.
Animal Flower Cave and North Point
Let’s start at the most northerly point of the island just as it curves towards the east coast. I wanted to visit the Animal Flower Cave where sea anemones live in rock pools within the cave and you can swim up to openings in the cliff face for beautiful views of the ocean. It’s also a good place to spot whales during the season.
Sadly, the cave was closed to visitor as it was too windy to go in. There are still epic views of the raging waters, crashing waves and rugged peaks from the top of the cliffs to be seen. Totally exhilarating.
The nearby restaurant serves lunches accompanied by breath-taking views. Local crafts are on sale in some colourful huts near the entrance.
Read about the best fifteen Caribbean islands – there are over 700 to choose from.
We may have got a slightly lost on our Bajan road trip. Road signs are quite small and few and far between. We used a paper map as there was no sat nav in the car and we didn’t want roaming costs.
Some quirkily named places like Pie Corner, The Risk and Boscobelle did seem to crop up more than once – I’m sure we went around in circles at least twice.
Not all the roads are coastal and on an inland section we passed this photogenic ruined building near St Clement’s church. I posted to Instagram wondering why it hadn’t been pulled down and got an answer from a local. It seems Barbadians are reluctant to pull down old buildings, especially religious ones.
The ruin is believed to have served as part of the original school at St Clements. I loved the contrast between the pale, flaking paint and the crisp blue skies beyond.
Cove Bay, Barbados
Parts of East Coast Barbados take a little more work to find. Cove Bay was a bit of a trek to get to but well worth it. We drove through a field, past a disused sugar mill and down a dirt track for this epic view. There was no-one else around, except for a few cows and goats. Under the shade of the palm trees would’ve made the perfect picnic spot.
Where to stay on Barbados East Coast? Check accommodation and prices here
Little Bay, Barbados
Little Bay is a dramatic spot with pools and blow holes and is just a few minutes’ drive from Cove Bay. Again, it was quiet with only one other couple around. You can just see them bathing in the natural pools which shows just how big the beach, and those waves, really are. I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many different shades of blue as when I stood on this spot.
Cherry Tree Hill, Barbados
If you’re paying a visit to St Nicolas Abbey you must also visit Cherry Tree Hill. Turn left when you leave the Abbey drive and pass through the majestic avenue of mahogany trees. The road leads to a spectacular view of the entire East Coast of Barbados.
Morgan Lewis Windmill
The Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill is the last of the many Barbadian sugar producing windmills and one of only two functioning sugar windmills in the world. It stopped production in 1947 and the sails stood still until it was donated to the Barbados National Trust and renovated.
The mill, one of the seven wonders of Barbados, houses a small museum and during the sugar cane season sweet cane juice is provided for visitors one Sunday a month.
Bathsheba, Barbados
Bathsheba is probably the most striking and magnificent of east coast Barbados beaches. Large, mushroom-like, rock formations sprouting from the sands have broken away from an ancient coral reef. Bubbling white surf races across the sands making it one of the best Caribbean surfing spots and the beach is home to the ‘Soup Bowl’ surf championship held each year on the island.
Bathsheba is the main fishing village in St Joseph parish. Although tourism has taken over somewhat there are still remnants of the colourful fishing community to be seen in the colourful little houses and ruins near to the shore which are oh so Instagramable!
Although the coastline from Cattlewash to Bathsheba is spectacular there are dangerous rip tides, currents and undertows. Swimming is unsafe so stick to a paddle in one of the many coral pools known as Barbados hot tubs.
For more Caribbean inspiration read St Kitts – the Luxury List, St Kitts a food and restaurant guide, 20 Things to do on St Kitts, Island Adventures on St Kitts
Harrison’s Cave, Barbados
A twenty minute drive inland from Bathsheba, in the centre of the island, is Harrison’s Cave one of the island’s most popular attractions. Harrison’s Cave is a huge underground cave system with streams running through and is over 2 kilometres long. The Great Hall, which is the largest cavern, measures 15 metres high.
Check prices and availability for Harrison’s Cave Tour
Finishing at the centre of the island means you’re good to go in any direction for the rest of your Bajan road trip. We headed back to our hotel just in time for sundowners on the beach and a stunning sunset.
A sunset catamaran cruise viewing shipwrecks and turtles would round off your day nicely. Check rates and availability.
E-Bike Tours and Adventures
For a more active tour of the east coast you may want to try an e-bike tour. These guided e-bike tours take you along some of most scenic points on the east coast while riding a comfy fat tire e-bike (with suspension). Check rates and availability for e-bike tours.
Car Hire
If you are interested in driving yourself around the island then check out car hire rates. A range of vehicles are available from small to larger seven-seaters and they offer free delivery island wide. This means you can get the car at your accommodation and return it at the airport.
If you love a scenic road trip you might like to explore Nova Scotia’s Lighthouse Route
Map of Barbados Sightseeing Spots
I’ve compiled a Google map with all the points in this post so if you should ever find yourself in Barbados you’ll know exactly where to find these beautiful places.
In Barbados they drive on the left hand side of the road, just like the UK, so we felt quite at home!
Check for up to date car hire prices.
If you don’t fancy driving then you may like to consider an organised tour for your sightseeing trip of Barbados. This day tour of the island with lunch is a good option.
For more information on Barbados, please visit: www.visitbarbados.org
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Suzanne Jones is a full-time travel blogger and writer at The Travelbunny which she started in 2011 during her time as a professional travel planner. Suzanne enjoys exploring new destinations, culinary encounters and the outdoors. When not travelling or writing about her adventures you’ll most likely find Suzanne, camera in hand, enjoying coastal walks in Sussex.
Suzanne also runs Hello Sussex a website which showcases the best of East & West Sussex. Read more about Suzanne here…
Sharon Cooke
Wednesday 12th of October 2022
East coast is gorgeous. But you didn't visit Andromeda Botanic Gardens, just a minute up the road from the Bathsheba coast. Organic, historic, butterfly haven etc.
Suzanne Jones
Thursday 13th of October 2022
No! We'll just have to go back!
Elle
Sunday 31st of October 2021
This is great! We're planning our trip to Barbados now and staying on the West Coast, but as we're renting a car we want to explore all around and these suggestions are great - took note and will visit! Thank you for such a great day-trip guide!
Suzanne Jones
Sunday 31st of October 2021
I hope you have a fantastic time in Barbados and that you enjoy your visit to the other side of the island!
Jaillan Yehia
Wednesday 4th of April 2018
I haven't been to Barbados but I must say I didn't realise how rugged and wild this part of the coast is, it makes me want to go and explore!
Suzanne Jones
Wednesday 4th of April 2018
We loved our day exploring, the scenery was epic although there were still some great lookout points that we didn't have time for.
Lucy Dodsworth
Tuesday 3rd of April 2018
I've definitely got the taste for the Caribbean at the moment and Barbados looks right up my street! Love islands with a wilder side too, makes a great contrast to the postcard beaches.
Suzanne Jones
Wednesday 4th of April 2018
You really can't go wrong with the Caribbean - wonderful weather, beautiful beaches, great food and totally chilled!
viveka
Monday 2nd of April 2018
Stunning coast line - rocks and oceans is a magical combination. Magical images too!!!
Suzanne Jones
Tuesday 3rd of April 2018
I love a dramatic coastline - so much more interesting than tranquil and calm. But not all the time!