A Caribbean Getaway Awaits At This Island Full Of Beaches, Scenery, And Outdoor Adventures

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When planning a Caribbean getaway, choosing which island to visit is no easy task. Places like St. Lucia offer plenty of fun and amazing scenery, but if you've got a wild side, consider Barbados. The stunning island may be best known for luxurious beach vacations, but it also offers incredible opportunities for adventure, like trekking through caves over a mile long and snorkeling above shipwrecks.

While Barbados' white sands attract visitors today, the island's "white gold" sugar industry led to great economic success in the 17th century, making it among the most prosperous British colonies. For much of its colonial history, sugar and rum were the major pillars of Barbados' economy. However, since independence, it has gradually transitioned to international business services and tourism. 

It would take a full year to visit all of Antigua and Barbuda's stunning beaches, and Barbados has over 80 beaches of its own. Seeing them all in one week is a lofty goal, but if you have the time to spare for an extended vacation, Barbados allows U.S. citizens to visit for up to six months without a visa. The island's only international airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), has direct flights from major airports across the U.S., Eastern Canada, and Europe. Be sure to complete the online immigration and customs form up to three days prior to departure, and save the receipt on your mobile device to present upon arrival.

Ringed by 70 square miles of sandy shoreline, perfect for sunrise, an afternoon swim, or an evening stroll, Barbados has a beach for every type of traveler. The beautiful beaches along the island's western "Platinum Coast" are more touristy and developed than those on the quieter eastern coast. Travelers looking for an aquatic adventure shouldn't miss visiting Folkestone Beach and Folkestone Marine Park, with over 30 surrounding accommodations for overnight visits. Those who prefer to stay dry can paddle in a clear kayak or join a glass-bottom boat tour above the coral reef. However, the true magic lies a third of a mile offshore, where a snorkeling trail meanders amid coral heads. A half-mile out to sea, advanced-level divers can explore the SS Stavronikita, a sunken Greek freighter that was intentionally developed into an artificial reef, located 120 feet below the surface. Divernet calls it "one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean."

South of Bridgetown, the island's capital, Carlisle Bay Beach is a 200-meter swim from some of Barbados' most accessible diving spots and a wide variety of marine life. Within Carlisle Bay, six separate wrecks ranging from 13 to 55 feet deep make undersea exploration possible for beginner and introductory divers, as well as snorkelers. Sea kayakers may be in for a treat, as green and hawksbill sea turtles are often spotted in the surrounding waters. Shark sightings are very rare in the Carlisle Bay shipwreck area, but it's important to be mindful of boat traffic. Always carry a surface marker buoy to alert passing vessels, especially if you are exploring without a guide. 

While Barbados' beaches bask in the spotlight, the island's incredible greenery is slowly coming back to life after being deforested to make way for sugar plantations. To see local efforts at work, explore nearly two miles of hiking trails through Coco Hill Forest, a 53-acre territory that has been reforested with native plants. For a bird's eye view of the lush forests and stunning east coast, be sure to visit Hackleton's Cliff, which rises 1,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. While you can hike through dense forests to the rugged Bathsheba beach area below, it can be a steep and challenging trek. Instead, you may want to join the highly-rated Discovery Safari tour, which takes you to both locations in the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle.

Nearby Dominica may be known for its magical waterfalls, but Barbados' unique geology makes it a haven for exploring limestone caves. Though touristy, Harrison's Cave is a natural wonder located in Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park. Visitors can explore the cave by tram, winding past ancient rock formations before arriving at an underground lagoon and waterfall. Swimming in the lagoon is prohibited, but more adventurous travelers have the option to strap on protective gear and journey through the cave and its underground pools on an eco-adventure tour. For an even bigger thrill, the park's Cave and Monkey Zipline tour includes both cave exploration and zipling above gullies and tree canopies. If you plan to crawl through the caves, expect to get covered in mud and remember to pack a change of clothes.