Plan a CruiseBridgetown Cruise Port Guide
The cruise port in Bridgetown, Barbados, can accommodate up to eight ships and is located just a short distance from the capital city. The cruise terminal itself offers duty-free shopping for jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, and crafts, along with a tourist information desk and a telecommunications center providing phone, internet, and postal services.
Barbados is the easternmost island in the Caribbean, known for its strong British influences, from high tea to cricket. It is a coral island with fine white sand beaches and coral reefs on the west coast, ideal for snorkeling and diving. The east coast features a more rugged, rocky shoreline with lively surf driven by constant trade winds, which also contribute to the island's mild and pleasant tropical climate.
Getting Around from the Port
The Bridgetown Port is very close to the capital city of Bridgetown. You can reach the city center by taxi in about 5 minutes for approximately $6, or enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk along the boardwalk or Princess Alice Highway. Many of Bridgetown's main attractions are within easy walking distance once you are in the city center.
For exploring beyond Bridgetown, taxis are readily available. You can find many near the Parliament Building. Consider hiring a taxi for a personalized tour, which typically costs around $40 per car per hour. This allows you to set your own itinerary and timeframe. Rental cars are an option, but rates can be steep, and remember that driving is on the left side of the road.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, Barbados offers a mix of historical sites, natural wonders, and beach experiences:
- Explore Historic Bridgetown: Within easy walking distance from the city center, you can visit the Parliament Building, the historic Old Synagogue, and St. Michael's Cathedral.
- Snorkel with Turtles at Payne's Beach: Take a short drive to Payne's Beach for an easy swim out to where sea turtles are often found. Look for catamarans, as they usually indicate the best spots.
- Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour: Learn about the history and production of one of the world's oldest rums. See how sugarcane is transformed into the final product.
- Harrison’s Cave: Located in the island's central uplands, this magnificent crystallized limestone cavern offers an unparalleled underground experience. Journey aboard a tram past clear streams and cascading waterfalls. A taxi tour (approx. $40/hour) can take you here.
- Andromeda Botanic Gardens: Situated in St. Joseph parish, these six-acre gardens showcase a diverse collection of orchids, palms, ferns, and other tropical plants.
- Sunbury Plantation House: This over 300-year-old great house is steeped in history, featuring mahogany antiques, old prints, and a unique collection of horse-drawn carriages. It's the only great house where all rooms are open for viewing.
- Flower Forest: Enjoy 7 acres of wild garden within the Barbados ‘Scotland District,’ offering panoramic views from 750 feet above sea level.
For excursions outside Bridgetown, hiring a taxi for an hourly rate (around $40 per car) can be a cost-effective alternative to crowded cruise line tours, allowing for greater flexibility.
Dining & Shopping
The cruise terminal offers duty-free shopping with options for jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, and crafts. In Bridgetown, the main street features numerous duty-free jewelers, and the Cave Shepherd department store provides a wide range of merchandise. A small mall at the harbor also offers decent prices and selection, though locally produced goods might be more expensive there than elsewhere on the island. Remember to show your passport and cabin key card for duty-free purchases.
For more budget-friendly shopping, Swan Street is a pedestrian-only mall known for stores selling inexpensive clothing. A short drive away in Holetown, Chattel Village offers a charming collection of colorful chattel houses, each housing shops selling local crafts, art, and souvenirs.
Store hours are generally weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1 PM. Most stores are closed on Sundays and may be closed for three or four days during national holiday weekends.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Bajan dollar (BD$), but US dollar bills are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. The exchange rate is fixed at US$1 = BD$2.