Barbados Paradise Sightseeing Tour
4.5 / 5 · 10 traveler reviews
Discover Barbados' breathtaking beauty, rich history, vibrant culture and authentic flavours on an unforgettable island adventure! Drive through the historic Garrison, visit cliffside St. John's Church and explore Bathsheba's dramatic coastline and famous Soup Bowl surf break. Discover Morgan Lewis Windmill and enjoy authentic Bajan treats at Mosaic Café, included in your tour. Admire panoramic views from Cherry Tree Hill, visit Rihanna Drive, where the superstar grew up, and journey through historic Bridgetown. End your day at beautiful Carlisle Bay! Relax on the white sandy beach with a lounger, umbrella and complimentary drink, plus access to washrooms and outdoor freshwater showers. Want to stay longer? Enjoy a spectacular sunset, live entertainment and beachfront dining at Savvy on the Bay (meals not included). Shuttle return times: 1:10 PM • 3:20 PM • 5:20 PM • 7:00 PM • 8:30 PM • 10:00 PM.
Your experience
Stop 1
Visit Rihanna Drive, the neighborhood street in Bridgetown where internationally renowned singer and entrepreneur Rihanna spent part of her childhood. Guests can see the exterior of the modest home where she lived before rising to global fame and learn about her journey from a young girl in Barbados to one of the world’s most successful music and business icons. This stop offers a unique connection to Barbados’ modern culture and celebrates the island’s contribution to the global entertainment world. It is a memorable photo opportunity for fans and visitors interested in experiencing a personal piece of Rihanna’s Barbadian roots.
Stop 2
Rising approximately 850 feet above sea level, Cherry Tree Hill offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Barbados. From this scenic vantage point, visitors can admire the rolling landscape of the Scotland District, a unique region that covers much of the parish of St. Andrew. The district is named after Scotland's patron saint because its rugged hills and valleys reminded early Scottish settlers of their homeland. It is believed that the name Cherry Tree Hill originated from the abundance of cherry trees that once grew in this area. Today, the road is lined with majestic West Indian mahogany trees, introduced to Barbados following the Treaty of Paris in 1763. As the journey descends upon the hill, the towering mahogany gradually gives way to expansive fields of swaying sugar cane, creating one of the island's most picturesque and memorable landscapes.
Stop 3
The historic Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, built in 1727, is a remarkable symbol of Barbados’ rich sugar-making heritage. Once one of many windmills that powered the island’s thriving sugar industry, it is now recognized as one of the last two functioning sugar windmills in the world. The mill continued grinding sugarcane for commercial production until 1947, when it was entrusted to the care of the Barbados National Trust. Today, this beautifully preserved landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into Barbados’ past, showcasing the impressive engineering behind sugar production and its important role in shaping the island’s history and culture. During this excursion, we make a scenic stop at Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill for photographs and to admire the historic structure, entry to the mill is not included.
Stop 4
Bathsheba, located on Barbados’ rugged east coast, is one of the island’s most scenic coastal villages, famous for its dramatic landscapes, powerful Atlantic waves, and distinctive coral rock formations. According to local tradition, the village was named after the biblical Bathsheba, whose legendary milk baths were said to resemble the white, foaming surf at the famous Soup Bowl. Today, Bathsheba is recognized internationally as one of Barbados’ top surfing destinations, attracting surfers from around the world with its strong Atlantic swells. The area is also popular with photographers, sightseers, and nature lovers who come to admire its breathtaking coastline and refreshing ocean breezes. Despite its popularity, Bathsheba has preserved the charm of a traditional Barbadian fishing village, with colorful seaside cottages and a peaceful atmosphere that showcases the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Stop 5
Worship at St. John’s Parish Church has taken place on this site since 1645, making it one of Barbados’ oldest Anglican places of worship. The original wooden church was destroyed by fire in 1676 and replaced with a stone structure. After suffering damage from the hurricanes of 1780 and 1831, the present church was built in 1836 and remains an important center of faith and heritage. The churchyard is also the final resting place of Fernando Paleologus, a former church warden and planter who died in 1670. A descendant of the Byzantine imperial family, Paleologus was related to the brother of Emperor Constantine XI, the last emperor of Constantinople. After his family lost the throne to the Turks, he settled in Barbados. Originally buried beneath the choir, his tomb was moved to the churchyard after the 1831 hurricane. Today, St. John’s offers a fascinating connection to Barbados’ religious, architectural, and international history.
Stop 6
Gun Hill Signal Station is the best-preserved example of a network of military signal stations built across Barbados in 1818. Positioned high above the countryside, it served as an early communication system where lookouts identified approaching ships and relayed messages between stations using coded flag signals. These signals helped the military determine whether vessels were friendly or hostile and quickly prepare forts and troops in the event of danger. Inside the tower, visitors can view charts showing how complex messages were communicated through carefully arranged flags. During the era of slavery, signal stations were also used to warn colonial authorities of enslaved people’s uprisings and support the mobilization of forces. Today, Gun Hill preserves Barbados’ military heritage while encouraging reflection on the island’s complex past. During this excursion, we make a scenic stop for photographs and to admire the famous lion at Gun Hill. Entry is not included.
Stop 7
The location is the Historic Garrison Savannah, close to the capital, Bridgetown. The Garrison Savannah has been the home of horse racing in Barbados since 1845. The officers of the British Regiment, who were stationed in Barbados, used what was then the parade ground to match their horses in races and the wealthy merchants and planters later joined them.
Stop 8
On 5 July 1628, sixty-four settlers led by Charles Wolverstone arrived in Barbados and chose Bridgetown as the best location for a port, despite its unhealthy swampy land. The town was named after the Indian Bridge, built by the Amerindians. John Swan planned Bridgetown's main streets, with Swan Street named after him, and Broad Street named for its width. Early streets were poorly maintained, so a 1656 law fined property owners 100 pounds of sugar if they failed to keep the area clean. The swamp was later filled and replaced by a canal called the Careenage, where ships were repaired by careening.
Stop 9
Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Savvy on the Bay, a vibrant beachfront destination on Carlisle Bay offering stunning ocean views and spectacular sunsets. Relax with a refreshing cocktail, a cold beer, or your favorite beachside drink while taking in the beauty of the Caribbean. In addition to the main beach bar and food truck area, guests can visit Eden by the Sea, a charming seaside restaurant located beside the gardens and pickleball courts, serving coffee, fresh juices, beers, and cocktails. Your visit includes a beach lounger and shared umbrella, allowing you to unwind on the beautiful shores of Carlisle Bay at your own pace. Enjoy a few hours of sun, sea, and relaxation with convenient shuttle return times available.
What’s included
- Beach chair
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Friendly, knowledgeable & licensed tour guide
- Pick-up and drop-off from select Villas and Airbnb's on the south and west coasts
- Snacks
- Shared umbrella
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- Gratuities
Before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- A minimum of two adults is required for this tour to operate.
- Motion Sickness & Vehicle Cleaning Policy If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking appropriate precautions before your tour and informing your guide in advance. Please be aware that some of our island roads can be winding and bumpy, which may contribute to motion sickness. We understand that motion sickness can occur unexpectedly, and our team will do its best to ensure your comfort. However, we must also consider the comfort of other guests and maintain the cleanliness of our vehicles. Should vomiting occur inside the vehicle and professional cleaning be required, the guest responsible will be required to reimburse the driver for cleaning before the end of the tour. This is only applicable to anyone who vomits within the vehicle.
- Enjoy some free time at Savvy on the Bay, a lively beachfront destination featuring a beach bar and food truck park, the time is yours to enjoy however you choose. Take a refreshing swim, relax on the beach or grab a delicious bite from one of the food trucks, or simply sit back with a drink and enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.