Bridgetown, Barbados, Things to See and Do for Cruisers

Having spent a little over a week in Barbados and being just a mile or so out of Bridgetown where the cruise ships come in, I can give a few facts about that cruise port that may be helpful to you.

Whenever in a new country I like to explore what it has to offer. Bridgetown, Barbados is a busy port stop for many cruise lines and is the oldest city in Barbados and one of the oldest in the "new world."

We came in by plane so didn't have reason to be in Bridgetown as people disembarking from cruises would. We were however staying at a wonderful resort, the Coconut Court Beach Hotel, that was but a mile and a half or two out of town.

Our First Encounter With Bridgetown; A Nightmare!

In the short time we stayed in Barbados, nine days, we had a few experiences with Bridgetown and its nearby environs. The first was driving through the town on a Friday day in a rented car to search out and discover the eastern shows of Barbados. It was a nightmare!. We traveled about 10AM as suggested. (Hit the roads after rush hour we were told) We were in gridlock as we made our way through the city. Driving around the city isn't easy for a tourist. (we were fine traveling the rest of the island for the next few days) The small two lane roads follow the first plans of the city with old building holding their place and newer structures squeezed in between here and there. We lost almost an hours time getting through the small town.

The Garrison Area

My second encounter was a bit more pleasant and under my own terms. I got up early one morning and set out on foot to Bridgetown at about 6AM. The walk along H7 a road that skirts the Caribbean sea via the entrances of forts and hotels. Just outside of town, perhaps a mile, is the Garrison area where a fort, many supporting buildings, parade grounds and a huge cannon collection are. This was educational and I received a surprise. The parade grounds is now a racetrack where people run for exercise in the mornings. Aside from the grand stand area, the track is open for all to see. No fences just rail guards keeping people from walking right onto the track.

To my surprise that morning I watched many horses training at full speed. It was pretty cool being so close listening to their hooves strike the ground and their heavy breathing as the fought for oxygen to support their bodies muscles.

The area includes buildings from the turn of the century. Not the 1900s but the 1800s. A striking structure is the Main Guard House 1802 with a huge coat of arms and a working clock tower above. It's unique brick structure, of which I read the "recipe" for the brick was lost, looked fiery red in the low angled sun of the morning. Just outside the building is part of the largest collection of cannon in the Caribbean islands.

On another day my wife and I spent time in the Barbados Museum, also part of the Garrison. This is a must for history buffs and those interested in the people of Barbados. I really enjoyed it.

We never did get to visit the George Washington Houise where he did stay during his one and only excursion away from the colonies.

Carlisle Beach  

I continued my walk to Bridgetown that one morning coming to Carlisle Beach that's a short walk from the cruise docks, perhaps a half mile. This is a long stretch of clean white sand but doesn't have much in natural shade protection from the sun. Though we didn't partake, there are some small shops/restaurant/bars nearby with facilities. I don't know much about them but did see people with rented umbrellas and chairs.

On another day we were drawn to Carlisle Beach after hearing there were shipwrecks in the waters and we could get to them by simply swimming off the beach. It was true and we saw five all together. WOW!!

The Hilton Hotel property is at the far southern end of Carlisle Beach. We did a snorkeling excursion from the Dive Barbados Blue. It was all we wanted in a two hour experience. Swimming with the turtles was pretty cool.

And Finally Into Town

As I continued my lone walk into town that one early morning the residents and travlers were starting to stir. The bus terminal was jamb packed with students and people starting their days. I visited Heroes Square that has a clean modern look to it with two small bridges crossing over an inlet body of water. The boat marina was full and street merchants were setting up their goods.

I wasn't very impressed with the architecture or the layout of town. It was a mix of older establishment, historic churches and temples and busy shops.  Broad street seemed to be the main drag with larger store. The layout of the other streets, Roebuck Street and Tudor, weren't easy to follow even with a map in hand. I had a few destinations I was set to see and had trouble finding them.

I suppose my mistake was not asking for direction immediately. The Bajan people, and I don't exaggerate, are the most helpful of any I have yet met in the Caribbean and may I say anywhere we have ever traveled. They took their time, every time, to be sure we understood exactly what they told us. I found this in town and in the more rural areas. I always mention the gal who was offering her phone number to call if we got lost or had questions!

If one enjoys old graveyards Bridgetown is heaven for ya. The above ground graves and stones at the second oldest Synagogue in the western hemisphere and at a church, St Michael's Cathedral (built 1786) where George Washington was said to have worshipped are quite interesting and make for fine photos.

Suggestion For Cruise Boat Tourists In Bridgetown

My shopping prowess is weak so I can't tell you much about bargains and such. There are specialty stores, jewelry shops and Duty Free along Broad Street. The city center was an odd mix of new construction, old shops, street vendors and a huge Parliament building that simple looked out of place among the smaller operations.

If looking to see the island I would make excursion plans on the cruise ship or if you are savvy, make a deal with a taxi driver. They are eager to take you out.  Very important! Be sure to settle price first and also determine currency. US currency is $1 to $2 Barbados.

A walk To Carlisle Beach with your snorkel gear to see ship wrecks is a fine idea for strong swimmers. There are a number of catamaran and other trips to "Swim with the Turtles" and also see the wrecks.

Because we wanted the most for our time we opted for a quick two hour fast boat tour to do both the turtles and the wrecks with Dive Barbados Blue who work out of the Hilton Hotel on the southern end of Carlisle Bay.

History buffs can check out historic properties in Bridgetown and/or take a three minute bus ride to the Garrison just a mile and a half out of town.

Though the bus rates make for very inexpensive travel in Barbados don't count on them time-wise once in the rural areas. You do want to get back to your ship before it leaves port.

I do know that many cruise ships booked time at our hotel, the Coconut Court Beach Hotel in Hastings, Christ Church. It's a wonderful beach and has a fine beachfront bar with rum punches that will knock your socks off. A taxi can take you back to the ship.

Look for my review of Barbados

http://www0.epinions.com/review/trvl-Dest-Caribbean-Barbados/content_505168825988