car hire Barbados
Discussion
We've always gone to Rudy at Ballantyne's. No idea how competitive he is as he is a friend of the family.
Nice!
I don't know what research you've done, but if I may be so bold as to offer some suggestions, my quick summary of the island is below...
It's from a bit of a 'rough guide' I sent to a friend. It's a great island, steeped in history, friendly, still quite conservatively British (with a little 'c'!). Others have mentioned a number of the places before on different threads.
# edited fro spooling
I don't know what research you've done, but if I may be so bold as to offer some suggestions, my quick summary of the island is below...
It's from a bit of a 'rough guide' I sent to a friend. It's a great island, steeped in history, friendly, still quite conservatively British (with a little 'c'!). Others have mentioned a number of the places before on different threads.
I said:
There's a huge amount to do and see, from the wild east coast and the Atlantic breakers, to the calm and picture-postcard west coast, so you shouldn't get bored. In terms of safety, it's a pretty safe island. Obviously, you need to take the usual precautions, and keep your wits about you at night, but I've had no problems when I've been out there, and my aunt, in the 30-odd years she's been going hasn't either. Have a read of this before you go, and get a view of what's on offer.
They've got a GSM network, having been CDMA (US influences) for a long time, so a tri-band mobile should work. As you probably know, the international dialling code is 001, as for the US, and the island code is 246. Internal calls are 7 digits, 4xx being the parish and town, and the last 4 the individual. Time difference is GMT -4 all year round, but they do not have daylight savings time at all, so when we're BST they're GMT -5.
I've broken things down into groups, but to be honest, go with what you fancy, and if you see something, just do it. Your concierge may have some good tips, but are also known to get occasional kick-backs. The currency is Barbados dollars, which is not fixed to the pound, however it is tied 2:1 with the USD, which is just as good as Bajan $ on the island. So you may find you can get a better rate by exchanging into USD before you go, and then using them when you're there. You can use plastic, and there are cash-points over the island in the big towns, but I think they dispense in Bajan $.
Right. That's the housekeeping done, now down to the good stuff.
Firstly, I'd definitely hire a car, at least for a few days, so take your licence. A Bajan temporary licence lasts for either 2 months or a year, and costs B$10 and B$100 respectively (I know, it doesn't make sense!). Authorised rental agencies are licensed to do this, so you can get this when you hire the car, which will most likely be an automatic (thank the American's!). Horn use is obligatory, as is an apparent lack of lane discipline and hurriedness, as they're quite chilled and polite drivers. A mini-moke is all you need to get round, and you can also jump in after you've been to the beach and not care about getting things wet/sandy. Not wanting to put you off, but just make sure it's road worthy first, as they do get a bit of use. Don't be afraid to tell them if there's something you're not happy with, and get them to change it/replace. They may bluff and buster for a while, but stick to your guns. If it rains, which it may do as Septembers the end of the wet season, well it's usually quite warm and not a problem! Off-airport hire cars are usually better value (don't mention where you're staying till after you get a price), but you may need to factor in transfers or an airport drop/pick-up if you book before you go (I don't know what you've got included with your stay). I've also heard that the Bajan police have taken to using speed camera's too, and drink driving is a no-no like us...
It's an experience jumping on one of the yellow buses, the drivers try to outdo each other by decorating their buses, playing reggae music very loudly, and are not at all like public transport as we know it! The little Toyota mini-buses that are flagged down, are even more wild, and a will should be in order before getting on one! Great fun! Use them to stop off and sample the rum shacks, they're a great way to meet the locals. Good for lunch on the fly, or by the beach, is something from a roti hut. They're effectively Bajan wraps/samosa's, good value and very tasty. There's a cracking one not far from you in Holetown, on the main road by a T-junction but I don't remember the name. All beaches are public beaches and not allowed to be private, (it's a Bajan right to be on a beach), so take a walk along the coast in front of 'Sandy Lane' to do some celeb spotting if you're into that sort of thing.
- The east coast is where the Atlantic swell hits, so head over there and watch the surfers. The best surfy place is known as the Soup Bowl, and is awesome when the waves are big.
- The north coast is more rugged and very photogenic, but more industrial what with the island's cement factory on the north-west corner.
- The sugar plantations, estates and factories. These are all over the island, and give a great insight into the history and the life of the island.
- Oistins fish fry in the south, is an evening event, I think on Friday's and Saturday's when they cook the freshly caught fish and have a great big party. Great fun, fresh fish, cheap as chips, (half a lobster and rice for less than a fiver), but stay sensible with wallets etc.
- The Mount Gay rum distillery is the oldest on the island, and do try their Extra Old - it's the best rum I've had and you can't get it over here. I'm not sure if it's cheaper to buy directly from the distillery, but rum on the island is cheap as chips anyway. There's also the Malibu factory tour nearby, if you prefer that sort of rum. If you can see a theme developing here, it's because the island's economy is based on sugar, and not because I'm a p*sshead...
- Harrisons Cave is a natural cave system and very highly regarded.
- The Barbados Wildlife Sanctuary for feeding time in the late afternoon/evening (4pm rings a bell for some reason).
- Andromeda Botanical Gardens are a pleasant enough way to spend an hour or two if you're horticulturaly inclined.
- If it's more retail therapy that's needed, Bridgetown is where the major duty free shopping is found, and Diamonds International, or other diamond exchanges are supposed to be good value.
Places:
- Bridgetown is the capital, and where most of the population/big shops are. It's also where most of the traffic is, and does have it's own 'rush hour'!
West coast: (more upmarket, white beaches, shallow surf)
- Holetown (Cave Shepherd has a supermarket and lots of shops and banks/cash points)
- Mullins beach
- Speightstown (banks and if I remember rightly, a cash machine is also here)
- Port St Charles for restaurants and a very nice yacht harbour!
South coast: (more lively, package tours, bigger surf)
- St Lawrence Gap (really packagey, big on nightlife, some say it's 'tacky')
- The Boatyard (just south of Bridgetown, and is for shops/bars/restaurants/beach activities)
- Oistins
East coast:
- Bathsheba
Restaurants:
- "Blue Rare" in Holetown (T: 001-246-432-6557) is supposed to be good for steaks, but I've not been.
- "The fishpot" restaurant is great for a romantic meal overlooking the sea at sunset and beyond. It's owned by people who run the "Little Good Harbour Hotel".http://www.littlegoodharbourbarbados.com... (T: 001-246-439-2604)
- "Lone Star", "Tides", "the Cliff" (pricey/possibly overrated), "Daphne's" (Italian), and "Mango's by the sea", are some of the best on the island.
- The Atlantis Hotel in Bathsheba, used to do the best Bajan Sunday lunch buffet going, but I hear that the owners have sold up. It's still a great place to go, as it's up overlooking the Soup Bowl, on the east coast.
If I had to pick, Mango's in Speightstown (T: 001-246-422-0704), followed by Tide's, would be my choice but you'll need to book ahead. (The diningwithus.net website is pretty good for other numbers/restaurants.)
Pubs/bars - I can only really comment on the West Coast, as that's where I know:
- the Fisherman's Pub in Speightstown, for beers and honest Bajan food it can't be beaten. Given it sits on the beach, it's perfect.
- Mullins beach bar (a bit more upmarket than it used to be, but great at sunset)
- The Roundhouse up in Bathsheba is supposed to be good.
- Cocomo's on the beach at Sandy Lane for a beer and rum punch.
Beaches:
For beaches, where you are on the west coast is picture-perfect, palm fringed, golden sand, gentle lapping waves. Almost every beach is good. My 'local' whenever I get the chance to go, is Mullins beach.
The south-east coast is golden sand with larger surf, Silversands is a beautiful beach, and quite often very empty, and Crane beach is also highly recommended.
The east coast is more rugged, with beaches and big surf.
The north is cliffs and little cove's - very picturesque, but not good for swimming.
Sports/activities:
- Take a speedboat/catamaran trip to see the turtles and do some snorkelling.
- Submarine trips, or glass-bottomed boats are also good fun, but not cheap.
- You can hire fishing boats by the day/half day to (try and!) catch marlin.
- Go to see a game of cricket at the Bridgetown Oval, or some polo at the Barbados Polo Club at Holders (near to your hotel), and horseracing at the Garrisson Savannah. The local's treat it as a big day out, and there's usually a great atmosphere.
- There are plenty of top-notch golf courses by you, if that's your thing, the Westmoreland and Sandy Lane are the best.
- Take an evening boat trip from Bridgetown, they do everything from party boats to dinner and dancing boats, so plenty for everyone.
- Hire a waverunner from a beach for an hour to do a run up and down the west coast (usual precautions of copious amounts of sun-lotion, water etc)
- Diving - lots of great places to dive, and they cater from the beginner to the experienced. You can also get your PADI certificate if you want.
- The safari tours of the island are worthwhile, and I've heard the Yellow Jeep tour is a pretty good one.
Apols if you already knew most of this, but if not, hope it's helpful.They've got a GSM network, having been CDMA (US influences) for a long time, so a tri-band mobile should work. As you probably know, the international dialling code is 001, as for the US, and the island code is 246. Internal calls are 7 digits, 4xx being the parish and town, and the last 4 the individual. Time difference is GMT -4 all year round, but they do not have daylight savings time at all, so when we're BST they're GMT -5.
I've broken things down into groups, but to be honest, go with what you fancy, and if you see something, just do it. Your concierge may have some good tips, but are also known to get occasional kick-backs. The currency is Barbados dollars, which is not fixed to the pound, however it is tied 2:1 with the USD, which is just as good as Bajan $ on the island. So you may find you can get a better rate by exchanging into USD before you go, and then using them when you're there. You can use plastic, and there are cash-points over the island in the big towns, but I think they dispense in Bajan $.
Right. That's the housekeeping done, now down to the good stuff.
Firstly, I'd definitely hire a car, at least for a few days, so take your licence. A Bajan temporary licence lasts for either 2 months or a year, and costs B$10 and B$100 respectively (I know, it doesn't make sense!). Authorised rental agencies are licensed to do this, so you can get this when you hire the car, which will most likely be an automatic (thank the American's!). Horn use is obligatory, as is an apparent lack of lane discipline and hurriedness, as they're quite chilled and polite drivers. A mini-moke is all you need to get round, and you can also jump in after you've been to the beach and not care about getting things wet/sandy. Not wanting to put you off, but just make sure it's road worthy first, as they do get a bit of use. Don't be afraid to tell them if there's something you're not happy with, and get them to change it/replace. They may bluff and buster for a while, but stick to your guns. If it rains, which it may do as Septembers the end of the wet season, well it's usually quite warm and not a problem! Off-airport hire cars are usually better value (don't mention where you're staying till after you get a price), but you may need to factor in transfers or an airport drop/pick-up if you book before you go (I don't know what you've got included with your stay). I've also heard that the Bajan police have taken to using speed camera's too, and drink driving is a no-no like us...
It's an experience jumping on one of the yellow buses, the drivers try to outdo each other by decorating their buses, playing reggae music very loudly, and are not at all like public transport as we know it! The little Toyota mini-buses that are flagged down, are even more wild, and a will should be in order before getting on one! Great fun! Use them to stop off and sample the rum shacks, they're a great way to meet the locals. Good for lunch on the fly, or by the beach, is something from a roti hut. They're effectively Bajan wraps/samosa's, good value and very tasty. There's a cracking one not far from you in Holetown, on the main road by a T-junction but I don't remember the name. All beaches are public beaches and not allowed to be private, (it's a Bajan right to be on a beach), so take a walk along the coast in front of 'Sandy Lane' to do some celeb spotting if you're into that sort of thing.
- The east coast is where the Atlantic swell hits, so head over there and watch the surfers. The best surfy place is known as the Soup Bowl, and is awesome when the waves are big.
- The north coast is more rugged and very photogenic, but more industrial what with the island's cement factory on the north-west corner.
- The sugar plantations, estates and factories. These are all over the island, and give a great insight into the history and the life of the island.
- Oistins fish fry in the south, is an evening event, I think on Friday's and Saturday's when they cook the freshly caught fish and have a great big party. Great fun, fresh fish, cheap as chips, (half a lobster and rice for less than a fiver), but stay sensible with wallets etc.
- The Mount Gay rum distillery is the oldest on the island, and do try their Extra Old - it's the best rum I've had and you can't get it over here. I'm not sure if it's cheaper to buy directly from the distillery, but rum on the island is cheap as chips anyway. There's also the Malibu factory tour nearby, if you prefer that sort of rum. If you can see a theme developing here, it's because the island's economy is based on sugar, and not because I'm a p*sshead...
- Harrisons Cave is a natural cave system and very highly regarded.
- The Barbados Wildlife Sanctuary for feeding time in the late afternoon/evening (4pm rings a bell for some reason).
- Andromeda Botanical Gardens are a pleasant enough way to spend an hour or two if you're horticulturaly inclined.
- If it's more retail therapy that's needed, Bridgetown is where the major duty free shopping is found, and Diamonds International, or other diamond exchanges are supposed to be good value.
Places:
- Bridgetown is the capital, and where most of the population/big shops are. It's also where most of the traffic is, and does have it's own 'rush hour'!
West coast: (more upmarket, white beaches, shallow surf)
- Holetown (Cave Shepherd has a supermarket and lots of shops and banks/cash points)
- Mullins beach
- Speightstown (banks and if I remember rightly, a cash machine is also here)
- Port St Charles for restaurants and a very nice yacht harbour!
South coast: (more lively, package tours, bigger surf)
- St Lawrence Gap (really packagey, big on nightlife, some say it's 'tacky')
- The Boatyard (just south of Bridgetown, and is for shops/bars/restaurants/beach activities)
- Oistins
East coast:
- Bathsheba
Restaurants:
- "Blue Rare" in Holetown (T: 001-246-432-6557) is supposed to be good for steaks, but I've not been.
- "The fishpot" restaurant is great for a romantic meal overlooking the sea at sunset and beyond. It's owned by people who run the "Little Good Harbour Hotel".http://www.littlegoodharbourbarbados.com... (T: 001-246-439-2604)
- "Lone Star", "Tides", "the Cliff" (pricey/possibly overrated), "Daphne's" (Italian), and "Mango's by the sea", are some of the best on the island.
- The Atlantis Hotel in Bathsheba, used to do the best Bajan Sunday lunch buffet going, but I hear that the owners have sold up. It's still a great place to go, as it's up overlooking the Soup Bowl, on the east coast.
If I had to pick, Mango's in Speightstown (T: 001-246-422-0704), followed by Tide's, would be my choice but you'll need to book ahead. (The diningwithus.net website is pretty good for other numbers/restaurants.)
Pubs/bars - I can only really comment on the West Coast, as that's where I know:
- the Fisherman's Pub in Speightstown, for beers and honest Bajan food it can't be beaten. Given it sits on the beach, it's perfect.
- Mullins beach bar (a bit more upmarket than it used to be, but great at sunset)
- The Roundhouse up in Bathsheba is supposed to be good.
- Cocomo's on the beach at Sandy Lane for a beer and rum punch.
Beaches:
For beaches, where you are on the west coast is picture-perfect, palm fringed, golden sand, gentle lapping waves. Almost every beach is good. My 'local' whenever I get the chance to go, is Mullins beach.
The south-east coast is golden sand with larger surf, Silversands is a beautiful beach, and quite often very empty, and Crane beach is also highly recommended.
The east coast is more rugged, with beaches and big surf.
The north is cliffs and little cove's - very picturesque, but not good for swimming.
Sports/activities:
- Take a speedboat/catamaran trip to see the turtles and do some snorkelling.
- Submarine trips, or glass-bottomed boats are also good fun, but not cheap.
- You can hire fishing boats by the day/half day to (try and!) catch marlin.
- Go to see a game of cricket at the Bridgetown Oval, or some polo at the Barbados Polo Club at Holders (near to your hotel), and horseracing at the Garrisson Savannah. The local's treat it as a big day out, and there's usually a great atmosphere.
- There are plenty of top-notch golf courses by you, if that's your thing, the Westmoreland and Sandy Lane are the best.
- Take an evening boat trip from Bridgetown, they do everything from party boats to dinner and dancing boats, so plenty for everyone.
- Hire a waverunner from a beach for an hour to do a run up and down the west coast (usual precautions of copious amounts of sun-lotion, water etc)
- Diving - lots of great places to dive, and they cater from the beginner to the experienced. You can also get your PADI certificate if you want.
- The safari tours of the island are worthwhile, and I've heard the Yellow Jeep tour is a pretty good one.
# edited fro spooling
Edited by jep on Wednesday 18th August 17:30
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff