Help for first time Barbados Traveller.?

Question

I am travelling to Barbados with my wife and her cousin on Saturday and none of us have ever been there before.

We're staying at The Crane which I believe is on the eastern side of the island. I have heard that we should rent a car when we go, but is that true? Should we rent a car, or just take taxis?

Does anyone have any sightseeing or cool things they've done while in Barbados?

I plan on Golfing while I'm there (I'm bringing my club with me). Have anyone golfed on the island that could tell me how it was?

Thanks for your time and help!!! It'll help us a lot in our planning.

Answer 1

The Crane is, indeed, on the east of the island in St. Philip (parish). So where you're staying is far from pretty much everything else. The view is absolutely breathtaking! You're close to the beach and restaurants. :)

http://thecrane.com/ if you haven't checked that out although I am sure you have.

Taxis are based on flat rates, not meter.

Don't be surprised if your fares are higher than normal, because of the increase of fuel and such.

For golfing, you can check out Barbados Golf Club: http://barbadosgolfclub.com/index.cfm although I've never golfed there.

You can also do an island tour if necessary.

Fortunate news: if you do not drive, buses do run near The Crane that go to Oistins, Bridgetown or further, Speighstown. But depending on the time of the day/night, it can run from half hour to an hour. They are either big blue buses or yellow mini ones.

http://www.transportboard.com/ - Your bus would be "SAM LORDS CASTLE" if you wonder in how to get back if you choose local transit. It's $1.50 BDS each way.

As for car rental, my friend was recently in Barbados on a visit and she used Elite Rent-A-Car and the number is 246-427-7539. She booked it online and the car was ready for her at the airport although I'm not sure what website but there's always a call away if you want to find out. :)

Bridgetown, its capital, is known for duty free shopping (bring passport in case).

Don't forget to visit Bathsheba.

You can go to Oistins fish market on Fridays.

If you want partying or just simply to enjoy a good time with your wife and her cousin, you can go to St. Lawrence Gap. There are not only clubs but bars/restaurants and hotels.

If you like catamarans, then I suggest Cool Runnings: http://www.coolrunningsbarbados.com/

For island tours, you can either use Glory Tours: http://www.glorytours.org/ , Adventure Land Barbados: http://www.adventurelandbarbados.com/ and Island Safari: http://www.islandsafari.bb/ - you can even hire a taxi to do a tour for you although it's not what I recommend.

If you want taxis, make sure you find out flat rates beforehand. I can highly recommend Orlando Rouse from Accra Alliance not only because he's friendly, he does offer reasonable prices. Please do tell him that his friend from Canada who he took to Boarded Hall a couple of times refered him to you if you decide taxi. His cell number is 246-248-1234 and the stand one is 416-435-4863. He does airport/seaport pick ups, island tours, shopping and so on.

For more information, you can check any of these below:

http://www.barbados.org/

http://www.funbarbados.com/

http://www.totallybarbados.com/

http://www.visitbarbados.org/

Have a safe trip and enjoy!

Answer 2

the crane is based on the south of the island so i would strongly advise renting a car as will be cheaper than using taxis. however the bus service in barbados is very cheap and frequent.

as for sightseeing you should go to harrisons cave, that is amazing and also take a tour if you are hiring a car. go over to basheba on the east coast that is beautiful. the west coast has some amazing beaches but i think you have the whitest staying at the crane.

you will have amazing time.

Answer 3

just to let you no there is a lot of building work going on at the crane at the moment, and it can be quite noisy and dusty. I go there alot and even though its a beautiful place the beach is very small and unless you want to stay at the resort for your whole stay you will definitely need a car, as you are out in the country and everywhere is only reachable by bus or car.

Answer 4

do all of thee above what Del has given,what i would say is a must and that is cool ringings snorkeling on a catamaran you wont be disappointed,i was there last Feb,and def plan to go back again,it was holiday of a lifetime,truly amazing place

Answer 5

wow the crane beach is beautiful but do be careful trying to swim in the water it can be rough.

Yes rent a car for a day or two

to see the north of the island go on the island safari tour which is fun.

with the car see the west and south.

The beaches are beautiful everywhere so go ckeck out some of them.

On the west there is hourse riding and water sports

In brigetown go shopping and i really enjoyed the helicopter ride!

Have fun!