Barbados Cruise Port Guide & Best Things to Do
Abby PriceAre you looking for the ultimate Caribbean vacation? Hop on a cruise ship and head to Barbados to uncover its beautiful beaches, clear waters, white sand, and picturesque palm trees.
Barbados is situated in the eastern part of the Caribbean and is home to turquoise waters, some of the best beaches, a rich history, and outstanding scenery.
As a travel blogger and cruise specialist, I know that Barbados is a Caribbean island that simply can’t be missed. If you are looking for a memorable cruise, Barbados is the perfect place.
Continue reading below as I dive into the Barbados Cruise Port and everything you need to know.
Where is Barbados Cruise Port Located?
The Barbados Cruise Port, also referred to as Deep Water Harbour, is situated on the southwestern side of the island and is about 1.49 miles (2.4 km) from the heart of Bridgetown.
How to get to the city of Bridgetown from the Cruise Port
There are many ways to get to the heart to of the city of Bridgetown from the Cruise Port including by shuttle bus, taxi, and even walking.
Are there free shuttles from Barbados Cruise Port?
Many cruise lines offer free shuttles from the cruise ship port. I recommend checking with your cruise line directly for your best options.
Can you walk into Bridgetown from your cruise ship?
You can walk into Bridgetown from your cruise ship. It’s a little less than 1.5 miles making it a short journey to get to the main shopping, dining, and popular tourist attractions.
Are there taxis available from Barbados Cruise Port?
There are taxis available from the Barbados Cruise Port if you would rather skip the shuttle bus services.
Getting from Grantley Adams International Airport to the Barbados Cruise Port
The main airport in Barbados is the Grantley Adams International Airport which is located about 30 minutes southeast of the Barbados Cruise Port.
There are several options you can pick between to get from the airport to the cruise port which include taxi, private transfer, or bus.
The cheapest way to get to the cruise port is to take the bus. You will need to hop on Line 27.
Best Shore Excursions from the Barbados Cruise Port
There are a handful of different shore excursions to embark on around the island. Explore some of the top options provided below!
Adventure To The Best Caves On The Island
There are countless caves scattered across the island and each one has something unique about it.
If you are looking to uncover some of the islands raw beauty, make your way to one (or multiple) caves for an unforgettable adventure.
Take In The Scenery At Hunte’s Gardens
Barbados is known for having some truly spectacular botanical gardens and Hunte’s Gardens is one of the best on the island and also one of the most popular attractions to visit in Barbados.
If you wish to stroll along beautiful flowers, and plants, and take in the scenery of natural beauty, look no further.
Visit The St. Nicholas Abbey And Steam Railway Museum
The St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway Museum is rich in history.
This popular tourist attraction consists of a plantation house, rum distillery, and museum. This is the perfect place to visit to get to know more about some of the island’s history.
Stroll Around The Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Another excellent spot for cruise passengers to roam around is the Andromeda Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden is 8 acres and was created by an award-winning horticulturalist, Iris Bannochie.
Spend Time With The Locals At Oistins Fish Market
Oistins Fish Market is a phenomenal place to visit on Friday nights.
This charming market is full of food stalls, has amazing live music, and is even a great place to pick up some souvenirs to commemorate your time in Barbados.
Enjoy The Pristine Beaches
With more than 80 beaches across the island, Barbados is an excellent place to visit for relaxation by the shore so grab your beach chairs and get ready to soak in your time on the island.
Some of the most popular beaches include Brighton Beach, Rockley Beach, Crane Beach, and Pebbles Beach.
Walk Down The Richard Haynes Boardwalk
The Richard Haynes Boardwalk is a little less than a mile in length and a great place to go for a quick stroll.
There are many popular restaurants along the boardwalk, making it a great place to walk around and hit several different establishments for food, drinks, and even some local beer along the way.
Explore The Capital Of Barbados
Exploring the capital of Barbados is an incredible way to get to know the island’s culture, and heritage, and spend time with the locals.
I recommend checking out the Parliament Buildings while in the area for their beautiful architecture and unique history.
Embark On A Snorkeling Tour
If you are a cruise traveler looking to spend some time exploring the tropical fish around the island, you must embark on a snorkeling tour.
This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the islands crystal-clear blue waters and marvel at the various marine life in the Caribbean.
One of the best tours around the island is the Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise. This is the perfect excursion to spend time with sea turtles and other aquatic animals in the region.
➡️ Book your snorkeling tour here!
Make A Trip To Mount Gay Rum Distillery
If you’re a rum fan, make your way tot Mount Gay Rum Distillery to taste the local flavors and learn more about the rum making process and history.
Soak In The Caribbean Sun At The Boatyard Beach Club
One of the best places to venture to for the ultimate beach day is the Boatyard Beach Club.
This area is known for its abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas and a great place to unwind. It’s also a great destination for water sports like snorkeling and swimming.
Places to Stay Near Barbados Cruise Port
Barbados offers a wide range of hotel options to choose from. Consider the following incredible choices near the Barbados Cruise Port for a comfortable and convenient stay either before or after your cruise to the island.
Hilton Barbados Resort is a fabulous hotel near the Barbados Cruise Port. It’s a quick 15-minute drive to the port and is in a great location near Brownes Beach and Needhams Point.
This hotel is famous for being close to the Needhams Point Light House and known for its excellent service, incredible fitness center, and awesome property.
Another excellent hotel is the Sugar Bay Barbados. This place is a 13 minute drive from the cruise port and is right near Drill Hall Beach. The hotel itself is known for its friendly staff, delicious cocktails, scrumptious breakfast, and beautiful property.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion is a 20 minute drive to the cruise port and another fantastic option for hotels in the area. It’s known for its tasty restaurants, seaside views, and helpful staff.
Best Time To Visit Barbados
The best time to visit Barbados is during its dry season which occurs between December and April.
Cruise Liners That Visit Barbados Cruise Port
- There are many major cruise lines that visit the island of Barbados including:
- Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
Barbados Quick Facts
🪙 The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian Dollar.
🚢 The language spoken in Barbados is English.
🛟 Cricket is the national sport of Barbados.
⚓ Harrison’s Cave is one of the most popular attractions in the country.
⛵ The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown, known for its colonial buildings.
Barbados Cruise Port FAQs
Can you walk to a beach from the cruise port in Barbados?
You can walk to a beach from the cruise port in Barbados. One of the closest beaches is Brandons Beach which is about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) and takes about a 30 minute stroll.
Another nearby beach is Brownes Beach which is 2.5 miles (4.1 km) and takes about 50 minutes to walk to.
Where do the cruise ships dock in Barbados?
Cruise ships dock at the Barbados Cruise Port, also referred to as the Bridgetown Cruise Port or the Deep Water Harbour.
Is there a shuttle from Royal Caribbean to Barbados airport?
Royal Caribbean does offer transportation between the airport and the cruise port, make sure you contact their reservations line to set this up in advance.
What days do the cruise ships come to Barbados?
Barbados welcomes cruise ships on any day of the week, with the arrival and departure days contingent upon the particular cruise line’s schedule.
Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to Barbados?
Yes, you do need a passport to go on a cruise to the island of Barbados.
Final Thoughts On The Barbados Cruise Port
The Barbados Cruise Port stands out as one of the premier destinations in the Caribbean, due to its convenient location near the capital of Bridgetown, endless exceptional shore excursions, and breathtaking scenery.
With my expertise in Caribbean cruise travel, I can guarantee that your visit to Barbados will be memorable, making it a standout destination on any cruise itinerary.
