Featured Gay Friendly Hotels in Barbados

Gay Barbados

Barbados island is an independent republic located in the West Indies, and it is the most eastern island in the Caribbean.  Politically, there have been many changes on the island and In October 2021, Sandra Mason was elected by Parliament to become the first President of Barbados. Then, on November 30, 2021, Mason replaced Queen Elizabeth as Head of State as Barbados began transitioning to a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations.

The island has about 287,000 people and has a square mileage of about 167 square miles. The largest city is its capital Bridgetown. Afternoon tea is a tradition intrinsic to the island, and cricket is their national sport. Throughout the island, you can find influences from British, African, and the Caribbean.  All of the diverse cultures blend together beautifully.  In fact, the whole island of Barbados is eye candy for travelers!

Nature enthusiasts will go wild for the dramatic landscape and exquisite scenery. Architecture buffs will appreciate the island's historic, colonial architecture.  "Foodies" will delight in knowing that Barbados is known for being the "culinary capital of the Caribbean," With an abundance of fresh produce and fresh seafood, it's easy to see why. 

Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, and its most famous brand is Mount Gay!  Rum is truly a part of this Caribbean island's culture, and visitors enjoy drinking tropical rum punch while on vacation.  Travelers can also learn about rum by touring the island's distilleries and partaking in various rum tastings.

barbados
Photo Credit: Patrick Lalonde

What do you want to discover?

What's the Gay Scene Like?

Best Time to Visit Barbados

Top Things to See and Do in Barbados

MUST DO: Attractions & Activities

MUST EAT: Gay-Friendly Dining

MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Travel Safety Tips 

Local Expert: Gay Scene in Barbados

Currently, Barbados has no specific gay scene. However, that is slowly changing. Over the last few years, Barbados held its first Pride Parade in 2018. Also, Barbados' elected, first female Prime Minister is openly pro-LGBT. Slowly the island is coming around to being more accepting of the LGBTQ community which is wonderful to see!

Best Time to Visit Barbados

The best time to visit Barbados is between December and June. This is the dry time of year and is optimal for clear skies and beach lounging. Temperatures average around 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity index hovers about 70% to 75%.

Top Things to See and Do in Barbados

There is an abundance of things to do in Barbados. 

MUST DO Barbados Attractions & Activities

Here are just a few recommendations:

1) Animal Flower Cave

Here you will find an ocean cave that is accessible by steps that lead inside -- just be sure to watch your step as the rocks are slippery, and it's very easy to lose your footing.  Once inside, you'll see why the cave is referred to as "animal flower" -  the coral floor is replete with sealife including sea anemones for which the cave is named.

animal flower cave
Photo Credit: Brian Toppin

2)  Go to the beach!  It can go without saying that Barbados has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!  Here are a few of the top beaches:

Shark Hole Beach - Located southeast of Barbados, this little beach is famous for its crystal clear waters and soft white sand. The beach funnels down and almost looks like a spoon shape. It makes for a unique view of the beach. The views here are incredible, so you should go and visit. 

Crane Beach - Lifestyle's of the Rich and Famous rated Crane Beach in Barbados to be "one of the ten best beaches in the world!"  What makes Crane Beach especially enticing is its pink sand.

Brownes Beach, Bayshore Beach, and Pebble Beach - these public beaches have picnic tables, public facilities, and showers.

3) Andromeda Gardens

These botanical gardens are a sight to behold!  Stroll throughout the lush grounds, and breathe in all the fresh oxygen!

andromeda gardens

4) Oistins Fish Fry

Friday is fish night in Barbados and Oistins is the place to be!

5) Barbados Wildlife Reserve

This wildlife sanctuary on Barbados is wonderful for seeing animals in their natural habitat.  You'll see deer, green monkeys, colorful peacocks, and more!

6) Speightstown

About 12 miles north of the island's capital Bridgetown, is another town called Speightstown (also referred to locally as "Little Bristol").  Speightstown is over 350 years old and is known for its forts and colonial architecture.  It was once a commercial port that was well-protected and served as a trading point between Bristol in England and Barbados.speightstown
Photo Credit: Cedric Frixon

7) Harrison Cave

More famous than the Animal Flower Cave mentioned above, Harrison Cave is one of Barbados' great wonders.  The cave is made of crystallized limestone and boasts towering columns that soar above clear pools and streams.  There is much to explore here so take your time!

8) Farley Hill National Park

This seventeenth-century mansion that's now in ruins amidst the mahogany trees is an idyllic spot to picnic.  What could be better than gazing out at the ocean from atop the Farley Hill where it sits?

farley national park

9) Welchman Hall Gully

Take a self-guided walking tour through this lovely area of protected area that is home to the green monkeys.  You'll enjoy the day simply walking, picnicking, or taking a cave tour.

10) Bathsheba Bay

It's worth the effort to see this beautiful white, sandy beach with its rock formations that break the waves hitting the Eastern shore.

bathsheba
Photo Credit: Jr Harris

11) Go snorkeling - Since Barbados has crystal-clear waters, take advantage of it and snorkel! You can shipwrecks, colorful marine life, or simply swim in its tranquil waters. When you snorkel, it will feel like you are exploring a different world. 

12) What's a trip to the Caribbean without trying out some world-class rum? Barbados is home to some of the best rum in the world such as Mount Gay Rum Distillery which was founded in 1703, and steeped in history. Take a tour and learn about the history of rum and the process of making it. Taste different types of rum and rum-related cocktails. Be sure to try a Rum Punch! 

mount gay
Photo Credit: Spirits & Co.

MUST EAT Barbados Gay-Friendly Dining

Since Barbados is an island surrounded by crystal clear waters, you can imagine that seafood would be one of its most popular dishes. Shrimp, lobster, and crab are common and popular food throughout the island, prepared in many different ways. So diving into the seafood is something you should try while visiting.

There are a few staple dishes that Barbados is known for so be sure to try some of these and see why the locals love them so much!

Cou-Cou - This traditional Barbados dish comprises ground cornmeal and okra. The ground texture is similar to polenta or grits. It is then used as a base for some spicier foods or even the famous flying fish. This dish can be found all over the island, and it's worth trying. 

Flying Fish - This fish is such a popular and meaningful fish to the people of Barbados that it can be found on the national currency of Barbados and the tourism board. The popularity comes from the island, at one point, having so much flying fish that Barbados was known as the “land of the flying fish’' Now, the locals use this as a staple for their dishes.

MUST VISIT: Barbados Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Barbados has a no-official gay nightlife, and that's OK! There are still plenty of things to do while visiting, with its gorgeous beaches, botanical gardens, fantastic resorts, and more. So have a few Rum Punches and lounge on the beach. You are in for a great time!

Travel Safety Tips

Barbados is a very safe and laid-back island. The people are friendly, welcoming, and inclusive. However, you should be mindful of the history of the island, and as an LGBTQ traveler, remain on the conservative side when it comes to showing public displays of affection around town.  There are some who are still very reserved and slowly coming to terms with accepting the LGBTQ lifestyle.  However, this is changing, and as mentioned earlier, Barbados held its first Pride parade in the capital city.  On the political side, more progress is being made and Barbados' first female prime minister is very vocal and supportive of the LGBTQ community.

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