Our final port of call on our Southern Caribbean Cruise was Bridgetown, Barbados. While Barbados is often grouped with the Caribbean, the island actually sits outside the Caribbean Sea, fully exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight, we crossed the invisible line separating the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic, arriving at an island that feels distinctly different from the others we visited on this cruise.
Locals still refer to the Caribbean side of Barbados versus the Atlantic side, and the contrast is striking. The Caribbean-facing coast features calm waters and sandy beaches, while the Atlantic side is rugged and dramatic, with rocky shorelines and powerful surf. Very few boats operate along the Atlantic coast due to the treacherous tides and unforgiving shoreline.
A Coral Island, Not a Volcanic One
Unlike many of its Caribbean neighbors, Barbados is not volcanic. Instead, the island is an ancient coral reef that was uplifted from the ocean floor over time. Evidence of this coral origin is everywhere, especially in the limestone that makes up much of the island.
Barbados is also not mountainous, but rather defined by gentle, rolling hills. These conditions created fertile soil, perfect for agriculture—and like much of the Caribbean, sugar cane once dominated the economy.
4×4 Scenic Drive with Island Safari Barbados
Today’s adventure was the 4×4 Scenic Panoramic Drive & Bathsheba Beach tour with Island Safari Barbados. Our guide, Andre, was equal parts informative and entertaining. While we were warned about plenty of bouncing during the off-road portions, the vehicle was comfortable, and the open sides provided fantastic views of the countryside.
Climbing out of Bridgetown (before the 4×4 portion began), we passed through farmland growing sweet potatoes, cassava, and sugar cane. Along the way, we saw remnants of Barbados’ sugar plantation era—boiling houses, plantation homes, and even a 300-year-old stone bridge spanning a gully. Built by enslaved workers, the bridge stands as a sobering monument to the labor that sustained the sugar industry.
Limestone Roads and Fossilized Coral
The legacy of sugar cane also shaped Barbados’ road system. Cart paths were cut directly into the limestone to transport goods from inland plantations down to coastal ports. In many places, you can clearly see fossilized coral embedded in the stone, a reminder of the island’s ancient reef origins.
One of the true off-road highlights was driving into a gully, formed when limestone caves collapse. Barbados is riddled with caves and gullies, and these areas provide some of the best up-close views of coral fossils.
Hackleton’s Cliff: A View from 1,000 Feet
About an hour into the tour, we made our first stop at Hackleton’s Cliff, located between the rural parishes of St. Joseph and St. John. Rising nearly perpendicular from the surrounding land, the cliff reaches 1,000 feet above sea level and offers sweeping views of Barbados’ Atlantic coastline.
The cliff is named for Thomas Hackleton, a plantation owner who, according to local lore, died by riding his horse off the cliff after becoming entangled in a scandal. Hackleton and several others are buried here, adding a layer of haunting history to the already dramatic setting.
Bathsheba Beach and the Atlantic Coast
From Hackleton’s Cliff, we descended toward the coast, spotting Barbados Blackbelly sheep grazing in open fields and catching brief glimpses of the island’s famous green monkeys. Unfortunately, the monkeys were extremely camera-shy, denying us that elusive photo.
Our second major stop was Bathsheba Beach, located on Barbados’ wild Atlantic shore. The name “Bathsheba” comes with its own legend—some say the mineral-rich waters resemble the biblical Bathsheba’s milk baths, believed to preserve beauty. Myth or not, the beach’s natural beauty is undeniable.
We walked along the rocky shoreline, watching waves crash against dramatic rock formations while a few surfers took full advantage of the powerful Atlantic swells.
A Nautical Farewell to Barbados
As we sailed away from Barbados, we were treated to a fascinating maritime moment: the harbor pilot disembarking the Grand Princess. The ship doesn’t slow down as a small pilot boat pulls alongside and the pilot descends a rope ladder—a carefully choreographed nautical “dance” that’s always a thrill to watch.
Evening Entertainment at Sea
The evening brought excellent entertainment, starting with “Born to Dance” in the Princess Theater. Later, musicians from around the ship gathered in the Piazza to perform hits from around the world, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
Tomorrow brings a sea day as we head back toward San Juan. Our cruise may be nearing its end, but the memories—especially of Barbados’ wild Atlantic coast—will last long after we’re home.
