Six must-see places for Bajan flora and fauna beyond sand and sea turtles.

Barbados is known for its beautiful beaches with picturesque turquoise waters and tall swooping palm trees. Once you step into perfectly soft sand or wade into the gorgeously warm ocean, you start to wonder if you’ll ever leave the idyllic Bajan seaside. But believe it or not, Barbados is home to even more stunning natural offerings that you won’t want to miss out on.

Harrison’s Cave

An iconic Barbadian experience is taking a tour of Harrison’s Cave. Perfect for when it’s just too hot out, you can enjoy a tram ride beneath the earth’s surface and learn all about the geology of the island, from how the towering stalagmites and stalactites adorning the cave came to be, to the history of the cave’s discovery. Whether it's walking around on the floor of the cave, the sheer size of the cavernous “Great Hall”, or even just feeling the air grow colder around you as you venture further into the cave’s depths, Harrison’s Cave is an other-worldly experience that will leave you enamoured by its natural, ancient mystique. (And we haven’t even mentioned the rum tasting or the zipline... With options for everyone involved, you just have to go!)

Welchman Hall Gully

Right next door to Harrison’s Cave, you’ll find a tropical rainforest known for its luscious, diverse plant life. If you’re thinking that a “gully” can’t possibly be all that interesting, then you’ll be the one missing out on the vibrant flowers, enrapturing entanglements of trees of all sorts, the remnants of stalagmites and stalactites where areas of Welchman Hall Gully used to be a part of Harrison’s Cave, and the notorious green monkeys who call the Gully their home. Whether you prefer a guided tour or going self-guided, whether you’re looking to embark on a hike or indulge in a picnic, whether you lean more towards nature history and trivia or capturing stunning photos of the wildlife, Welchman Hall Gully has an option for everyone.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

If we couldn’t sell you on Welchman Hall Gully but you’re still curious about those green monkeys, you’re going to LOVE the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. It’s all up-close and personal at the Wildlife Reserve. Strolling the mossy cobblestone pathways, you’ll come across more than just some mischievous primates as the Wildlife Reserve is home to numerous types free-roaming animals including brocket deer, tortoises, caimans, hares, iguanas, peacocks, and so much more—not to mention the enclosed areas where you can find tropical birds and snakes. If you’re looking to make friends with the fauna on your trip to Barbados, the Wildlife Reserve deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Maybe you just want to enjoy the gorgeous plant life the island has to offer without worry of monkeys intruding on your peaceful plans. The Andromeda Botanic Gardens span eight acres of land and boast over 600 plant species—and every inch is nothing less than stunning. With a focus on community inclusion and biodiversity, the Gardens are a living, breathing celebration of the natural heritage of Barbados. And to top it all off, the Gardens are absolutely teeming with butterflies! From its beginnings as a private garden created by Iris Bannochie in the 1950s to the flourishing legacy upheld by continued care and dedication over the many years, the Andromeda Botanic Gardens are so remarkably full of infatuating flora that you’ll wish you had visited sooner.

Animal Flower Cave

We’ve walked you through animals, flowers, and caves already on this list—but what about all at once? There’s nothing like Barbados’ Animal Flower Cave anywhere else on the island, and if you like breathtaking cliffside views of the ocean, then this place has your name on it. Watch the waves crash against the cliffs as you walk along them, venture down into the cave and take a dip in the secluded rock pools (see if you can spot any of the sea anemones, or “animal flowers”!), and sit down for a meal at the restaurant where the views just don’t end. With its unmatched serenity, visiting the Animal Flower Cave is sure to make you feel like you’ve travelled to a whole new world.

Atlantis Submarines Barbados

When you’re finally ready to get back to the beaches, why not take it a step further and dive down a bit deeper? Atlantis Submarines Barbados is an exceptional experience—even when compared to the other phenomenal must-dos already on this list. From the outstanding work done by the crew to make sure every passenger feels safe and at ease to the insightful and at times even comedic narrations from the superb captains, no matter if your view is schools upon schools of fish passing by, gorgeous and expansive reefs stretching further than the eye can see, or long-sunken ships that have become vital elements and impressive sights in the ecosystem, Atlantis Submarines Barbados is absolutely worth penciling into your agenda.