Barbados Travel Forum

It will be our first time to Barbados in May! We need advise what to see & do in Barbados. Do we need to rent a car or we could use local buses?
Thank you in advance

I know there are buses going around the island, but I would think the schedules would waste a lot of your time. I think you would enjoy your time much more with your own car. You will get lost on the back roads, but, hey, it's a small island and you can stop people walking along the road and ask for directions.
We had a very good experience with a local rental company. They'll deliver the car to you and take you to the airport as well, saving some taxi fare. If you want the name and number VTmail me.

You don't say how long you will be on island for, so let's assume a week. Buses do service most of the island, but you can waste a lot of time waiting, so if you want to pack a lot into your trip, hiring a car might be the way to go.
There are 2 great new museums if you like that sort of thing - Arlington Museum in Speightstown, and the Nidhe Israel Museum in Bridgetown. Speightstown is also a fabulous place to spend a day as it has retained the Caribbean charm. It's more laid back and quiet and there are a couple great little restaurants - check out Cassareep Cafe and Zachary's.
The Nidhe Israel Museum also includes a tour of the nearby synagogue - one of the oldest in the western hemisphere. Very interesting both.
A day sail on a catamaran is a must do - Cool Runnings does a good one that leaves from Bridgetown. Includes drinks, lunch and snorkeling equipment.
Island Safari do a good adventure jeep tour that also includes lunch and is a great way to see a bit of the island including some more out-of-the-way places.
Harrisons Caves have just reopened after extensive renovations. Very impressive - reservations required.
Orchid World is also very good .... if you like orchids.
You might find barbadosactivities.blogspot.com helpful as they've got lots of things to do written up.
Hope this helps.

I think it will also depend on where you are staying on the island and what do you want to do while you are there. We stayed in St. Lawrence Gap and since we were there for only a couple of days and needed to just relax we did not rent a car and took taxis (everywhere was $20 BBD). When we return, we will definately want to see more of the island and would rent a car.

THANK YOU ALL!
We'll stay at Resort on Palm Beach for a week. We have free transportation to/from airport&resort.