The joy of visiting the island of Barbados on more than one occasion is that you get to discover the island from a new perspective or to experience some of the special annual events that the island holds.
Getting Out On The Caribbean Sea:
Whilst traversing the island by rental car is truly beneficial some friends of ours recommended a day out on the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Having now experienced this on two separate occasions I can truly recommend “Silver Moon”. There are many “boat trips” available on the island catering to every price point from glass bottom boat tours to the Atlantis Submarines to the Cool Runnings Catamaran tour.
Silver Moon is also a catamaran but adds that extra bit of pizzazz to a great day out on the Caribbean Sea. Limited to just twelve guests and with “adult only” bookings available, if you prefer to avoid the company of children, they truly know how to make you feel special.
They have been sailing the Barbados coastline on their luxury catamarans since 1984 however after testing the waters on ships both big and small, they started Silver Moon, Barbados in 2002 with just one luxury catamaran. Successfully growing the business to now incorporate three catamarans they sail twice daily at 9.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
You can book in advance on line and don’t forget with only 12 voyagers on each trip if you want a specific date as we did to celebrate my birthday it’s worth securing your date early.
Your day begins with a pick up from your accommodation whether that is a luxury villa, a hotel or a rental property. In the capable hands of your friendly and personable driver you are transferred to the dock where the group is split according to the boat and price you have chosen at the time of booking: Silver Moon, Silver Moon 3 or Silver Dancer.
Silver Moon provides the exclusive XL Premium Tour and from the moment you leave the dock you are made to feel that little bit more special. The boat has ensuite cabins, fresh water showers both indoors and at the stern, salons for indoor dining, and cockpits for alfresco dining and pure relaxation!
Leaving your daypack inside the salon it’s not long before you are sunbathing, with a drink in hand and admiring the tropical blue waters. For the next five hours it is very easy to slip into relaxation mode whilst also getting to know your fellow passengers, should you wish. You never know who you might meet!
The crew are both professional, friendly and helpful with two stops during the trip. The first to swim/snorkel with the sea turtles ensuring at all times that respect is given to these beautiful sea creatures and then a second stop above a shipwreck or reef. The route taken is devised by the Captain that day based upon the weather, particularly the winds, and avoiding anchoring in the vicinity of other boats to ensure privacy. Full snorkelling equipment and instruction are also included. It’s not unusual to be on board with other passengers who have also been before as repeat custom is not unusual.
Hors D’oeuvres are served prior to the main buffet lunch which is laid out in the salon. There is plenty for everyone with usually chicken and fish dishes plus salads, rice and/or pasta and Bajan Mac n cheese.
As you then make your way back to the port you can once again relax, lie back outside on the rigging and let the breeze catch your hair!
Visit the Races:
Horse racing isn’t what you probably expect in Barbados but a day at the races here is another very special unique day out with the Barbadian Gold Cup being the peak event of the season. The race has been run every year since 1982 in late February/March.
Located in the Historic Garrison Savannah and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, close to the capital, Bridgetown this has been the home of horse racing in Barbados since 1845. The officers of the British Regiment, who were stationed in Barbados, used what was then the parade ground to match their horses in races and the wealthy merchants and planters later joined them.
In typical Bajan style, the horse racing calendar for the following year, isn’t announced until late in the Autumn so unless you are arranging a holiday at short notice it isn’t always easy to plan to include this day out as part of your visit to the island. This year, 2025, there are 22 race days starting on January 4th and then spread out throughout the year until the last meet of the season being on Boxing Day.
March 1st was Gold Cup Day and July 26th is the Barbados Derby Day.
Information on entrance prices etc are available on the official website of the Barbados Turf Club but tickets cannot be purchased on line only at the on site box office. This might seem a little disappointing in the digital era but it does ensure complete fairness for both locals and visitors to the island. You can ring, in advance, to enquire as to ticket availability.
Gates open an hour before the first race and like everything else on the island this a day for everyone including families with children with a choice of tickets available. If you want to enjoy the excitement and atmosphere from the stands then you can do this, whilst others will bring their own picnic and enjoy the informal atmosphere lounging in the shade of the tall trees surrounding the track.
We absolutely loved our day out at the races. This might be a small island but the excitement produced by the exuberant spectators is contagious. Whilst the betting system is different to what we are accustomed to in the UK it doesn’t take long to understand and you are readily parting with your Bajan dollars in the hope of securing the winner.
I have written three other posts about Barbados highlighting my favourite things to do on the island
If you want any more ideas or information about the island by all means comment and get in touch.
A Midlife Adventure 