Is Barbados Safe? Insights from Locals
Planning a trip and asking, is Barbados safe? While I was born there and have visited many times throughout my life, I also asked family members to weigh in. Overall, the answer is yes! Barbados is a safe place to visit!
Barbados is one of the most densely populated places, so arming yourself with more information can offer peace of mind. It’s generally safe, but let’s discuss the basic precautions, areas to avoid and even water safety!
Overall Safety in Barbados
Barbados is quite safe overall! Even the US Travel Advisory site gives it the best ranking of “1: Exercise Normal Precautions.” Unlike Jamaica and Trinidad, which are both ranked a “3: Reconsider Travel,” Barbados has continued to have a good reputation for safety. (Safety rankings are subject to change, but I’m reporting what is currently true).
That is not to say that Barbados doesn’t have crime, but it’s not out of control to the detriment of locals and tourists. Visiting Barbados, you will want to use common sense and keep valuables safe, but generally speaking Barbadians (Bajans) are laid back and kind and you can have a wonderful island vacation there!
Additionally, Bajans are smart and aware that tourism is the number one industry on the island. While they can’t be rushed (island time is real), they are generally pleasant, kind and happy to have tourists around spending money.
It’s always good, regardless of where you are travelling, to check the travel advisories for that destination, but Barbados has maintained a good safety rating.
Common Tourist Scams or Issues
Taxis or Drivers
My family and I have always driven around the island. We rent cars or I’ve used my uncle’s car before. Basically, we don’t use the taxis. However, I have heard complaints about them.
Complaints about taxis overcharging has been something I’ve heard about. There are no meters and no ride share apps in Barbados. The best way to handle taxis is through your resort. Ask them how to go about it, the expected cost, or even to organize a reputable driver for you.
Beach Vendors
Beach vendors are harmless, but could get annoying. They will approach you trying to sell coconuts, rent chairs or umbrellas or to rent jet skis. There could be other things as well, but those are the common ones.
You can negotiate with them or simply tell them you’re not interested. While it can be annoying, it can also be a welcomed benefit. I was happy to drink my fresh coconut while relaxing on the beach.
Petty Theft
As with most places, you want to keep your valuables secure. There is petty theft on the island and while it’s generally safe, you still want to keep your items secure. If you’re driving around and don’t want to take some of your valuables, put them in the trunk/boot of the car. As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.”
Safe Areas vs. Areas to Be Cautious
Baxters Road
Generally, most of the island is safe, but I wanted greater insight so I asked my brother who still travels there often and spent most of his childhood there. When I asked where should tourists avoid, responded with “Baxters Road” in Bridgetown.
I also reached out to my Auntie Val who has always lived there and asked if there were any areas tourists should avoid. She first said she couldn’t think of anything. Then I asked about Baxters Road and if she knew why that should be avoided (drugs or homeless?) and she said, “I never go there, so not sure.” 😂
Admittedly, I’ve rarely gone to Bridgetown either. If you do visit, stick to where tourists go, rather than wandering off the beaten path and to be safe, avoid Baxters Road. I’m still unsure of the reason, but it has a long reputation that it should be avoided, so avoid it.
East Coast
The West and South Coast see the most tourists! The East Coast has less people in general, so it can feel more intimidating when you visit. I’ve never had issues sticking to the main areas, but it’s worth noting not to put your guard down just because there are less people around.
I’m not saying to avoid the East Coast as its rugged beauty is worth seeing! Just don’t put your “normal precautions” guard down and avoid the more isolated areas when alone.
Driving in Barbados
In Barbados, they drive on the left side of the road, the roads are narrow, and there are more cars than people on this densely populated island! Even with all those facts, driving in Barbados is absolutely doable.
Narrow Roads and ZR Vans
Even in rush hour, they will let you in and are generally patient. When driving, one of the most intimidating aspects is the amount of pedestrians on the already narrow roads. Then adding to that factor are the ZR Vans (taxi-van option) that will randomly stop on the side of the road to drop off or pick people up!
Of course, there are very few straight roads, so you won’t be driving fast and should have time to react to pedestrians or stopped vehicles.
Roundabouts
Another intimidating factor for Americans would be the roundabouts. I love roundabouts and I’m so happy to see them popping up more and more where I live. However, if you’ve never used them, it can seem more overwhelming.
One way to think about them is they legalize “running stops.” How many times have you barely stopped at a four way stop? Imagine being able to yield, instead of having to come to a stop! Roundabouts keep the traffic going, but at the bigger multi-lane roundabouts it can be scary at first.
Similar to a stoplight, if you want to turn then you should be in the corresponding lane. If you want to go straight, you should be in that lane. The same is true at a roundabout, but you still have to go around the roundabout while yielding to the traffic.
If the bigger roundabouts scare you, just avoid the highway in Barbados.
Is Barbados Safe to Swim?
The West and South Coasts of Barbados are usually calm and great for swimming! The East Coast is where the surfers go and it’s not a great swimming coast. So let’s review some basic safety considerations.
Overview of Coasts
While the West and South Coasts are generally calm, they can experience stronger currents. However, that is not as common and the best swimming beaches are generally along these coasts. It’s worth noting that a lot of these beaches do have rocks, so enter the water slowly to get familiar with the environment.
The Crane Beach is on the southeast of Barbados and it has a very hard break. You can see the sand the waves slosh around, so to swim at The Crane you have to go past the break! While I’m comfortable doing this and have fond memories of being at The Crane with my dad and family, it’s not something everyone would feel comfortable doing.
The East Coast is where the experienced surfers go. To swim, you’ll have to find natural pools among the rocks that offer calmer spots for a quick dip. While it’s not ideal for swimming, it’s absolutely rugged and beautiful!
Ocean Life
I don’t know of a single shark attack in Barbados. There may be one in history, but overall it’s very uncommon! Living near the shark bite capital in Florida, that’s a significant fact!
While I’ve never seen sharks, I have seen sea turtles! There can also be sea urchins around as well. However, on the West and South Coasts the water is calm and clear and generally safe when it comes to ocean life.
Overall, the biggest danger is getting hurt on the rocks, but Barbados is in the Atlantic Ocean, so there is marine life around!
Is Barbados Safe as a Solo Female Traveller?
Since I have family on the island, I can’t speak to being a solo traveller in its purest sense. I have taken many trips solo including to Fiji, Panama, New York City and Mexico. Generally, I feel as safe in Barbados as I did in Fiji. Panama comes next, then New York and Mexico (though the Yucatan Peninsula is generally safe).
Though I feel generally safe in Barbados, there are situations when you feel nervous as a solo traveller, especially as a female! Those moments come whenever you are alone in a new place, at least for me! Even in the states, when I’m alone I have moments when I get nervous.
While I do have family in Barbados, I have driven around the island solo! I’ve relaxed at The Crane Beach solo, I’ve driven along the east coast enjoying the views, I explored the cliffs up by the Animal Flower Cave and I enjoyed a meal along the south coast. I also took beginner surfing lessons in Barbados solo.
When in Barbados, solo or not, take normal safety precautions and follow your first instinct as there is always a risk in life. However, don’t let fear keep you from exploring this beautiful country! We have family and friends still living in Barbados and loving it!
Overall, Barbados is one of the safest countries for solo travellers!
Health & Natural Safety Concerns
Travel Visas
For US Citizens and many countries in Europe, there are no visa requirements as of now. You will need a valid passport, but there are no vaccination requirements either. Additionally, you can stay up to 6 months with no need for a visa!
It’s always recommended to check for any changes regarding visas, but Barbados can’t make it any simpler to enjoy paradise for up to 6 months!
Health
When it comes to doctor visits, there are capable people on the island, but it’s a very different experience to that in the USA. A family member recounted how long it takes to see a doctor in Barbados. She said you’re given the day, but everyone shows up at the same time and then you just have to wait. Coming from the States, it would be extra annoying having to wait all day, but it is island time.
Overall, the healthcare is decent, but not better than the States. I’d suggest looking into Travel Insurance to have any emergency trips home covered. Again, while there is decent healthcare, we all prefer being home if we’re unwell anyway!
Mosquitoes
Living in Florida, I’m very familiar with mosquitoes. They are brutal! I also had mosquito bites all over me while in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. These pests exist in Barbados too, but now that I think about it, I can’t recall a time getting bit like I have in Florida.
However, there are infections being reported in the Caribbean that all stem from mosquitoes. I recommend having repellent, with DEET. I am suggesting DEET, because I bought a natural repellent in Fiji and it did not work. Even in Florida, I have yet to find a mosquito repellent that is natural and works!
While things like Dengue and Zika are unlikely to be part of your vacation story, it’s still better to have repellent on than regret. Though Fiji is also known to have these mosquito related infections and while I had mosquito bites all over my arms and legs, I remained healthy. So this is not to make you fearful, but it’s worth noting as an item to pack.
Common Issues
The sun and heat can be surprising, if you’re not ready for it. Wear sunscreen and a hat and be sure to drink plenty of water and electrolytes, especially if you are sweating a lot. Sunburns and dehydration are more common issues, so stay on the offensive.
Hurricanes
Hurricane season generally runs June to October in Barbados. The island is the easternmost island in the Caribbean and sits quite far south, so it rarely gets a direct hit. However, it can experience hurricane and did experience the outer bands of the category 4 hurricane Beryl in July of 2024.
Living in Florida, hurricanes are also possible and just par for the course. And Florida gets hit far more often than Barbados. While it’s less common, you should still keep up to date with the weather forecast before heading to the island during hurricane season.
The Yasawa Islands of Fiji were one of my favorite trips — solo or otherwise! Click here to explore more Fiji travel tips, or grab my free Quick Guide to help plan your island-hopping adventure.
Emergency Contacts
While Barbados is a safe and welcoming destination, it’s always smart to be prepared. Here are a few essentials to keep in mind:
- Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 211
- Ambulance: 511
- Fire and rescue: 311
Medical Facilities
Barbados has both public and private healthcare options. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown is the main public facility, and there are several well-regarded private clinics across the island for faster service.
Consider Travel Insurance
It can cover unexpected events like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies—including those related to tropical illnesses or injuries. It’s usually very affordable as well, just be sure to check what is included. As an example, if you plan to SCUBA dive, be sure that activity is covered by the travel insurance you choose.
You can shop for travel insurance through sites like VisitorsCoverage Travel insurance or Insubuy. While I’ve typically not bothered with travel insurance, I did buy it for my solo trip to Fiji since I was planning on doing things like a bull shark dive! Thankfully, I never needed it, but it did offer some extra peace of mind for a small price.
FAQ
Is Barbados Safe for US Tourists?
Yes! Barbados is a safe country in general. I’ve never had issues while on the island and my American accent doesn’t give off a “this is my birthplace” impression.
Bajans are chill and kind in general!
Is Barbados or Jamaica safer?
Barbados is definitely safer. If you want to hang out at the resort, Jamaica is also a good option, but if you want to explore, especially on your own, then Barbados is the place to go!
Which is safer, Barbados, St. Lucia or Aruba?
All of these islands are considered safe! Generally, in the southern Caribbean there are plenty of safe islands to choose from. Check for current travel advisories, but these islands tend to be safe to visit.
The islands in the Caribbean with a high crime reputation include Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Trinidad! I’ve been to Puerto Rico and Trinidad (my mum is from Trinidad) and didn’t have issues. However, these islands are known to have more issues with crime.
Is Barbados Safe?
Barbados is considered a safe destination and current travel advice reflects that sentiment. Barbados travel should be considered if you are looking to enjoy some island life! I am partial to my birthplace, but I also feel pride when I read or hear how others have had great experiences on this little island!
If you do travel to beautiful Barbados, I hope you have an amazing time!
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