Barbados : Safety by City
Barbados isn’t just another beach vacation.
It’s the kind of place where history, rum, and turquoise water all fight for your attention.
This eastern Caribbean island sits on the fringe of the hurricane belt, making it a year-round escape with more sunny days than drama.
It’s the easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles, roughly 100 miles east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Once a British colony, Barbados gained independence in 1966 and officially became a republic in 2021, cutting ties with the monarchy but holding tight to cricket, afternoon tea, and left-side driving.
Its colonial past left a layered legacy that’s visible in everything from Georgian architecture to the Parliament Buildings in Bridgetown, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
After the pandemic slump, Barbados has come back strong.
The island welcomed 1.52 million visitors in 2024, outpacing pre-COVID numbers.
Just over half arrived by cruise ship, bringing in a steady wave of day-trippers through Bridgetown Cruise Port.
The majority of travelers hail from Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.
What draws them in?
A mix of postcard-worthy beaches, coral reefs made for snorkeling, and a culture that’s warm in both climate and personality.
Whether you’re into food festivals, hiking through gullies, or sipping rum punch with your feet in the sand, Barbados has that elusive mix of chill and charm that keeps people coming back.
Warnings & Dangers in Barbados
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Barbados is considered a low-risk destination for most travelers. Violent crime is rare in tourist areas, and the country has a stable government and solid infrastructure. Use the same common sense as you would anywhere else, especially at night or in isolated spots, but generally, this is a safe place to explore.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transportation is fairly reliable, but taxis aren’t metered, which can lead to price confusion. Always agree on the fare before getting in. Buses and minibuses are cheap and fun, but can get chaotic and reckless. Driving yourself is doable, but remember it’s on the left, and roundabouts are common.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Petty theft is not a major problem, and pickpocketing is considered low risk in Barbados. Still, don’t flash valuables or leave bags unattended on the beach. Tourist-heavy areas like Oistins Fish Fry or Bridgetown markets can get crowded, so stay aware of your belongings.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Barbados sits just outside the main hurricane belt, but storms can still hit during hurricane season (June to November). Earthquakes and tsunamis are extremely rare. The risk is low except for hurricane season, when a storm can impact a cruise schedule or your connecting flight.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Muggings are rare in Barbados, especially in areas where tourists usually stay. The risk is low, but walking alone late at night, especially outside populated zones, isn’t recommended.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
There’s no known threat of terrorism in Barbados, and it’s categorized as a low-risk country in that regard. The island doesn’t have a history of extremist activity or politically motivated violence. That said, always stay alert to your surroundings, especially during public events.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams targeting tourists are not rampant, but do happen occasionally. Be cautious with street vendors offering overpriced tours or timeshare pitches. Only book excursions through reputable companies, and be wary of anyone being overly pushy about “deals” or claiming to be an official guide.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women in groups will have a more comfortable experience than those traveling solo. You'll want to use the buddy or group system if you're enjoying the nightlife or a party cruise. Don't take drinks from strangers, and that risk extends to even items like cigarettes and gum, all of which can contain drugs.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water in Barbados is safe to drink and meets international standards. It’s treated and monitored by the Barbados Water Authority. Feel free to refill your bottle at hotels or restaurants.
Safest Places to Visit in Barbados
The tourism website is visitbarbados.org.
Under the Plan Your Trip header, you’ll find free visitor guides, catalogs, and maps to download.
I won’t bury the lead here that many of you might be wondering.
Yes, you can visit Rihanna’s childhood home.
Heck, you can even rent it out! Look for Sonia Ville on Instagram or Airbnb.
Plus, the street Rihanna Drive has a monument in her honor with several businesses nearby offering more insight into the superstar’s early years in Barbados.
Start in the capital city of Bridgetown, where you can visit the Barbados Museum, walk around the Garrison Historic Area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and tour St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest plantation houses in the Caribbean.
From there, check out Carlisle Bay, a popular spot for snorkeling over shipwrecks and relaxing on wide, sandy beaches.
Head north along the west coast, known as the Platinum Coast, for calm water and high-end resorts.
Holetown is a convenient stop with shopping, dining, and access to Folkestone Marine Park for reef snorkeling.
Further up in Speightstown, you’ll find fewer crowds and a mix of local culture and beachfront restaurants.
Inland, visit Harrison’s Cave to explore a massive limestone cavern by tram.
Nearby, Welchman Hall Gully offers a cooler walk through a lush forest reserve, sometimes with green monkeys roaming throughout.
If you’re into wildlife, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve in the north is worth the trip.
On the rugged east coast, Bathsheba is known for dramatic surf and rock formations.
It’s not ideal for swimming, but is popular with photographers and surfers.
The nearby Andromeda Botanic Gardens offer a break from the salt air with tropical plants and ocean views.
To cap it off, take a catamaran cruise or visit Mount Gay Rum Distillery for a tasting tour.
Places to Avoid in Barbados
While Barbados doesn’t necessarily have bad parts of town or regions to avoid, the one hesitation you should have is when traveling solo.
The risks, from nature to gangs to crooks looking for a crime of opportunity, are just too great to throw caution to the wind.
Stick with groups, vet a trusted tour guide, and always speak up if you feel like something isn’t right.
For example, I was once on a Mexican Riviera cruise.
During a jungle hike in Puerto Vallarta, we came across a river raging from the previous night’s storms.
Our guide said we were going to cross the river.
I spoke up and said I wasn’t going to do that since I wasn’t experienced.
Luckily, everyone else in the group felt the same way but were too scared to say something.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Barbados
- Barbados has a professional national police force known as the Royal Barbados Police Service. While there’s no dedicated tourist police unit, officers are trained to assist visitors. For emergencies, dial 211 for police, 311 for medical help, and 311 or 830-4128 for fire.
- To get alerts about storms, earthquakes, or other events, follow the Barbados Government Information Service on social media. You can also check the Department of Emergency Management website.
- Visitors need a temporary Barbadian driving permit, which rental agencies can help you get. Barbados drives on the left, and roundabouts are everywhere. Yield to traffic on your right and stay in your lane. GPS apps like Waze work well, but don’t expect a ton of road signs once you’re out of town.
- There are no required vaccines for entry, but routine shots like MMR, tetanus, and hepatitis A are smart to have. Hepatitis B and typhoid may be worth discussing with your doctor, especially if you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas.
- English is the official language, and most locals speak it fluently. You might hear Bajan Creole in casual conversations, which blends English with West African influences. If you don’t understand something, just ask. Barbadians are known for being friendly and helpful.
- Avoid buying counterfeit or pirated items, even from street vendors. It might seem like a harmless souvenir, but it’s illegal under U.S. law and could get you in trouble locally, too. Customs officials take this seriously, and you risk fines or having items seized.
- Same-sex activity is still criminalized in Barbados, with outdated laws that carry severe penalties. While prosecutions are rare, the law technically remains on the books. LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet in public settings. Local attitudes are slowly changing, but social norms can still be conservative.
- Check beach conditions before swimming, especially on the Atlantic side, where waves and currents are stronger. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. Sites like MagicSeaweed and Windy can help you spot riptides or dangerous surf before heading out.
- If you come across green monkeys, enjoy them from a distance. Don’t feed, pet, or try to pose with them for photos. These are wild animals and can become aggressive or spread disease. Some areas, like the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, offer safe ways to view them respectfully.
- It’s illegal for anyone except the military to wear camouflage in Barbados. That includes hats, bags, shirts, and even masks, regardless of the color or pattern. If you’re wearing camo at the airport or on the street, you could be stopped by the police and asked to change. Just leave it at home.
So... How Safe Is Barbados Really?
From an official standpoint, Barbados doesn’t have an elevated travel advisory.
On a four-tiered scale, with Level 1 being the lowest, that’s where Barbados ranks by the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Beyond the rating level, the United States Department takes it a step further with a standard precaution, noting, “U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in Barbados.
However, crimes of opportunity… do occasionally occur.”
This is notable because the U.S. generally errs on the side of caution with warnings.
Even Canada and Australia detail basic safety steps to keep the risk as low as possible.
Those with common sense shouldn’t have an issue.
That said, there has been an increase in violent crime, largely tied to gang activity.
Just a reminder to avoid unknown parts of down or dark alleys.
Again, common sense will keep you out of those areas anyway.
Then you have the water risks, from riptides to dangerous marine life.
With the tourism industry being relatively unregulated here, it’s not worth risking a daring activity if you’re not experienced.
Most of the risks here can be avoided with due diligence and situational awareness.
How Does Barbados Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Barbados | 80 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Be sure to fill out an Online Customs and Immigration form within 72 hours of arrival. U.S., Canadian, and U.K. citizens don’t need a visa to enter Barbados for stays under six months. You will need a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. Immigration officers may ask for proof of accommodation or sufficient funds, so have your details handy when you land.
Currency
Barbados uses the Barbadian dollar (BBD), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate is fixed at 2 BBD to 1 USD. Most places take major credit cards, especially in tourist areas. ATMs are available across the island, but use common sense and always protect your PIN.
Weather
Expect warm, tropical weather year-round with average highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The dry season runs from December to May, while June to November is hurricane season. Even then, direct hits are rare, but brief afternoon showers are common. Offshore storms can also kick up nasty waves and rip currents. Pack light, breathable clothes, and don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen.
Airports
Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is the island’s main airport, located about 10 miles from Bridgetown. It handles flights from North America, Europe, and other Caribbean islands. The airport is small but efficient, with taxis and rental cars available outside the terminal. Plan for longer lines during high season.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Barbados. It can cover trip delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. While healthcare on the island is generally good, private care can get expensive fast. Some policies also cover hurricane-related disruptions, which is worth considering if you visit between June and November.
Barbados Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 29 |
| Low °C |
21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
| High °F |
82 | 84 | 84 | 86 | 88 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 86 | 86 | 84 |
| Low °F |
70 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 75 | 72 |
Barbados - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bridgetown | 72 |
Tough economic time, change in government many disagreed with. Largest industry is black market tourism, it has so much beauty but rating should be closer to 50-60.
Barbados safe.
I think you should look at Barbados this last week. I see trouble with COVID 19 and the number in isolation.
My best friend went there for her once in a life time vacation. She was told she tested positive for Covid but never given the results she was put in a detention center with horrible conditions for the remainder of her vacation from hell. 3rd world conditions need I say more. worse than a prison. She never did receive her positive results. Worse vacation ever. Never leave the USA !
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It’s a 4 star location but the pandemic changed some things
Barbados is a great place to visit BUT and this is a big one, lately things are going down. Ever since the pandemic started things are not the same and I don’t know if Barbados is now a place I would recommend going to. Unless you have a friend or acquaintance staying there and can ask him or her about the current conditions, I wouldn’t go. Be very careful as there are many things you won’t think about before going and can end up losing a few days or a week of your life.
Again, Barbados (in its good days and without the pandemic) is a great place to visit and you should definitely consider going after all this is done with. Just be careful about going now, at this time. This place can be breathtaking, with many amazing opportunities to swim in clean, blue water or fish or do some snorkeling. It’s a place where you can relax, unwind and live some very wonderful experiences.
The first thing I visited when I was here were the beaches of Carlisle Bay. This is without doubt one of the best beaches you can visit. The water is like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else. The sand is amazing, the weather perfect and you can just find yourself admiring the view for hours on end with a cool breeze on your face. Make sure to go to Pebble Beach. In the morning, you can see the sunrise and also the racehorses getting a bath.
If you love animals then head to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Here you’ll find their famous green monkeys, deer, tortoises, and iguanas. It’s a great place to take many pictures of these animals plus many, many birds.
Friday nights go to Oistins where many vendors will set up their shop and sell the freshest fish they just caught. This is definitely worth experiencing for yourself.
Other places you should think about are Hunte’s Gardens (a real masterpiece that you need to experience), Harrison’s Cave (anyone for some cool air?), Welchman Hall Gully or go on a walk on Richard Haynes Boardwalk.