If you’re thinking about traveling to Barbados, you’re likely wondering, “is Barbados safe for tourists?” Good news! In addition to its beauty and its distinctly Caribbean hospitality, tourists flock to Barbados year after year because it’s one of the safest islands in the Caribbean and locals are generally very friendly. While some gang-related violence is known to occur, these are isolated incidents, and tourists are rarely involved.
Hurricanes occur less frequently in Barbados compared to other Caribbean islands, since Barbados lies southeast of the central hurricane belt. Hurricane season falls between July and November. If you travel during this time you might experience heavy rains and violent windstorms that can damage buildings, or worse. (In 2024, Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage.) Be sure to get travel insurance if you visit Barbados during hurricane season.
Is Barbados Safe for US Tourists?
Yes, it is. The US State Department currently has a Level 1 Travel Advisory for Barbados, which is the lowest level and means that travelers only need to exercise normal precautions while visiting the country. Here, we’ll sum up what Barbados is doing to keep tourists safe and list a few extra precautions you can take to stay safe while traveling in Barbados and to other amazing destinations.
What Is Barbados Doing to Stay Safe?
For such a small island, Barbados has a large police force. The island is divided into 3 territories, manned by over 1,000 uniformed officers and over 300 civilian members. Resorts in Barbados, of which there are many, work closely with local police and stay up to date on local safety concerns. Police presence is especially noticeable in touristy parts of the island.
Barbados is also 1 of 3 countries involved in the Regional Tourism Health Capacity Enhancement and Digitisation Project, which enhances health and safety measures in the Caribbean by introducing and implementing early warning, monitoring, and response systems in the tourist sector.
Barbados’ Safest Areas: Where Are They?
Barbados’ East and West coasts are quite different from each other, but there are multiple safe areas on the island. For white sand beaches with calm water that’s perfect for snorkeling, stay on the West Coast. St. James, Gibbs Beach, Bridgetown, and Carlisle Bay are safe beach towns that are popular with tourists.
Surfers should stick to the East Coast where the terrain is rugged, the beaches are more rocky, and the waves are powerful. The Eastern shores of Barbados are where you will find the world-famous Soupbowl, a beach in the town of Bathsheba with constant rolling waves and huge swells. If you’re not a strong swimmer, getting in the water can be dangerous, but if you prefer a more dramatic landscape, there are lots of hiking trails and other land attractions like the botanical gardens in St. Joseph.
Can You Walk Around Barbados Safely?
Yes, you can safely walk around most parts of Barbados, especially the main tourist areas and the areas we listed above. There are some parts of the capital city of Bridgetown that are less safe, however, such as Nelson and Wellington Streets. Crab Hill should also be avoided.
While St. Lawrence Gap is a popular tourist area, at night it can be poorly lit and there can be encounters with less-than-savory characters. Stay aware when visiting this area at night.
It’s good to ask at your resort for guidelines about where you can walk safely. Of course, always keep an eye on your surroundings and follow the safety tips below.
Safety Tips for Travelling in Barbados
Barbados is a very safe place to travel, but there are some precautions you should take when visiting any unfamiliar place. Check local and international travel advisories before you go, and take a peek at the weather forecast for your vacation dates especially if you’re traveling during hurricane season.
Pickpocketing and robbery can occur anywhere, and you’re more likely to be targeted if you’re distracted, wearing expensive jewelry or lugging around a high-end camera. When you leave the resort, leave expensive belongings behind, or at least be discreet, and always be aware of your surroundings. Keep some extra cash somewhere other than your wallet, and never bring all of your credit cards out with you. Don’t walk around alone, especially at night, and don’t take any shortcuts through alleyways or residential streets.
Is Barbados safe for women? In general, yes. but women should be especially vigilant when out and about. There have been reports of harassment on the streets of St. Lawrence Gap at night, as well as a case of sexual assault on a beach in Holetown. Avoid being out alone if possible; travel in groups and do not walk alone at night. If taking local taxis, make sure they are licensed.
Wear swimwear on the beach, as nudity is illegal, and do not wear any clothing with camouflage prints (that is only allowed for military personnel).
While same sex relationships are not illegal here, many islanders have conservative attitudes so refrain from public displays of affection.
Drugs including marijuana are illegal here, so avoid those during your trip.
If you encounter wildlife, don’t try to feed or pet it. One of the most common animals in Barbados is the green monkey, a small primate that’s cute and cuddly unless it feels threatened; Green monkeys have been known to attack and bite humans when they get anxious.
Mosquitoes in Barbados can carry tropical diseases like dengue and Zika, so use insect repellant when outside.
Is Barbados or Jamaica Safer?
Barbados is currently considered safer than Jamaica by the US State Department, which has a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory due to increased crime there. However, most crime in Jamaica is between residents and doesn’t affect tourists.
Now that you’ve read all about safety in Barbados, are you ready to plan your trip? Feel free to contact us if you’d like our expert help!
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.
By
By
