Harrison’s Cave is right in the middle of things, which makes it super easy to add other fun stops to your day. Whether you want history, nature, animals, or beaches, it’s all close by. Here’s the lowdown on some good choices:
| Attraction | Distance (km) | Drive Time (min) | Entry Fee (USD) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welchman Hall Gully | 1 | 3 | 12 | Walk a tropical forest, see green monkeys up close, and spot rare plants. |
| Barbados Wildlife Reserve | 15 | 25 | 15 | Watch monkeys, tortoises, iguanas, and colorful birds in a natural setting. |
| St. Nicholas Abbey | 18 | 20 | 20 | Tour a 17th-century plantation house, try some locally-made rum. |
| Flower Forest | 16 | 22 | 8 | Chill in a stunning garden full of Barbados’ vibrant flowers and trees. |
| Hunte’s Gardens | 17 | 23 | 10 | Explore a hidden garden with ponds and tropical plants—the perfect photo op. |
| West Coast Beaches | 20 | 25 | 0 | Hit popular beaches like Paynes Bay or Mullins for swimming and water sports. |
Welchman Hall Gully
Just a kilometer away, this gully started as a collapsed limestone cave like Harrison’s but now feels more like a walk through a jungle. The path runs about 1.3 kilometers and winds past over 150 types of plants—turns out, Barbados might have grown the first grapefruit here. Green monkeys hang around too, especially when they’re fed around midday. It’s a peaceful spot after the cave’s underground vibe. Admission is around USD $12 for adults and $6 for kids.
Pro Tip: Go early or late to catch the green monkeys at feeding time—they’re way more active, and you might get some great photos without the crowd.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Over in Farley Hill, St. Peter Parish, this place lets you get up close with green monkeys, tortoises, iguanas, deer, caimans, and parrots in their natural setups. The monkeys get fed every day at 2:00 PM, which is when they’re most lively. It’s a good add-on if you want more wildlife without straying far.
Pro Tip: Plan to be there for the 2 PM monkey feeding. The animals come right up to the fences, and it’s a fun show.
Folkestone Marine Park
Located on the west coast near Holetown, this underwater park is where you can snorkel over coral reefs and check out a sunken ship that’s now home to plenty of fish and sea life. The beach area is calm and shallow, making it easy for beginners or families. There’s also a small museum on-site if you want to learn about Barbados’ marine ecosystem before heading into the water.
Pro Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it—rentals can add up. The best visibility is usually in the morning before the wind picks up.
St. Nicholas Abbey
This 17th-century plantation house looks straight out of history books. You can tour the grounds, learn about rum making at the distillery, and try some tastings. It’s about 15 minutes away by car, and the drive through the hills is half the fun.
Pro Tip: If you want to skip the lines, try to visit mid-week or early morning. Don’t miss the rum tastings—they make a good souvenir.
Flower Forest and Hunte’s Gardens
If plants are your thing, these botanical spots show off Barbados’ flowers and trees in quiet, shaded paths. Flower Forest has views over the island, while Hunte’s feels like a secret garden with ponds and stone ruins. Both are relaxing after a cave adventure.
Pro Tip: Bring insect repellent and comfortable shoes. These places are great for a peaceful stroll and some shade from the afternoon sun.
West Coast Beaches
A quick 20-minute drive gets you to beaches like Paynes Bay or Mullins Beach. The sand is soft, the water’s clear, and you can rent gear for snorkeling or paddleboarding. Perfect for cooling off after a morning at the cave.
Pro Tip: Arrive early on weekends or public holidays to snag a good spot. Rentals for snorkeling and paddleboarding are usually priced per hour.
Wildlife Viewing Around the Area
The cave itself doesn’t focus on animals, but the surrounding hills are full of Barbados’ green monkeys—brought over from West Africa more than 350 years ago. They’ve got a population of over 14,000 now, mostly in rural spots like St. Thomas and St. John. You’ll see them swinging through trees, with babies clinging to moms from June through October. Their fur looks brownish-gray up close but catches the light to seem greenish.
At Harrison’s Cave, the bird aviary is a highlight too. It’s got blue and gold macaws, peacocks, sun conures, and other bright birds flying around. We spent extra time there one visit, watching the macaws strut—it’s free with your park pass.
If you’re planning a day, start at the cave in the morning, hit Welchman Hall next, and end at a beach. The roads are straightforward, but traffic picks up in the afternoons.
