Speightstown and the North: Things to Do Before or After Your Cruise

Our charters leave from Clinketts in Saint Lucy, at the quieter northern end of Barbados' west coast. Most visitors stay further south, so a cruise with us is a perfect excuse to explore a part of the island many people miss. Here are our favourite ways to spend the hours before or after your time on the water.

Speightstown: just down the road

A few minutes south of Clinketts, Speightstown is Barbados' second town and one of its oldest. In the 1600s it was a busy trading port, so busy it was nicknamed "Little Bristol" after its trade links with England. Today it's laid-back and full of character.

• Walk the waterfront. The esplanade and the old jetty are lovely in the early morning or late afternoon, and the sunsets here are some of the best on the island.
• Visit Arlington House Museum. This restored 18th-century house tells the story of the town and its people, with interactive exhibits that work well for kids too.
• Wander the streets. Look out for the old balconied buildings, St Peter's Parish Church and the small local shops.
• Eat local. You'll find casual seafront spots for fish cutters, flying fish and an ice-cold drink.

Beaches nearby

The northwest coast has some of the calmest, least crowded beaches in Barbados:

• Mullins Beach, just south of Speightstown: soft sand, gentle water and a beach bar.
• Heywoods Beach, on the northern edge of Speightstown: long, quiet and good for a walk.
• Six Men's Bay, a small fishing village near Clinketts where you can watch the fishing boats come and go.

Further north: island landmarks

If you have a car or a driver for the day, the parishes of Saint Lucy and Saint Peter have some of Barbados' best-known sights, all within about 20-30 minutes:

• Animal Flower Cave is a sea cave at the island's northern tip, with rock pools and dramatic Atlantic views. Check tide conditions before you go.
• St Nicholas Abbey is a 17th-century plantation house with a rum distillery and a heritage steam railway.
• Cherry Tree Hill has one of the best viewpoints on the island, looking down over the rugged east coast.
• Farley Hill National Park offers the ruins of a grand mansion, shady gardens and wide views. It's a nice spot for a picnic.

Suggested half-day plans

Morning cruise, afternoon in town. Spend the morning on the water, when the sea is often at its calmest. Then head to Speightstown for a late lunch and a stroll along the waterfront.

Sightseeing first, cruise later. Visit St Nicholas Abbey or Animal Flower Cave in the morning, then cool off with a swim with the turtles in the afternoon.

End on a sunset. Finish your charter in the late afternoon and stay in Speightstown for dinner as the sun goes down.

Getting here

Clinketts is on the west coast in the parish of Saint Lucy. Coming from the south coast or Bridgetown, allow extra time for traffic, especially on Highway 1 through Holetown. Parking is available nearby; ask us for directions when you book. We can also arrange transport through one of our partners; just let us know when you book.

Charters run on Saturdays and Sundays, from $250/hr USD for up to 8 guests, aboard our power boat Livity.

Make a day of it in the north. Request your booking, or contact us and we'll help you plan.