The Wonderful Animals You'll Find In Barbados

Barbados Green Faced Monkey
Barbados Green Faced Monkey | © Joe Ross/Flickr
Culture Trip

Barbados, a small but perfectly formed tropical paradise, might be best known for its beaches and watersports, but there is also an interesting array of wonderful animals there. The government has done a good job of preserving the coral reefs which protect the coastline, and thus the habitats of a number of native creatures. Inland, there are a number of well kept tropical gardens, as well as the Barbados Wildlife Reserve – famous for Green Monkeys. Taking time to experience some of the wonderful animals that call Barbados home should be on every visitor’s agenda.

Hummingbird

There are two hummingbirds in Barbados – the diminutive Antillean Crested Hummingbird, and the Green-Throated Carib. They can often be seen hunting for nectar amongst the colourful flowers in the many tropical gardens across the island.

Hummingbird

Green Monkey

Barbados Green Face Monkey |© Joe Ross/Flickr

Mongoose

The mongoose can be found across the island, having been originally introduced to tame the snake population. In fact they were so successful in their mission, that Barbados now has very few snakes, and certainly none to really worry about when exploring the island.

Mongoose

Sea Turtles

Barbados is famous for its Sea Turtles. The protected reef helps create the perfect habitat for these interesting creatures. Many of them have become so accustomed to the presence of humans that they are almost tame and perfectly happy for you to swim with them.

Sea Turtle

Bats

Nocturnal creatures, bats come out to play at approximately 7pm, although they spend the days hanging out (literally) in caves and other dark places. They’re best spotted shortly after sunset as they come out to feed. In Barbados, the bats are a vital part of the ecosystem, keeping the insect population under control – something every visitor to the tropics should be thankful for.

Bat

Whistling Frogs

Another creature that prefers to come out at night, the Whistling Frog is responsible for providing Barbados’ natural backing music once the sun goes down. These tiny little frogs (males are just 2.3cm long) prefer wet habitats such as lush tropical gardens and they get their name from the two-tone male mating call.

Blackbelly Sheep

Thought to have arrived from Africa with early European settlers, the Barbados Blackbelly is particularly well adapted to the heat and is quite hardy. Farmed for the domestic food market and for export to breeders, the Blackbelly, which looks something like a small deer, can be seen grazing on pastures across the island.

Barbados Sheep

Green Lizards

These small creatures are everywhere in Barbados, and are usually seen scurrying along the sides of buildings and rocks. Interestingly, they are able to discard their tails if escaping a predator. Sometimes known as the cock lizard by locals due to the male’s habit of head-bobbing and puffing out the neck to attract females.

Barbados Lizard
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article