Barbados Island Tour: Pottery, Flower Forest & Wildlife Reserve

Summary

Barbados island tour with pottery, gardens, lunch and wild monkeys

You’ll touch local clay at Earthworks Pottery, gaze out from St John’s Church over Barbados’ wild east coast, stroll through lush Flower Forest gardens and share lunch with island flavors before watching green monkeys play at the wildlife reserve. This tour leaves you feeling like you’ve seen more than just postcard views—you’ve felt the island’s heartbeat.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen a monkey steal a mango?" our guide, Marcus, grinned as he steered us away from the minivan and into the shade near the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. But before that—honestly, the day felt like a string of surprises. We started in St. Thomas at Earthworks Pottery. The place smelled like damp clay and paint—one of the potters let me run my finger along a half-finished bowl (I left a tiny smudge, sorry). I tried to say “thank you” in Bajan dialect but just got a warm laugh back. The shelves were stacked with wild patterns—reds, blues, sun-yellow—nothing like what you’d find at home.

Afterwards we wound up narrow roads to St. John’s Church. It’s old—like really old—and stands on this bluff where wind comes straight off the Atlantic. The view was all rolling green hills and distant surf. I leaned against the cool stone for a second just to take it in. Our guide told us stories about families buried there for centuries; I’m not sure why but it made me feel small in a good way.

The Flower Forest was next. It’s not manicured or stiff—just wild color everywhere and birds calling out from somewhere above us. Lunch was here too: flying fish (which I’d never tried), rice and peas, something sweet with coconut—simple but so good after walking under that sun. A few tables over, two women chatted in soft Bajan accents about their grandkids; I caught maybe every third word but their laughter was easy to understand.

Bathsheba Beach looked exactly like those old postcards—giant rocks scattered along the sand and waves pounding hard enough that you could feel it in your chest if you stood close enough. We watched surfers try their luck for a while before heading along the east coast toward the wildlife reserve. That’s where we saw the green monkeys darting around during feeding time—one nearly brushed my leg chasing after fruit. So yeah, Marcus wasn’t kidding about those mango thieves.

I keep thinking about that drive back through little villages—the smell of fried fish drifting through open windows, kids waving as we passed by—and how even though it was just one day trip from Bridgetown or anywhere in Barbados really, it felt like we’d been let in on something real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Barbados island tour and wildlife visit

• Visit Earth Works Pottery
• See potters making creations
• Tour historic St John's Church
• Walk through Flower Forest Garden
• Enjoy lunch at Flower Forest restaurant
• View Bathsheba scenic beach
• Explore Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• Watch green monkeys feeding

Top questions

How long is the Barbados Island Tour?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with multiple stops including lunch.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at either Flower Forest restaurant or Sand Dunes restaurant with Caribbean dishes served.

Are hotel pickups available?

Yes, round-trip shared transfers with pickup are included.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; prams or strollers can be used and infants sit on an adult's lap.

What animals can I see at Barbados Wildlife Reserve?

You’ll see indigenous green monkeys plus other local animals in their natural habitat during feeding time.

Where does this tour start?

The tour starts with pickup from your accommodation anywhere in Barbados.

Is there much walking involved?

You’ll walk through gardens and sites but it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

Does this tour visit Bathsheba Beach?

Yes, there is a stop at Bathsheba Beach to enjoy its famous rock formations and ocean views.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup anywhere in Barbados, entry to Earthworks Pottery studio for hands-on moments with local artists, guided walks through St John’s Church grounds and Flower Forest Garden, a traditional Caribbean lunch with drinks at one of two scenic restaurants, transport by air-conditioned minivan throughout each stop including Bathsheba Beach views and finally entry into Barbados Wildlife Reserve to see green monkeys up close before returning in comfort.