Island Drive (Barbados)

Ask a Bajan about their favorite things to do, and you are likely going to hear "island drive." I agree. Barbados is a breathtakingly scenic island!

Photo credit: Shutterstock, mbrand85

All tourists to the island using traditional tourist resources, such as VisitBarbados, will hear about Island Safari, a tour operator. I skipped the tourist-focused Island Safari and instead opted for a tour that was more immersive in the local experience, cheaper, and offered by a locally-owned small business.

The island drive offered by Barbados (Bim) Vibes, a local entertainment business, was started in June 2020 in response to Bajans looking for new outlets for merriment following the cancelation of the annual Crop Over festival due to the pandemic.

Driving around using Soft Top Suzuki Jimnys, also known as Mini Mokes, you may find yourself at Porey Springs tasting roasted breadfruit (a starch which grows on a tree) with delicious toppings made by local Rastafarian entrepreneur "Spring King." You may also climb Round Rock at Cattlewash, a neighborhood in the East of the island. Perhaps you will get to see a spectacular view of the island from Cherry Hill. Experiences are customized for the client.

Photographer: Philip King, Barbados

My drive with Philip, a partner at Bim Vibes, was wonderful! I did try to climb Round Rock but failed miserably due to my short limbs. Instead, I frolicked in the ocean nearby while Philip's long limbs climbed the rock. At the top, Philip took a picture.

Photographer: Philip King, Barbados

I ended the drive feeling like I was just hanging out with a really cool Bajan showing me the island as a local likes to experience it. For a while, I forgot that I was a tourist.

If you are looking for an immersive island tour, give Bim Vibes a try. Reach out to Philip King at Bimnet.pk@outlook.com or +1 (246) 242 - 7882.

Cover photo credit: Simon Danhauer, Shutterstock

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