Jungle glades thrive with tropical wildlife. Monkeys, parrots, caiman and more scamper and flutter through the natural mahogany wood of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, in the north of the island.The Barbados Wildlife Reserve with its distinctive coral-rock buildings is both a serious, important protected habitat and also one of the most fun family days out on the island. There’s a strong desire in Barbados to protect the environment for future generations, and it’s notably clear here. Native and imported animals all live together, thoughtfully cared for in their natural habitats. Pink flamingos stand with their graceful necks curved rainbow parrots gossip in the trees. Proud peacocks with their dazzling green and blue feathers strut through the undergrowth. It’s easy to spot the multi-coloured tropical birds as you walk through the aviary.A visit to the reptile collection is completely safe even for the timid. Tortoises, turtles, iguanas and alligator-like caiman all ramble through the undergrowth. Enormous python and other snakes are safely kept in cages, but nearly, all the other animals are free to roam the forest: this is most definitely a reserve, not a zoo.Native and imported animals happily live side by side in this reserve. Look out for the non-native plated armadillo, and the small rodent that looks like a squirrel without a tail – the agouti.The monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve are definitely the stars of the show. Yellow and olive green with inquisitive black faces, the Green Monkeys of Barbados were introduced from West Africa over 300 years ago. Now they rove in troops over the forests of Barbados. Whole families of monkeys come for afternoon feeding time at the Wildlife Reserve – children will be delighted by their antics and chattering.The entrance fee also includes free admission to the nearby Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station, and if you don’t see the monkeys in the reserve, you might catch a glimpse out here. Bring a picnic lunch and eat at the reserve or across the road in the Farley Hill National Park. Just watch out for cheeky monkeys!
Barbados Wildlife Reserve Tours and Activities
Visit Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Tours & day trips
See all 71 activitiesOpens in new tabBeautiful Barbados: Transport included Harrisons Cave Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 15 activitiesOpens in new tabAdventure Safari
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabBarbados: Tour of Harrison's Cave & Hunte's Gardens
Water activities
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabCatamaran and Snorkelling Cruise At Carlisle Bay
Classes & workshops
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabBeginner Surf Lesson in Barbados
Popular places to visit
Caribbean International Riding Centre
Enjoy an outing to Caribbean International Riding Centre during your stay in Breedy. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Barclays Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Barclays Park, a lovely green space in Cambridge. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Mullins Beach
With magnificent wall-to-wall sunshine and dramatic sunsets, this beach is calm, uncrowded and has great watersports activities.
Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station
You can find out about the history of Welchtown when you stop by Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.
Farley Hill National Park
Explore the great outdoors at Farley Hill National Park, a lovely green space in Benny Hall. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.
Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill
Find out about the history of The Savannah with a stop at Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.