Swim with the Turtles

Book Plombagine Cottage and snorkel, sail or swim with turtles in Barbados at Alleyne’s Bay. Barbados is home to a large population of leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles. Some guests are lucky to see the turtles as they lay their eggs. Others are in time to witness baby hatchlings making their short but tedious trek into the ocean.

Leatherback Sea Turtles

Unique in appearance, leatherbacks are the only sea turtles that do not have a hard shell. Instead, leatherbacks have a tough, rubbery skin with thousands of tiny bones that give them their leathery appearance. Known as the largest and oldest species of turtle, they can grow up to 10 feet and weigh over 2,000 pounds. They also enjoy a diet of jellyfish and other soft marine animals. They can consume up to twice their body weight in one day. Leatherbacks love to swim, and their powerful front flippers help them glide through the ocean for hours on end. They can journey for thousands of miles across the Atlantic.

baby sea turtles making their way into the sea in front of Plombagine Cottage Barbados

Nesting season for the lovely leatherback runs from February to July. When ready to lay eggs, adult females return to the region where they were hatched and make their nests. On average, they lay around 70-80 tiny eggs. The eggs incubate for just over two months. Of the many hatchlings, only a few survive to adulthood. It takes another 15-25 years before the young turtles reach maturity and repeat the nesting cycle.

Hawksbill Sea Turtles

The hawksbill derives its name from its hawk-like beak. Now a critically endangered species, hawksbills have been hunted illegally for their beautiful shells. The Barbados Sea Turtle Project sometimes tag and track these turtles. Tracking information reveals that some hawksbills journey to visit their Spanish-speaking cousins in waters as far as the Dominican Republic to the North, and Venezuela to the South. They nest between April and November.

Save the Turtles

While watching these magnificent creatures can be an incredible experience, it is of utmost importance that persons do not disturb the turtles while they are laying. Moreover, persons should not try to capture the baby turtles as they make their journey into the sea. We have high expectations that our wonderful guests will treat our marine environment with great care.

We at Plombagine are committed to sustainable tourism. As such, we encourage guests to report sightings of nests to facilitate recording by the Barbados Sea Turtle Project. Guests can also donate or volunteer to assist with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project by visiting their website. We hope you support this initiative.

Snorkel in front of Plombagine

If you are searching for the best beach to snorkel in Barbados, congratulations on finding the perfect spot. Plombagine Cottage sits on the famous Alleyne’s Bay. Framed by a natural reef, Alleyne’s Bay is home to an intricate marine ecosystem comprising of hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles, thousands of exotic fish and beautiful corals. Teeming with life, the marine habitat has become a main attraction for snorkeling enthusiasts staying at the Cottage.

Snorkel with the Turtles

For many years, our guests have enjoyed snorkeling in the waters in front of the cottage. Guests snorkeling here can expect to see a wide variety of fish and even sea turtles. These curious creatures enjoy being fed and some even stick around long enough to pose for photos. Indeed, many guests at Plombagine Cottage also enjoy swimming with the turtles.

Schools of Fish

Snorklers can look forward to seeing schools of Banded Butterfly Fish, Queen Parrot Fish and Basslets. Snorkelers may also spot Bluehead Wrasse, which incidently bears the colors of the Barbados flag: blue, yellow and black.

Corals and Coral Reef

Barbados has some of the most beautiful, diverse corals in the Carbbean. Guests snorkeling at Allenyne’s Bay can explore spectacular coral reefs composed of sea fans, barrel sponges and large coral heads. Unfortunately, coral reefs have deteriorated over the years. While efforts are underway to restore these delicate ecosystems, care should be taken not to damage them.

More Great Places to Snorkel in Barbados

Not too far away from Plombagine Cottage is the lovely Folkestone Beach. At low tide on most days, guests can walk to Folkestone Beach about 2.5 mil.es away. Mullin’s Bay in St. Peter is another great spot for snorkeling. Barbados also has a number of shipwrecks and popular diving sites. Carlisle Bay on the South Coast another great beach for snorkeling and is also a popular diving spot.

Snorkeling Gear

We sometimes have a limited amount of snorkeling gear at the cottage. Guests are free to use this equipment if present. However, we recommend that you travel with your own snorkeling equipment, or purchase additional gear while on island. We do not supply or sell snorkeling equipment at the cottage.

Top 5 Restaurants Near Plombagine

With many great restaurants near Plombagine, you don’t have to venture far to find a delicious meal. Plombagine is ideally located on a public transportation route. With many places to eat out on the Barbados West Coast, there is no shortage of options. Below are our top five choices for dining out near Plombagine.

1. Lone Star

Within walking distance of Plombagine, you will find the world famous Lone Star Restaurant. The Lone Star serves breakfast from 8:30 am and lunch from noon. Lone Star is open all day for desserts and drinks, and dinner from 6:30 in the evenings. Its woodstone oven pizzas, burgers and fries, and fish and chips are also a hit with children.

2. Juma’s Restaurant

Just a stone’s throw south of the Catholic Church, you will find this restaurant near Plombagine. Juma’s is little hidden treasure but a big hit with many of our guests. They have a reasonably priced menu and a great ambiance. Dining is available without a reservation.

3. Nishi Bar

For sushi lovers, we recommend this option. Nishi Restaurant at Holetown is known for amazing sushi and seafood. They also serve a range of Caribbean and Asian dishes and a selection of specialty cocktails. The restaurant also has a live band and a very nice atmosphere.

4. Tides Restaurant

Also located at Holetown, Tides offers an exquisite dining experience. In addition to an impressive wine list, Tide’s menu includes a special dinner vegetarian ensemble. Guest can feast on a number of delicious cocktails and desserts at lunch and dinner.

5. The Fish Pot

Head north to the Fish Pot where you will find the most enchanting waterfront setting. Located at Speightstown in St. Peter, the Fish Pot is known for its superbly fresh fish. The Fish Pot is our No. 1 recommendation for fine dining in the north of Barbados.

More Restaurants Near Plombagine

In addition to the restaurants above, check out our top recommendations for Barbados Nightlife. We also recommend Papa Earl’s, a local joint across from Plombagine. Papa Earl serves local food which includes healthy vegetarian dishes. Guests can also check out the Friday evening grill at the neighborhood shop just down from the property. For the best rum shop lime, we recommend John Moore’s Bar which is about a 5 min walk to Weston, or less than one minute drive from the propety. Enjoy!

Traveling to Barbados With Kids

For families travelling to Barbados with kids, Plombagine is the perfect place to stay with your little ones. The suites at Plombagine are equipped with ample baby gear, including:

High Chair
Baby Bathtub
Pack & Play
Children’s Books
Toys and Games
Cable TV and Netflix with Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network

In the event that you need to have childcare services during your stay, we can arrange a babysitter for you. Finding a babysitter that you can trust can be challenging. This is even more so while in a foreign country. We can recommend someone to stay with your children if the need arises. Otherwise, we can help you find the right professional care provider to meet the needs of your family.

Best Kid Friendly Activities Near Plombagine

Families do not have to go far to find stimulating activities for their children to enjoy. There are a number of fun activities that families can participate in together around the cottage. Some of these activities include:

Relaxing at the beach- Plombagine is located at Alleyne’s Bay. The beach is calm and safe for swimming. Children will also enjoy building sandcastles and making snowmen and snow angels with the sand. Plombagine Cottage is equipped with beach chairs and beach towels.

Swimming with the Turtles -Alleyne’s Bay is famous for the large Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtle population that lives here. Sometimes, guests are lucky to see turtles come onto the beach late at night to nest. Kids may also spot baby turtles as they make their way into the water.

Snorkeling– Older kids will enjoy this adventure. Seeing the hundreds of pretty fish and undersea coral is an exciting experience for any child. Be sure to travel with your underwater camera to capture the beauty of the marine life at Plombagine Cottage.

Boat Tours– Families staying at Plombagine Cottage can enjoy a load of water sport activities. We recommend booking a catamaran cruise with the kids.

Dining Out– There are many restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal in Barbados with kids. Just a stroll up the beach will take you to Lone Star Restaurant, which has an excellent kids menu. Also, check out our Top 5 Restaurants Nearby for tips on the best restaurants near the cottage.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Barbados with Kids

Harrisons Cave- The iconic Harrison’s Cave attracts tourists of all ages.. The Cave is a crystallized limestone cavern with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, and breathtaking waterfalls, pools and streams. There is also a special junior adventure tour for little nature enthusiasts.

Animal Flower Cave- The Animal Flower Cave is known for its famous sea anemones that intrigue young visitors. These flowers are known to retreat into their stalks and then reappear.

Barbados Flower Forest- Spread over more than 53 acres of land in the hills of the Scotland District is a place of beauty and tranquility. The serene Barbados Flower Forest is a natural spectacle of tropical plant species. Families can enjoy walking thef trails and then sitting to enjoy the colorful orchids, gingers and palms.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve- Kids will enjoy seeing monkeys, parrots, peacocks and other wildlife on this adventure. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is home to many wild species. Children can have fun naming the animals as they roam freely around the reserve.

Atlantis Submarine- Kids will love this under sea voyage. The Altantis Submarine takes you down to depths of more than 150ft under the sea. Children must be 3ft or taller to board the submarine.

Nightlife in Barbados

Barbados nightlife booms with excitement. Whether your preference is rum shops, karaoke and roadside grills; or upscale bars, sophisticated clubs and fine dining, Barbados has the perfect spot for you. There are many great places to enjoy the nightlife in Barbados. In order of proximity to the Cottage, here are our Top recommendations for experiencing nightlife in Barbados.

Top Spots for Barbados Nightlife

1. Lone Star Restaurant

Less than 3 mins walk from Plombagine Cottage, the legendary Lone Star is one of the Top 5 Restaurants Nearby. The Lone Star is also popular with celebrities visiting Barbados. Dinner is served from 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm. However, the restaurant is open all day. Its menu offers an array of European delicacies blended with Caribbean influences.

2. John Moore’s Bar

Less than 2 mins drive away from Plombagine Cottage, John Moore Bar is a hit with both locals and tourists. In addition to the wide range of local and international rums, John Moore’s also serves locally caught fish. John Moore’s is the spot to meet up with locals and tourist to find discuss a wide range of topics. From what’s happening across the island to debating events unfolding on the international scene, John Moore Bar is that place for invigorating conversation and a super lively lime.

3. 1st and 2nd Street Holetown

Just a short 5 min drive south will land you at 1st and 2nd Street, Holetown. Start at the beginning or start at the end- this U-shaped street is a hive of activity. On 1st Street, guests can dine at Angry Annies, enjoy a drink at the Oasis Bar, take in live entertainment at Raggamuffins, and end the night partying at the Red Door Lounge. Alternatively, guests can enjoy Indian food on 2nd Street, For Old Year’s Night aka New Year’s Eve, 1st Street Holetown is the main attraction on the West Coast.

4. Limegrove Cinemas

For movie lovers, Limegrove Cinemas is the perfect spot on the West Coast. Limegrove has a nice ambiance and is the closest cinema to catch the latest movies. Guests can view the movie schedule on the Limegrove Cinemas website.

5. Roadside Grill at Paynes Bay

Heading in a southerly direction past Sandy Lane, you will find a fish fry serving the delicious roadside food on the West Coast, and possibly all of Barbados. Guests can stop here for grilled Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Blue Marlin, and Shrimp. They also serve juices made of local fruit, including mango, passion fruit, tamarind, and guava.

6. Harbor Lights

Prepare to be mesmerized. Harbor Lights at Carlisle Bay takes you on a journey of authenticity, amusement and passion, every Monday and Wednesday evening with their Beach Extravaganza and Dinner Show. Harbor Lights is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the rhythms of three live, local bands. Enjoy a traditional Bajan style BBQ dinner accompanied by free-flowing drinks throughout the night.

7. St. Lawrence Gap

Considered the most popular tourist spot on the Barbados South Coast, St. Lawrence Gap comes alive with activity every night. Referred to by most locals as, “The Gap”, this road is the highlight of Bajan nightlife. Guests will find a wide selection of restaurants, clubs and roadside attractions.

8. Oistins Fish Fry

Not just your average fish fry, Oistins combines roadside food with music and dancing. Oistins Fish Fry comes alive every Friday and Saturday night. Satisfy your taste buds with an array of local cuisine, including grilled fish, jerked chicken, pork chops, ribs and shellfish served with rice, macaroni pie, salads, and fries.

Barbados Catamaran Cruises

There are many things to do in Barbados, and you can enjoy them all year round. But today, we want to place a special accent on Barbados catamaran cruises! A catamaran cruise is the perfect way to experience the ocean, with sprinkles of sea spray upon your skin, the taste of the sea on your lips, and the smell of the ocean filling your lungs.

Barbados Catamaran Cruises

Barbados’ west coast is commonly referred to by locals as the “gold coast” or “platinum coast.” It is renowned for its golden sand beaches and clear, calm waters. It is also famous for water sports activities, especially during summer. To truly appreciate the beauty of the west coast, a boat tour is a must. There is never a dull moment on Barbados catamaran cruises.

Typically, persons can enjoy the picturesque view of the coastline while sailing on the open sea. Sometimes, lucky travellers get an unexpected glimpse of flying fish gliding high into the air, soaring past the boat. However, it is more common to see turtles swimming in the water. Speaking of which, swimming with the turtles is one of the many activities that guests staying at Plombagine Cottage particularly enjoy.

Fishing Trips

Aside from boat tours, fishing trips are a popular family activity with guests at Plombagine. Whether its clearing fish pots, tossing a fishing line or casting a net, a fishing trip with the family is a really fun way to enjoy the outdoors. If you want to go fishing, we can hook you up!

Enjoy More Water Activities

We also recommend jet ski rides and snorkeling. There are many other water sports activities available. We can help you decide on which to choose, and even organize these activities for you. Simply select tour arrangement services at the time of booking, and we will help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Explore Harrisons Cave

Harrisons Cave Barbados is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the Caribbean. Simply referred to by most Bajans as “the Cave”, this crystallized limestone cavern wows visitors with its cascading waterfalls, glassy pools, and majestic streams. It is adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and other forms of calcite deposits. Many Barbadians along with past visitors to the Island insist that the Cave is a must see.

Venture Into Harrisons Cave

Located in St. Thomas, the heart of Barbados, this massive stream cave system is at least 2.3 kilometers long. The temperature inside is a cool 27 degrees Celsius on average year-round. Its largest cavern, named the Great Hall, is a stunning 15 meters, or 50 feet high. Without a doubt, it is truly a display of the beauty and wonders of nature.

Tours and Packages

This phenomenal attraction is open to the public every day, except public holidays. In particular, visitors can enjoy a variety of tours from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The standard tram tour lasts about one hour. Visitors descend into the Cave in trams directed by friendly, expert tour guides. In addition, visitors are treated to a video depicting the history of the Cave and formation of Barbados, before embarking on the tram ride.

For the more adventurous, walk-in tours and eco-adventure tours are also available. The walk-in tour is perfect for those who wish to have a closer look at the calcite formations. The eco-adventure tour, which spans a few hours, is recommended for those who are even more adventurous. On the eco-adventure tour, visitors garb helmets and headlights, along with elbow and knee pads, to explore the cave on their hands and knees and crawl through some parts on their tummies. Expect to get wet and a bit muddy! A junior adventure tour for budding nature enthusiasts is also available. Kids embark on a guided adventure to learn about caves, animal life, and water conservation.

In addition to tours, visitors can book the grounds for special events, such as weddings, conferences, and parties. Guided tours of the grounds are also available. Visitors can also view Arawak Indian artifacts at the nearby visitor’s center and purchase souvenirs from the surrounding gift shops. Visit the Harrison’s Cave website for more information.

Let’s Book Your Tour of the Cave

Our services include arranging tours for guests staying at Plombagine Cottage. Select Tour Arrangement service at the time of booking. Our minimum stay is five nights.

Visit the Harrisons Cave Barbados website for more information about tour options.

Experience Crop Over Festival

The Crop Over Festival is the most adored summer festival in Barbados. It dates back to the 1780’s when the island was the world’s biggest producer of sugar. The Crop Over celebration commences in May- the end of the sugar cane season. The season spans twelve weeks and culminates the first Monday in August with the Grand Kadooment celebration. It’s a great time to spend summer at Plombagine Cottage!

Crop Over marks the end of a successful sugar cane harvest. The festival was shut down from the 1940s until 1974 because of the declining of the sugar industry. When the festival was revived, it was enriched with many other elements of the Barbadian culture. This festival now attracts thousands of people from around the world.

Crop Over Highlights

The Crop Over festival begins with the Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and the Crowning of the King and Queen of the Festival. The King and Queen are the most productive male and female cane cutters in a given year.

Bridgetown Market

The Bridgetown Market features an array of food and beverage stands with endless culinary delights. If you’re considering investing in the food & beverage sector in Barbados, you can use the Crop Over events as a jump start to promote your new business. Besides the food and beverage stands, there are also local arts and craft stands, so it is a great time to shop for souvenirs.

Cohobblopot

Another major attraction is the Cohobblopot show. It resembles a pageant where bands display their stunning costumes on stage while calypsonians perform for the audience.

Kiddie’s Kadooment

Children can take part in the Kiddies Kadooment and show off their costumes before the judges.

Calypso

The Crop Over festival further highlights Barbadian history and culture through folk concerts, art exhibitions, photo exhibitions, and music. Not surprisingly, one of the main features of the festival is Calypso music. Calypsonians compete for exceptional prizes and titles such as Party Monarch, Sweet Soca Monarch, Road March Monarch, and Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. The final calypso competition, Pic-O-De-Crop, is followed by the Fore-Day Morning Jam. These are just a few of the many events that kick off during the Crop Over season.

Grand Kadooment

The Crop Over finale is the Grand Kadooment. It is a big carnival parade that features bands with revelers wearing elaborate, and in some cases, very skimpy, costumes. Bands depict various themes and compete for the coveted Band of the Year prize. Others are just there to feel their magnificent energy and enjoy the good vibes. The street parade commences at the National Stadium and concludes several miles away at Spring Garden. When the revelers arrive at Spring Garden, the party continues with fantastic music, food and drinks, and maybe a quick swim at the beach. This is definitely an event that you should capture if you are in Barbados for the summer.

Visit the National Cultural Foundation website to learn more about Crop Over and find out about upcoming events.