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.

Barbados Independence

Plombagine Cottage is the perfect accommodation for Barbados Independence. Sitting midway between Holetown and Speightstown, this self-catering vacation rental is the ideal place to experience Bajan culture on the Barbados west coast. Prices for this villa start at US $175.00 per night, plus fees and taxes.

Barbados Independence Traditions

Barbados became an independent nation on 30th November 1960. Every year, Barbadians commemorate Independence Day with a wide range of festive activities and traditions. Some of the activities take place during the entire month of November.

Visitors to Barbados will observe many roundabouts and government buildings illuminated with the colours of the Barbados flag: blue, gold and black. In fact, many businesses sponsor a roundabout for the month of November.

The National Independence Festival of Cultural Arts (NIFCA) showcases the artistic talents of participants which include school groups, dancers, local poets, folk singers and others. In addition, there is also an art exhibition. Visitors can contact the National Cultural Foundation to purchase tickets for NIFCA.

Conkies are part of the Barbados Independence tradition. This is a delicacy made of cornmeal, pumpkin, sweet potato, raisins and grated coconut, enveloped and steamed in banana leaves. The preparation and sharing of conkies is a tradition which many Bajans look forward to around Independence Day. Many restaurants also sell conkies for Independence.

Accommodation for Barbados Independence

Celebrated on November 30th, Barbados Independence falls during the tourist high season. Plombagine Cottage usually sells out early for the high season. If you are considering booking Plombagine Cottage as your accommodation for Barbados Independence, it is best to secure your dates while they are still available.

Christmas in Barbados

Book Plombagine Cottage and spend Christmas in Barbados. This self-catering beachfront villa is the ideal accommodation for Christmas in Barbados. Our Nightly Rate is US $175 plus fees and taxes. Scroll down to see our Yearly Calendar and search availability.

Plombagine Cottage sells out early for the holiday season. Be sure to secure your dates while they are still available. We would love to host you and your family or group for the holidays in Barbados!

Christmas in Barbados- Shopping Tips

If you are spending Christmas in Barbados, we recommend shopping for gifts and groceries early. Most businesses do not open on December 25th. The day after Christmas, Boxing Day, is also a holiday in Barbados. A few shops may be open on Boxing Day, but this is not a certainty.

We recommend planning your Christmas meal and shopping for groceries before Christmas Eve. Lines in supermarkets tend to be very long on December 24th. Stores are also crowded with persons doing their last minute shopping. If you want to avoid the lines and the crowds, you should do your shopping early.

Massy Supermarket at Holetown is a great place for grocery shopping. They carry a wide selection of local and imported grocery items. Most local produce is organically grown. Some prices may be high but the taste is totally worth it. They also carry a wide selecton of ham, turkey, duck, chicken and fish. In addition, Massy offers the widest selection of gourmet cheeses, cakes and wines on the Island.

For gift shopping, we recommend Limegrove at Holetown and a trip to Broad Street in Bridgetown. Travellers producing evidence of an airline ticket leaving Barbados are entitled to purchase items duty-free at most jewellery stores. Be sure to take along some form of government issued picture identification, such as your passport, together with your travel documents, in order to take advantage of duty-free shopping.

Old Year’s Night / New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Many hotels and restaurants along the Barbados West Coast celebrate the turn of the year with live bands and fireworks. Plombagine Cottage is in the perfect spot to behold the spectacle of fireworks which takes place along the coast every Old Year’s Night. Ring in the new year on the beach in front of Plombagine and enjoy fireworks displays from all directions. New Year’s Day is also a holiday in Barbados. Accordingly, most businesses are not open on New Year’s Day.

Barbados Weather in December

Barbados enjoys warm, sunny weather all year round. However, the weather tends to be a little cooler in December. Some folks may even find it a bit chilly. Temperatures in the evening tend to be around 24C. The sea is usually calm in December. However, the water can also be a bit chilly in the evening. The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends in November. As such, there are no storms or hurricanes in December.

Plombagine Cottage Yearly Calendar

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 Food and Rum Festival

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival kicks off this year from Thursday, 18 October 2018 to Sunday, 21 October 2018. This four-day event will be a marriage of food and flavour. Patrons can look forward to an experience that will tantalize the taste buds and stimulate the senses.

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival commences with a Grand Opening and Oistins Bay Gardens Cook-Off. Next is the Signature Rum Event which takes place on Friday evening, featuring an array of delectable dishes paired with Bajan rums. Attendees at this event can expect to be delighted with samples of Mount Gay, Cockspur and other local spirits. This will also be an educational event. Patrons can also expect to learn how to pair rums, wines, and cocktails with meats for the best culinary experience.

On Saturday, the action unfolds with Polo Rum Spirits. The entertainment continues with a duel between local and International Top Chefs. The Grand Finale takes place on Sunday, October 19th at the Hilton Hotel with a Beach Party. The evening ends with a night of fine dining,

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival attracts connoisseurs from all over the world. Tickets for this event often sell out fast. If you plan on attending, be sure to purchase your Barbados Food and Rum Festival Tickets early.

Book Now for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival takes place at the start of the winter season. Be sure to Book Your Accommodation while dates are still available. There are many fun activities to enjoy around Plombagine Cottage. Check out our Top 5 Restaurants Nearby for recommendations on dining out near the Cottage. With cool temperatures all year round, October is a great time to experience Barbados nightlife. Plombagine Cottage is rated one of the best villas on the Barbados west coast. Be sure to check out our Special Offers page for discounts and promotions.

Join Us On Social Media

Thank you for choosing Plombagine Cottage. It is always a pleasure to host nice people and make new friends. We often post promotions and discounts for stays at the cottage. Liking our social media pages is a great way to ensure that you do not miss out on the best discount.

Our Social Media Pages

You can find Plombagine Cottage on Facebook and Google. We also partner with VacationFlow to bring fans and followers updates through Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Like us on Facebook

We post events and promotions on Facebook. Liking our Facebook Page is a great way to keep up to date with Plombagine. It’s also a great place to share your vacation photos and meet other guests. You can also Rate, Review and Recommend us on Facebook.

Follow us on Twitter

Tweet your photos and short videos to us on twitter using @plombagine. Remember to add #Plombagine to your Tweets.

Check in on Google Maps

Why not check in on Goggle Maps while you are at the cottage! You can also rate and review the cottage, and even add photos on Google.

We sometimes give rewards for awesome reviews and best photos so be sure to like, review and share.

Travel Surveys

Our mission is to create idyllic travel experiences for every guests. If you have stayed at Plombagine before, complete our Guest Survey and let us know what we are doing right, and how we can improve.

Reviews

Check out reviews and testimonials from past guests. You can also leave one of your own.

Spend Summer at Plombagine

Spend your summer in Barbados. Stay with us at Plombagine Cottage. Summer is a beautiful time to experience life and culture in Barbados. The island comes alive with celebrations to mark the end of the sugar cane season.

Beach or Bust

Summer is the perfect time to book a boat tour and see the coast from a different perspective. It’s also the perfect time to grab one of our beach chairs and spend a relaxing day on the beach. The ocean here is always lovely, but something magical happens to the water during the summer. The sea gets warmer, the water takes on a clear crystal-like glow, and the sand glitters like fairy dust. It draws you in and you just never want to leave. We can’t explain it any further- you just have to come and experience it for yourself. You can capture a little of the magic in a bottle before leaving, to remind you of your trip to Barbados.

Festival Time

Summer in Barbados is marked by the Crop Over festival. If you are in Barbados over the summer, ramp up your vacation with a visit to a Calypso Tent and enjoy the latest lyrics penned by local musicians. You can also check out the big competitions, including Party Monarch, Soca Monarch, and the Pic-o-de-Crop Finals.

In addition, you can take in some of the best local talent by attending the NIFCA Gala. This presentation of cultural and visual arts treats you to an experience of dramatic acts, poetry, plays, music, song, and dance.

If you can handle a whole day of dancing, we strongly recommend joining a Kadooment band, where you can “jump” from morning ’til evening to Road March music as you show off in costume. Kadooment presents awesome opportunities for potentially viral selfies, so seriously consider this option if you are looking to make big waves on the social media scene. Another great event is the Foreday Mornin’ Jam where you can “chip” from dust ’til dawn, party can’t done!

Rum Shops Galore

Barbados is the birthplace of rum. History records Barbados as the world’s first rum producer. Our spirits are a serious hit, in more ways that one, worldwide. There are many restaurants and bars near Plombagine Cottage where you can enjoy a nice, stiff drink. Rum mixed with Coke is a popular cocktail, especially in local bars and rum shops. Turn on your Bajan accent when ordering and ask for a Rum n Coke. You can thank us for this tip while sipping your libations.