Barbados Wildlife Reserve

The Basics

The Barbados Wildlife Preserve offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with the island’s animals—including the reserve’s star attraction, the playful green monkeys—as they range freely through the habitat. Visitors can walk through the park along a series of brick paths. Some island tours include a stop at the reserve along with other sights such as Harrison's Cave, Bathsheba Beach, Cherry Tree Hill, and St. Nicholas Abbey.

Things To Know Before You Go

• Entry to the reserve includes access to the adjacent Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station.

• Time your visit to the early afternoon feeding, and you can see the animals emerge from the forest to get food.

• Wear comfortable shoes or sandals; there’s a fair amount of walking in the reserve.

How To Get There

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is located on the northern end of Barbados. To reach the reserve from Bridgetown, take Highway 2 or Highway 2A to the border of St. Peter and St. Andrew parishes; the drive takes about 30 minutes. There is also a bus that runs directly to the park from Barbarees Hill in Bridgetown and leaves every three hours, arriving at the Diamond Corner stop after about 60 minutes.

When To Get There

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is open every day from morning until evening. If you want to get up close and personal with the animals, the best time to visit is in the early afternoon, when they are being fed.

Grenade Hall Signal Station

After visiting the animals at the reserve, take a short walk to this newly restored historic landmark. Constructed in 1819, the station was a communication tower that was phased out once the telephone was introduced in the island. Hike the pretty trails to the station, and enjoy views of the surrounding forest from the hilltop vantage point.