Planning a holiday with your teenagers means finding the right mix of relaxation and adventure for all members of the family. For those seeking ideas of where to go and what to do, then Barbados has to be a consideration. Here we look at the wide range of teen-friendly activities this luxury island has to offer, including many that their parents will enjoy as well.

Surfing and Water Sports

Many teens love taking part in water sports, and Barbados is a prime location to dive in. The island’s south coast is ideal for surfing and there are plenty of great waves to master and surf schools to teach both kids and parents the basics of this popular sport. Aside from surfing, the calmer west coast waters are perfect for paddleboarding, kite surfing and jet skiing, and there are lots of experienced instructors who will make sure every member of the family has a fabulous experience while learning something new.

Exploring Beneath the Waves

If you fancy a unique adventure that can take you beneath the ocean surface without even getting wet, then a trip on the Atlantis submarine is a must – and one your teens will never forget. These excursions offer the chance to get up close to the stunning coral reefs, spectacular sea life and breathtaking shipwrecks around Carlisle Bay.

Diving to depths of 150 ft, and with wide portholes to look through, these tours are as much about education as they are about having an adventure, providing first-hand experience of these fragile marine ecosystems and the conservation work taking place to protect them.

Zipline and Jeep Tours

For seat-of-your-pants thrills, ziplining and off-road Jeep tours give adventurous families the chance to see Barbados from above and within. A thrilling zipline ride through the canopy of the tropical rainforest provides not only high-speed excitement but unparalleled views of the island’s majestical landscape.

For those who prefer a more grounded adventure, a Jeep tour provides an exciting way to explore the island’s diverse terrain. Going off-road and away from the tourist trail, you’ll get to see parts of the island that few others do, from the famous sugar cane fields, the rugged east coast shorelines and its giant barrel waves, and the lush forests of its interior. It’s a fun and occasionally bumpy way to discover Barbados’ hidden gems and learn about the island’s history.

Sailing the Sea

Spending a day on a private catamaran cruise offers families a blend of relaxation and adventure. Discover the beauty of the island from offshore, explore hidden coves, take a picnic on a deserted beach, snorkel over coral reefs and swim with the island’s famous sea turtles. Of course, you can also enjoy watching the world go by on the deck, sip an ice-cold drink and tuck into your chef-prepared meal.

The best thing about these private charters is that you can set your own itinerary to suit the interests of your family. One thing you shouldn’t miss, however, is watching the sun go down at the end of the day. Caribbean sunsets are not to be missed.

Tasting the Island’s Flavours

Teenagers can be uncompromisingly fussy about what they eat, which always makes travelling abroad a challenge. Thankfully, Barbados boasts a fantastic food scene with plenty of international cuisine. If push comes to shove, you’ll have no problem finding pizza, burgers and chicken nuggets; however, that will mean missing out on some of the most delicious dishes, spectacular street foods and amazing restaurants.

If your family has a more adventurous palate, taking private cooking classes that focus on Barbadian cuisine is an opportunity not to be missed. Here, your teens can learn how to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of local chefs, sharpening their cooking skills and discovering the island’s culture and culinary history. Alternatively, make a beeline for Oistins Friday Fish Fry, where you can experience a wide variety of traditional dishes from the many food shacks and explore the wonders of the local arts and crafts market.

Conclusion

For families looking for a holiday that will keep the teens entertained, Barbados offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From thrilling water sports and explorations of the island’s natural beauty to immersive offshore experiences, there’s something to captivate every member of the family. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, there are a number of exclusive Barbados luxury resorts that offer exceptional accommodation and world-class amenities that are ideal for growing families.