On my list of things to do when I travel is the try new experiences I normally wouldn’t try at home. Enter: Barbados Wildlife Reserve! Free roaming animals? Check! Awesome photo op? Double Check! Below I’ll give you some tips for this must see attraction!

Location

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is located in the parish of Saint Peter about a 10 minute drive from St. Nicholas Abbey. Parking is on site and free.

Admission

Expect to pay $30 BDS or $15 USD for adults and $15 BDS or $7.50 USD. Cash only. They are open daily from 10-5pm. Monkey feeding starts around 2pm!

Tips

Wear closed toe shoes/sneakers! The trail is a bit slippery and uneven. I saw a woman fall down in her sandals. Don’t be that woman! Besides, would you want a monkey to step on your big toe?

Wear bug repellent! You are in the forest with free roaming monkeys. Expect to get bitten! I brought these awesome bug repellent wipes that were easy to use without over doing it (I hate the smell of DEET).

Bring a camera! If I had a professional camera, that would be the perfect place to bring it. You are easily within arms reach of these animals!

Don’t bring food and expecting not to be circled. I watched a family next to me become surrounded by hungry monkeys waiting to pounce! Did I think we were in trouble? No. But you don’t know what diseases they may carry.

Monkey feeding is the excitement here (the other roaming animals like tortoises are boring to me…perfect for the kiddies). Feeding starts around 2pm so arrive 15 min before so you can get a good spot.

Most importantly: Don’t feed the monkeys! Let the professionals do their job!