Explore Saint Joseph, Barbados: Bathsheba, East Coast Beauty, & Attractions
Saint Joseph, Barbados, is a quiet, naturally beautiful parish on the East Coast of Barbados. Charming towns such as Bathsheba, the rugged coastline, laid-back surf vibe, and the plethora of botanical gardens attract visitors to the area year-round. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, this Saint Joseph, Barbados travel guide covers everything you need to know—top attractions, local highlights, and the best ways to experience this part of the island.
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When to Visit Barbados
Barbados has 2 seasons: wet and dry.
The dry season is December to May, the most popular time of year for tourism, due to its ideal tropical conditions. I visited for a month (from April to May 2025), and the weather was fantastic. While still hot, this time of year has consistent wind that helps cool you down.
The wet season is from June to November, and is hurricane season. While brief afternoon showers are common, they’re often followed by sunshine. For a more affordable, quiet Barbados visit, consider visiting during the rainy season! Just keep tabs on weather radars ahead of your trip, and embrace the beauty these months bring to the island.
How to Get to Saint Joseph
Barbados’ international airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), is located in the southeast part of the island. Access to Saint Joseph from the airport is relatively easy, considering you can get anywhere on the island within an hour or less, depending on traffic.
I recommend getting a rental car from the airport or a taxi to drive you to your destination in Saint Joseph (or anywhere on the island). Taxis are available upon arrival at the airport at the taxi kiosk desks or through the rideshare app, pickUP Barbados. Taxis can often also be scheduled ahead of time with the host of the place you are staying, so they are there to pick you up when you land.
The best way to get around Saint Joseph is by rental car. Saint Joseph is quite remote, so relying on the bus system, rideshare apps, and taxi availability wouldn’t be the most reliable or time-efficient.
You can also refer to Roam2Rio to see how to get from one place to the next via the Barbados bus system if public transit is your preference.
Where to Stay in Saint Joseph
The most popular town to stay in Saint Joseph, is Bathsheba.
Here are a couple of the most popular hotels in Saint Joseph:
Atlantis Historic Inn - 3-star, oceanfront hotel in Bathsheba
Eco Lifestyle & Lodge - Boutique luxury lodging with wellness and eco-friendly living top of mind
A majority of accommodations in and around Bathsheba are available on Airbnb!
Where to Eat in Saint Joseph
Here are some must-visit places to eat and drink in Saint Joseph, Barbados. (Always check the restaurant website or social media for days and hours of operation.)
Zemi East Coast Cafe
Zemi East Coast Cafe is a scenic restaurant with sweeping Atlantic views from its patio seating, serving modernized Bajan dishes. I recommend calling or emailing to make a reservation!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Dina’s Bar & Cafe
A casual Bajan restaurant in Bathsheba and a popular lunch spot for visitors to the East Coast, for its location, views, and authentic dishes of Barbados.
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
The Farm House
Farm-to-table cafe with a seasonal, fresh, and local menu, also offering tours of the farm and nature preserve to learn more about their sustainable agriculture and farming. Learn more here.
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Naniki
Naniki is a wellness center, hotel, and restaurant in one, located in the lush, untouched hills of Saint Joseph. Stop by for a Caribbean meal and beautiful, tropical views while you dine.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Eastside Kitchen
Eastside Kitchen is located at the Andromeda Botanical Gardens. Fresh local bites and excellent catch of the day dishes! Be sure to check out the gardens while you’re here.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Sea View Bar
A simplistic bar and grill with sea views of the Bathsheba coastline. The delicious Bajan menu, flowing rum punch, and large portions keep people coming back!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Flavoured Foods by Lisa
Only open 3-10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, Flavoured Foods by Lisa is a quick-stop, locally owned eatery near Hunte’s Gardens. Try the macaroni pie and Bajan chicken!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Velma’s Bar
Velma’s Bar is a local hidden gem serving home-cooked style local dishes. You will be welcomed here with smiles and unforgettable food!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Grocery Shopping in Saint Joseph
Best Things to Do in Saint Joseph, Barbados
Hunte’s Gardens
Hunte’s Gardens is special. It is an ornate botanical garden created by Anthony Hunte inside what used to be a regular gully. It is still a gully, but now fully transformed into a stunning tropical oasis by someone with a keen eye to nature’s potential. If you’re lucky, you may see Anthony himself as he lives in the garden. Stop by the cafe for a souvenir, snack, and a refreshing beverage!
💰Cost: $20/adult USD
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
PEG Farm & Nature Reserve
PEG Farm & Nature Preserve is a biodynamic farm and garden-to-table cafe that hosts tours to educate visitors on their dedication to free-range animals, organic agriculture, and connecting to the land, while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Barbados.
Tour options include a sunrise walking tour, a standard tour of the farm, or a day pass to explore the reserve. Have lunch at their cafe!
💰Cost: Guided tours starting at ~$13/adult USD; self-guided tours are free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Flower Forest Botanical Gardens
This botanical garden blew me away. Flower Forest is 53 acres of dense and blooming tropical trees and flowers lining a walking path. Viewpoints and secluded seating areas surrounded by lush greenery allow you to relax and take in the garden. Afterwards, pop into the gift shop and grab a small bite to eat and a coffee from the cafe.
TIP: Arrive here at open time for the best chance of having the garden to yourselves. We did! (On a weekday).
💰Cost: $15/adult USD
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Here, have another botanical garden! Andromeda Botanic Gardens is an 8-acre cultivated garden with over 600 plant species and is home to butterflies and wildlife.
💰Cost: $40/person BBD ($20 USD) for a one-month pass to the gardens
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Bathsheba Beach
The main attraction of Saint Joseph is Bathsheba Beach, which is one of the island’s most iconic and scenic beaches in Barbados. Limestone rocks and boulders jut out of the sea and coastline, carved away by weather and time, to form a one-of-a-kind Barbados landscape.
Walk along the beach, watch the surfers surf the famous “Soup Bowl,” and take lots of pictures!
Note: This isn’t a beach for swimming due to the rocks and rough waves. Sargassum seaweed also piles up on this beach, especially during the sargassum season of spring and summer.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Hackleton’s Cliff Community Park
Hackleton’s Cliff Community Park is a park and attraction at a high point on the island with views of the East Coast. It’s also a nice spot for a picnic or to enjoy the ocean breeze for a bit, as there are some picnic tables under shade in the park!
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
St. Aidan's Anglican Church
St. Aidan’s Anglican Church is a pink church with the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Joe’s River Bridge
Joe’s River Bridge is a 70-foot pedestrian bridge over Joe’s River, one of only two above-ground rivers found in Barbados. When a good amount of water is flowing, this river is especially beautiful from this scenic pathway.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Coco Hill Forest
Coco Hill Forest is a 53-acre regenerative agroforestry project in Saint Joseph with 3.5km of hiking trails for all skill levels. The reserve offers guided and self-guided hikes, volunteer opportunities, tree planting, and more. Over 70 species of plants and trees can be observed in this protected region of rainforest, one of the last in Barbados.
💰Cost: Self-guided hikes - $25/adult BBD (~$12.50 USD); Guided hikes - $50/adult BBD ($25 USD)
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Book an island tour that visits Saint Joseph
Some island tours drive you through/visit Saint Joseph, or you can customize an itinerary on a private tour to visit! Here are some Viator tour options that have a stop in St Joseph parish:
Tips for Visiting Saint Joseph
You can get an eSIM card ahead of your arrival in Barbados using the app Airalo. Get $3 off your first eSIM card with my referral code, ANNA5384
Check establishment websites and social media for days and hours of operation. Many places around the island are closed 1 or more days of the week and for holidays, so do a bit of research on the places you wish to visit before heading that way.
Carry cash with you, just in case. Credit card is widely accepted in Barbados, but as you venture out into the less populated and traveled-to parishes, or dine and shop at more locally owned establishments, you may find cash is more frequently necessary. The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) and USD are universally accepted across Barbados.
The main roads around Saint Joseph are in decent condition. The more rural you go, expect some roads only wide enough for 1 car to drive down or unpaved and covered in potholes. Take it slow and decide what your vehicle is capable of!
Google Maps is not always accurate. This goes for the entire island. Research the locations of the places you are visiting ahead of time to get a general understanding of the area.
Hire a local taxi driver for the day! If you aren’t confident driving around on your own, hire a local driver who knows the area and can navigate difficult roads that they are used to driving. They will also likely be able to give more local recommendations on where to go and give you some history of the areas you are visiting, and it is a great way to support the local economy!
Prioritize sun protection and hydration. This goes for the whole island. Barbados is hot, humid, and mostly sunny! Before heading out, always put on sunscreen. Wear sunglasses, hats, and UV shirts. Handheld fans are helpful for areas or days with little wind. And drink, drink, drink water!
Wear mosquito repellent. Especially at dawn and dusk, if you are prone to being a mosquito target.
Respect and embrace “island time.” Things are not always as efficient and fast-paced as in places like the US, Canada, etc. Be patient and flexible!
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