Oistins Holidays 2024/2025
On the south coast of Barbados, in the district of Christ Church, is Oistins. It’s a small town – in fact, the smallest on the island – but its lack of size has no bearing on the fun atmosphere and welcoming vibe that it’s famous for. This makes it one of the most characterful destinations in any holidays to Barbados. Its thriving fishing community forms the basis of its culture and activities, so guests of the town can guarantee wonderfully fresh fish, grilled to perfection. Whether you’re up for joining in the Friday evening Fish Fry, or you’d rather spend your time chilling on the beach, Oistins has something up its sleeve for every visitor.
Oistins Holiday Deals
A taste of Bajan culture
Oistins is legendary for its weekly Fish Fry – and it’s a key part of Oistins holidays. Every Friday evening on the beach at Oistins Bay Gardens, you can join locals and visitors in eating fresh fish, playing games and listening to music. The festive atmosphere is infectious. You can taste some of the best Bajan dishes – from grilled seafood to rich macaroni pie. The fried chicken isn’t to be missed either! You can choose from a range of fish – from tuna and marlin to swordfish, mahi-mahi and flying fish. It’s all cooked in front of you, ensuring spectacular flavours in every bite. The music is excellent: think calypso tunes from a live band to old school covers of Bob Marley.
Celebrate the annual Fish Festival
Submerge yourself in Bajan culture at the annual Oistins Fish Festival. The week-long festival takes place just before Easter every year, so anyone planning Oistins holidays can work it into their plans. You can try delicious food, meet local communities and buy traditional gifts and art. As well as live music, dancing, a gospel choir and concert and live comedy, you can watch fishermen compete in activities like net throwing. The greasy pole competition is one to watch too! The food stalls, vans and grills provide an eclectic array of traditional Bajan cuisine, so you can try a host of different foods, from fish cakes to guava cheese.
Explore Oistins Beach
On the south coast of the island is Oistins Beach, a tranquil cove split in half by a picturesque jetty. It’s easy to get to and you’ll be surprised how close to the main road it is. However, once you’re on the sands, a dense thicket of tropical shrubs stops the noise from passing traffic getting through. On one side of the jetty, you’ll find a sheltered cove. Gentle waves lap up against the sandy shore, making it the perfect place to sit back and let the day pass you by. During low tide, it’s possible to walk onto the beautiful Welches Beach too. The beach on the other side of the jetty sits behind Bay Gardens, so you’re in the right place for the Fish Fry!
Enjoy a different beachy atmosphere
You can’t head out on holidays to Barbados without visiting Miami Beach (otherwise known as Enterprise Beach). Slightly further out of the town than Oistins Beach, it attracts a much larger crowd during the weekends and holidays. However, it’s a huge stretch of sand so you’ll always find a spot to claim. The waters are still and calm, so children can easily paddle out and swim. If you go further east, you’ll find a few gentle swells, making it perfect for wave jumping and more exciting swims. There’s a lifeguard on duty at Miami Beach too and the beach facilities are excellent. You can rent parasols and sun-loungers for the day, or if you want a more action-packed visit, there are body-boards available to borrow.
Head to the capital city
Oistins isn’t too far away from Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, so it’s worth spending a day exploring the historical city. Famous for its striking architecture and rich culture, you’ll see a wonderful mix of Bajan traditions and modern innovations. There’s excellent duty-free shopping to be had in Bridgetown too, and you’ll also find some of the island’s top restaurants and classiest bars. The top attraction in the city are the UNESCO-protected Parliament Buildings, while the Barbados Museum and Historical Society is an interesting, entertaining activity. The azure blue waters of Rockley Beach and Brandons Beach will have you reaching for your camera time and time again.
Oistins may be a small fishing-focused city, but its rich culture and welcoming people are the catalyst for a memorable stay. Whether you’re in town for the Fish Fry or simply soaking up the sun, you’ll get a taste of true paradise. The laid-back vibe, homely feel and delicious food make you feel instantly relaxed. As it’s such a small place, you can enjoy getting to know the locals and choosing your favourite spots to frequent.