Hike Barbados
Hike Barbados
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4.5
25 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Theodora S
57 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Stephen was a great guide. He provided a perfect tour, was accommodating, friendly & chatty. He obviously really knows his island and the best routes. We saw a few monkeys ( eventhough a siting is not guaranteed), crabs and lots of wonderful plants. We loved our hike and would recommend!
Written November 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mbrigham
Troy, Michigan130 contributions
My husband and I wanted to hike while visiting Barbados, so we went with Steve Mendes of 'Hike Barbados'. He met us at the cruise ship and drove us across the island to Bath Beach, a place used by locals that few tourists see. We began hiking in the rainforest first. There was no real trail through there; but Steve knew the way and also had a GPS for a back-up. We eventually came to a small rastafarian village where rastas came from miles around the bathe in the spring there. One of the villagers explained to my husband and I that they lived off the land and why. From there we went through a small settlement, where people sitting on the porches of the simple houses smiled and waved and sometimes said 'hello' as we passed by. We finished our six mile hike by traversing the edge of the 'chalk cliffs' overlooking the sea. The views were postcard-perfect. Steve is a native of Barbados and has lived there his entire life. He teaches college courses and is knowledgeable about everything in Barbados. He is also a videographer and photographer and gave me some tips on what camcorder I should buy. We finished our hike back at Bath Beach where we enjoyed a local beer before he returned us to the cruise ship. Of course anyone staying in Barbados can hire him for several hours or a day of great hiking. This was my husband's favorite activity during our six-island visit of the Caribbean. Wear hiking boots or old gym shoes (they could get muddy) and bring plenty of water and some snacks with you. A hat and sunscreen is also important. Hike in the morning before it gets too hot.
Written February 10, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gns5446
San Diego, CA4 contributions
May 2011
My wife and I visited Barbados earlier this month for our honeymoon. While we wanted to spend 90% of our trip relaxing, we decided to join Hike Barbados for their weekly Sunday morning hike to get some exercise and experience the island. We didn't expect large, well-groomed trails and a short, casual stroll on flat ground. We experienced quite the opposite and it turned about to be the best part of our trip, but Hike Barbados is not for everyone.
My wife and I are marathoners and dressed in our running gear, so we were immediately identified as runners and placed in one of the more challenging groups. Within minutes of our 3+ hour hike, we were headed through sugarcane fields, bushwhacking our way through the middle of St. Peter, trying to keep up with the locals. In fact there was little actual trail. Most of the time we were bushwhacking, crossing creeks, hopping fences, avoiding the range of of tied-down bulls that were none too pleased with us passing through their yards. Despite the tough terrain, we were rewarded with sweeping vistas and views that most tourists will never see. The hike was truly an adventure we will never forget.
If you're not a runner and speed isn't your game, don't pass on this hike just yet. The crowd (probably 50 or so showed up for the hike) is divided into several different pace groups, so long as you're willing to cover the varied terrain as I mentioned, you can do so at a more leisurely pace.
Other tips: Bring plenty of water and wear some kind of athletic clothes and footwear. If you plan to show up in sandals, this hike is not for you. As trail runners, we were fine with our running shoes. Some of the locals used heavy duty hiking shoes. And at the end a few vendors usually show up with food and drink for purchase. Great way to refuel if you don't have your own snacks.
My wife and I are marathoners and dressed in our running gear, so we were immediately identified as runners and placed in one of the more challenging groups. Within minutes of our 3+ hour hike, we were headed through sugarcane fields, bushwhacking our way through the middle of St. Peter, trying to keep up with the locals. In fact there was little actual trail. Most of the time we were bushwhacking, crossing creeks, hopping fences, avoiding the range of of tied-down bulls that were none too pleased with us passing through their yards. Despite the tough terrain, we were rewarded with sweeping vistas and views that most tourists will never see. The hike was truly an adventure we will never forget.
If you're not a runner and speed isn't your game, don't pass on this hike just yet. The crowd (probably 50 or so showed up for the hike) is divided into several different pace groups, so long as you're willing to cover the varied terrain as I mentioned, you can do so at a more leisurely pace.
Other tips: Bring plenty of water and wear some kind of athletic clothes and footwear. If you plan to show up in sandals, this hike is not for you. As trail runners, we were fine with our running shoes. Some of the locals used heavy duty hiking shoes. And at the end a few vendors usually show up with food and drink for purchase. Great way to refuel if you don't have your own snacks.
Written May 22, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2fromChicagoIL
Chicago160 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Let me start, this is an awesome hike. We did the 6 mile. The trail, the hiking, and the views are incredible. Now, Stephen is interesting. He wasn't on time to pick us up and did not have gas enough for the trip. I am used to to guides that are extremely knowledgeable about their area. Stephen likes to talk about Stephen. His religion and his political opinions were tough for me to take. Every private guide we had on our Caribbean trip (about 10 guides) provided drinks, snacks and first class equipment, like walking poles plus they were adequately insured. Stephen provides a fabulous hike but buyer beware for a premium price.
Written February 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie L
Waterloo, Canada574 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
On our recent trip to Barbados, we wanted to make sure we got some physical activity in - and we wanted to make sure we got off the beaten tourist path to do so. I did some research prior to our travels and stumbled across Stephen Mendes' Hike Barbados. He offers a variety of hike lengths and terrains and we settled on the 6-mile hike along the Eastern side of the Island.
I booked us in ahead of time and Stephen made that arrangement easy and seamless. We were set to go. On the day of the hike, Stephen picked us up (there were 4 of us) and transported us to the starting point, at Bath.
The next four hours were a wonderful adventure - we ascended and descended, we strolled and we climbed, we crouched and we cruised... through tucked-away villages, along back country roadways, through jungle, along cliff edges at the shoreline, through scrub and open fields. It was an amazing morning, start to stop.
For my fellow Canadians, a word of advice - do not underestimate the Bajan heat! Make sure you have PLENTY of water, as you will find it a very hot trek. I would also recommend you bring your hiking boots - I had on my Nikes, which was fine, but it would have been an easier go in true boots... there's lots of up and down and some uneven terrain.
Stephen, our hike leader, was a delight - he is a very storied and experienced man who will regal you with tales from his teaching life and the many other things he's been involved with over the years. We thoroughly enjoyed his company. Stephen is very fit and very active... you can take your hike as fast as he can pace you (for you serious hikers, you'll do well to keep up with him, just sayin') or he'll pace himself back to his guests. Either way, he is full of energy, is a wealth of knowledge and insight about his beloved country, and a delightful conversationalist.
Your time will fly on the trails. You will see sides of Barbados you couldn't any other way. You will be immersed in nature. You will move closely through villages and their daily life cadences. You will be beguiled by the Atlantic coastline. You will find all of it amazing. If you like to hike, make sure you take a day and do some hiking with Stephen of Hike Barbados. Cannot recommend him highly enough.
THANK YOU, STEPHEN! The hike was the highlight of our trip!
I booked us in ahead of time and Stephen made that arrangement easy and seamless. We were set to go. On the day of the hike, Stephen picked us up (there were 4 of us) and transported us to the starting point, at Bath.
The next four hours were a wonderful adventure - we ascended and descended, we strolled and we climbed, we crouched and we cruised... through tucked-away villages, along back country roadways, through jungle, along cliff edges at the shoreline, through scrub and open fields. It was an amazing morning, start to stop.
For my fellow Canadians, a word of advice - do not underestimate the Bajan heat! Make sure you have PLENTY of water, as you will find it a very hot trek. I would also recommend you bring your hiking boots - I had on my Nikes, which was fine, but it would have been an easier go in true boots... there's lots of up and down and some uneven terrain.
Stephen, our hike leader, was a delight - he is a very storied and experienced man who will regal you with tales from his teaching life and the many other things he's been involved with over the years. We thoroughly enjoyed his company. Stephen is very fit and very active... you can take your hike as fast as he can pace you (for you serious hikers, you'll do well to keep up with him, just sayin') or he'll pace himself back to his guests. Either way, he is full of energy, is a wealth of knowledge and insight about his beloved country, and a delightful conversationalist.
Your time will fly on the trails. You will see sides of Barbados you couldn't any other way. You will be immersed in nature. You will move closely through villages and their daily life cadences. You will be beguiled by the Atlantic coastline. You will find all of it amazing. If you like to hike, make sure you take a day and do some hiking with Stephen of Hike Barbados. Cannot recommend him highly enough.
THANK YOU, STEPHEN! The hike was the highlight of our trip!
Written November 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kemble
Boston2 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
As cruise ship passengers,with a day to spend in Barbados, my husband I appreciated the opportunity to have Steven lead 4 of us on this hike to a part of the Island infrequently visited by tourists. Arrangements were made via his web site and he picked us up promptly within walking distance of the cruise wharf.
As a native of Barbados, he provided an immense amount of information about the island's history and culture durng our 6.5mile beach ridge/jungle walk. He accurately assessed our abilities in choosing the best route, returning us to the cruise ship well within the required time frame.
Most importantly, the scenary was extrordinary. We walked along a ridge that provided extensive views of the ocean. The jungle walk felt like an adventure, with live examples of what I've only seen in the movies.
I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to see and experience an adventure ouy of the mainstream. You need sunscreen, a hat, rain gear, water, and a bag lunch/snacks in preparation for a long, beautiful, entertaiining walk with an array of possible weather changes.
As a native of Barbados, he provided an immense amount of information about the island's history and culture durng our 6.5mile beach ridge/jungle walk. He accurately assessed our abilities in choosing the best route, returning us to the cruise ship well within the required time frame.
Most importantly, the scenary was extrordinary. We walked along a ridge that provided extensive views of the ocean. The jungle walk felt like an adventure, with live examples of what I've only seen in the movies.
I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to see and experience an adventure ouy of the mainstream. You need sunscreen, a hat, rain gear, water, and a bag lunch/snacks in preparation for a long, beautiful, entertaiining walk with an array of possible weather changes.
Written February 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelfan24
Michigan36 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
In January 2016, I began researching what to do on the beautiful island of Barbados. We are avid hikers so when I came across this private hiking experience, I reached out to Stephen Mendes via email and confirmed reservations. I received confirmation emails regarding where to meet him with explicit instructions and pictures.
On the day of our agreed meeting, we were 20 minutes early and waited 45 minutes past the agreed time. There were several other tour companies in and around the same area. We knew we were in the right location because of the video and pictures. In addition, other tour operators knew who he was, what he looked like and that this was his normal pick up location.
We did not pay ahead of time as he did not request this. So I was not out anything other than something to do that I had researched. We spent the day on the boat instead which was not ideal.
This is not the type of business man I would recommend as he made a commitment and did not deliver, nor communicate that we was unable.
On the day of our agreed meeting, we were 20 minutes early and waited 45 minutes past the agreed time. There were several other tour companies in and around the same area. We knew we were in the right location because of the video and pictures. In addition, other tour operators knew who he was, what he looked like and that this was his normal pick up location.
We did not pay ahead of time as he did not request this. So I was not out anything other than something to do that I had researched. We spent the day on the boat instead which was not ideal.
This is not the type of business man I would recommend as he made a commitment and did not deliver, nor communicate that we was unable.
Written November 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have never missed a hike before for any reason whatsoever.... so here are the details:
1. The hike was booked in January of 2016 for November
2. when hikes are firmly booked I enter them in my phone calendar
3. In addition to this, I usually check each month the email inbox on my computer just to be sure I have not forgotten any that came in and somehow did not make it to the phone.
4. I have had medical problems and could not function, therefore did not perform all the "checking" that I normally do.
5. I have offered the customer a free hike should they ever return to Barbados... what more could I do ?
However, from now on I am going to advise anyone making a booking more than 2 months in advance to re-confirm it shortly before their departure.... this normally happens anyway, but best to put it in writing as a lot of stuff can happen in 10 months !
Written November 27, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TA L
St. John's, Canada98 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
We wanted to climb Mount Hillaby on Barbados. From first contact, Stephen Mendes was a wealth of information about the various ways we could hike up Hillaby. He was very gracious and accommodating in meeting our needs regarding transportation. We combined some time on Hilaby with his six mile hike on the East Coast and had a fabulous day out. The coastal walk along the rail bed was stunning and the climb up through the jungle to the Hackelton Cliff was grand fun. It was a memorable day of adventure and many thanks to Stephen at Hike Barbados for making it all happen.
Written February 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelbabe
New York City, NY65 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
On this vacation, I wanted to do a fun tour that incorporated cultural and historical aspects of the island.
The Hike Barbados four mile hike did not disappoint. After leaving our starting point at Bath Beach, St. John, we headed through the jungle-like back roads encountering some pretty steep terrain. It was so nostalgic walking through the small villages that reminded me of life when I was a child growing up on the island. The views from the villages out to the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular as are those walking through the fields and adjoining neighborhoods.
On the way back, we walked the path parallel to what was the former Barbados Railway that had served the area over 100 years ago. Sadly, the ocean is slowly reclaiming the land and the remnants of train tracks are moving further out to sea.
Stephen knows everything about hiking in Barbados. I was glad I chose to hike with him and his expertise is unmatched. I will definitely hike with him again (maybe the 10 miler next time).
To experience some of the real island life, every tourist should go on a hike with Stephen.
The Hike Barbados four mile hike did not disappoint. After leaving our starting point at Bath Beach, St. John, we headed through the jungle-like back roads encountering some pretty steep terrain. It was so nostalgic walking through the small villages that reminded me of life when I was a child growing up on the island. The views from the villages out to the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular as are those walking through the fields and adjoining neighborhoods.
On the way back, we walked the path parallel to what was the former Barbados Railway that had served the area over 100 years ago. Sadly, the ocean is slowly reclaiming the land and the remnants of train tracks are moving further out to sea.
Stephen knows everything about hiking in Barbados. I was glad I chose to hike with him and his expertise is unmatched. I will definitely hike with him again (maybe the 10 miler next time).
To experience some of the real island life, every tourist should go on a hike with Stephen.
Written August 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephanieG334
Vancouver, WA117 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
My husband and I went on a short 2-mile hike on the eastern coast with Stephen. It was such a fun and unique way to see the island! By the end of the hike I was ready to keep going! We chose to do a short one because my husband isn't as fond of hiking as I am and I wasn't sure how tired we'd be in the heat. If I'm ever able to go back, I'd love to do a longer hike. But even the 2-mile hike gave a great experience. We started off at a beautiful bay with rugged fishing boats, stopped halfway to see the grounds of Codrington College, and near the end paused for a gorgeous overlook of the bay we started at. Stephen offered plenty of conversation and knowledge of the island and is a wonderful enthusiastic guide. I'd highly recommend doing this for anyone who likes to be active. See my photos below.
Written May 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you publish a list of good hikes here ? If so how can we get it?
Written January 11, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.