Barbados Crop Over (Carnival)
July 30th – August 05th, 2025.
The Barbados Crop Over Festival dates back to the 17th century, and it is one of the most popular and colourful events in the Caribbean. Crop Over celebrates the official end of the sugar cane season, and is celebrated with a variety of parties and other festivities from dusk to dawn, arts and crafts markets, culinary-driven street fairs, and more.
Tour outline
- Day 1: Arrival Barbados – Meet And Greet
- Day 2: Island Tour – Fete #1: Lush Cooler Party
- Day 3: Fete #2: Mimosa Breakfast Party – Oistin’s Fish Fry
- Day 4: Fete #3: Am Bush (Foreday Morning) – Fete #4: Bliss All Inclusive
- Day 5: Fete #5: Limerz Cruise
- Day 6: Kadooment Day Parade
- Day 7: Departure
What’s included
- Accommodation in double rooms
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary inclusive of entrance fees
- Fete (party) tickets
- Group transportation to and from all the activities on the itinerary
- Backline carnival costume
- Costume pickup
- Costume photography
- Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
- Max 20 travellers per group
- One farewell group lunch or dinner
Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren’t included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you’d prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
Barbados Crop Over group itinerary
DAY 1: JULY 30
Arrive in Barbados – Meet and Greet
- Arrive in Barbados and transfer to your chosen accommodation
- The day is yours for you to enjoy as you please
- Meet your fellow Soca Islanders while enjoying dinner and a live show
DAY 2: JULY 31
Land Tour – Lush Cooler Party
- We dive into an day of adventure with a trip to some of the natural wonders of Barbados like Harrison’s Cave
- Take a tour of a rum estate tour (complete with tastings, of course)
- Attend the first fete on our list—Lush Cooler Party
DAY 3: AUGUST 01
Mimosa Breakfast Party – Oistins’ Fish Fry
- We kick off our day bright and early, heading out from the hotel just before sunrise for Crop Over’s top breakfast event, Mimosa – drinks and food included
- Visit Oistins for its lively Fish Fry—an absolute must-do when visiting Barbados
DAY 4: AUGUST 02
AM Bush (Foreday Morning) – Bliss All-Inclusive
- We head out at 2 am for a drinks and breakfast inclusive Foreday morning event – Caesar’s Army AM Bush
- Experience an ultra premium food and drink inclusive event – Bliss Summer Edition
DAY 5: AUGUST 03
Limerz Cruise – Free Time
- We attend the final event on our itinerary – Limerz Cruise
- The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you please… walk on the beach, dip in the pool, sleep-in
DAY 6: AUGUST 04
Kadooment Day Parade (Full Costume)
- We parade through the streets of Bridgetown, the vibrant capital city of Barbados, showcasing our costumes
- Today also marks the end of the Crop Over festivities
DAY 7: AUGUST 05
Barbados Departure
- Savour your last morning in Barbados. Depending on your departure time, you might have a few hours for some last-minute shopping or a final dip in the sea
- Bid farewell to the island as you head to the airport for your departure
Barbados Crop Over payment plan
Final Payment due on or before May 31 2025
Ask about our monthly payment plan option.
Soca Islands provides you with the most flexible payment plan making it super easy and affordable to book your Barbados Crop Over experience by providing two payment plan options.
- Option One: 15% deposit is due upon booking, followed by 35% of the total cost due 30 days after booking. The remaining 50% due 60 days before your trip.
- Option Two: 25% deposit is due upon booking, followed by regular monthly payments. The total cost must be paid in full 60 days before your trip.
For bookings made between 90 and 60 days before the start date of the experience, 50% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Bookings made between 60 days and 30 days before the start date of the experience, 100% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Accommodations
Here’s a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
Hilton Barbados Resort
Situated alongside the Caribbean Sea with two pristine beaches, this luxurious five-star hotel in Needhams Point boasts three tennis courts, on-site dining options, and an expansive infinity pool complex. Each room provides a balcony with breathtaking ocean views. Guests at Hilton Barbados can indulge in the oversized tropical outdoor pool, relax in the hot tub and sauna, or maintain their fitness routine in the well-equipped fitness center. A spa is available for soothing massages, and the property includes a 17th-century fort, designated as part of Barbados’ UNESCO heritage. Additionally, the resort provides state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities.
South Gap Hotel
Situated a mere 500 meters from Dover Beach, South Gap Hotel boasts an outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi for its guests. Nestled in the St. Lawrence Gap district, visitors can explore numerous dining options and entertainment venues, including nightclubs. The dormitories feature practical decor, equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, and a kitchenette complete with a fridge. Each dormitory also includes a balcony, and the private bathroom is fitted with a shower.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? (Plus airport code)
You can to fly into and out of the Grantley Adams Airport (BGI).
Will the itinerary change?
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome event)?
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry – no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Do I need a visa?
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
- Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
- Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
How much should I budget per day for extras?
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
About Barbados Crop Over
The Barbados Crop Over Festival is an annual 3-month-long festival of Barbadian music, arts, food, culture and so much more. The festival dates back to the 17th century, and it is one of the most popular and colourful events in the Caribbean. Crop Over celebrates the official end of the sugar cane season, and is celebrated with a variety of parties and other festivities from dusk to dawn, arts and crafts markets, culinary-driven street fairs, and more.
Grand Kadooment Day celebrates the end of Crop Over in Barbados. It starts early morning at the National Stadium, and beautiful masquerade bands traverse the local city streets, as they make their way to Spring Garden highway. The masquerade bands comprise revellers dressed in sequin costumes decorated with colourful feathers, jewels, and bright accents; dancing behind music trucks and moving bars. The finale of Crop Over’s events makes this the island’s most exciting day of the year. As you will hear Bajans say: “Crop Over it sweet fuh days!”
The present-day Crop Over Festival is a uniquely Barbadian festival that emerged out of the tensions in the meeting and merging of the island’s British and West African heritage. Once called “Harvest Home”, it is one of the oldest celebrations in the western hemisphere. The origins of Crop Over are traced back centuries to when Barbados was the world’s largest producer of sugar. Crop Over began back in 1687 on sugar cane plantations during slavery. It began as a way to celebrate the end of the sugar cane crop.
The Crop Over traditions that continue today includes singing, drinking, dancing, and eating competitions. The most notable is having a “King” and “Queen” of the crop. There is also a heavy focus on Calypso music, which is a social and political commentary on current issues affecting Barbados.
Barbados travel information
Time Zone: GMT -04:00
Currency: Barbados Dollar. 1USD = 2BBD
Barbados is one of the most diverse and active destinations, offering some amazing sights and attractions. Activities range from submarine tours to cave exploration; jeep safaris to heritage tours; exciting Caribbean nightlife to fine dining. Simply everything you’d want on a Caribbean vacation.
Barbados is sophisticated and casual, warm and friendly, and forever distinctively charming. From luxury to intimate, expensive to affordable there is something for every taste and budget here. You’ll be seduced by the warmth of its welcome and by the natural delights of this Caribbean island.
Feel the doors of your imagination open wide when you discover Barbados for therein lies the magic of this island, where you are limited only by your dreams and fancies. With every precious pearl of experience, your Barbados vacation will be one to remember.
There is just so much to do – so many treasures to uncover – as you soak up the warmth and enjoy the comforts of this beautiful island. Land lubbers and sea farers alike can have their pick of surf and turf activities appropriate for all ages and stages of calm or daredevil delight! Singles, lovers, friends and families also have rich and plentiful options to choose from. Whether you want to swim or sunbathe, party and play hard or enjoy art, culture and cuisine at its best, it’s right here waiting for you.
How to get around Bridgetown
The nearest airport is Grantley Adams International Airport, located approximately 30 minutes east of the city centre. Upon arrival, Bridgetown offers affordable and reliable public transport services. The most common way to get around the island is by bus.The large public buses can be identified as blue buses with yellow striped sides. They service every major route in rural and urban areas of Barbados. You can also find privately owned minibuses, which are yellow with blue stripes; as well as “ZR Vans”, which are white with maroon stripes.
Where to stay for Barbados Crop Over
The city of Bridgetown features a variety of accommodation options ranging from hostels to guesthouses, hotels, resorts, Airbnb, vacation rentals and more. Popular waterfront resorts include the South Gap Hotel, Blue Horizon Hotel and Accra Beach Hotel.
Things to do in Bridgetown
The eastern Caribbean island of Barbados features a number of popular things to see and do. The picture-perfect holiday destination boasts a range of outdoor activities, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, swimming with turtles, island safaris, cave tours and more. The city of Bridgetown also offers a number of historical attractions and museums.
Popular museums include the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, The Niche Israel Synagogue and Museum and The Cricket Legends of Barbados. You can also explore the Bridgetown Markets, featuring a wide variety of stallholders offering fresh produce, arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery, collectables and more.