Is it worth to hire a car?

[SqueakyDust]

DH thinks it would be a better idea to hire a car on Barbados than take an island tour.

There will be 2 adults and 2 kids in our party.

 

We want to only do certain things like Welchmans Gully, Harrison Caves (if it's reopened), visit a beach we know etc.

 

Anyone know how much car hire is and if its advisable?

Are there any pitfalls we'd have to look out for?

What documentation would we need? (we're from the UK)

 

thanks:D

[barbados]

DH thinks it would be a better idea to hire a car on Barbados than take an island tour.

There will be 2 adults and 2 kids in our party.

 

We want to only do certain things like Welchmans Gully, Harrison Caves (if it's reopened), visit a beach we know etc.

 

Anyone know how much car hire is and if its advisable?

Are there any pitfalls we'd have to look out for?

What documentation would we need? (we're from the UK)

 

thanks:D

Since you're already comfortable with driving on the left, why not? LOL

 

Seriously, a car rental is about US$90/day and you'll need your driver license from home or an international driver license + a Barbados license (BD$10), which the rental company will issue to you.

 

To hire a car AND driver on the island is about US$22/hr, so a 5-6 hour tour would cost you US$150 with tip, so even with the gas, you'd be ahead of the game with a straight rental, yes?

 

Plus, you can spend as little, or as much time wherever you wish without the clock ticking on the meter.

 

There is a car rental agency at the dock that should be able to accomodate you with a small sedan (I don't suggest minimokes).

 

Have a great time on the island! :)

[SqueakyDust]

Thanks for the info Barbados.

 

I have replied previously to this, but had asked something I shouldn't and it was pulled.

Much appreciate your info. :D

[MamaQuack]

We hired Cameron Reid for those exact reasons: did not want a tour, wanted only select things and then shopping at a specific place. He was wonderful, it was a relaxing and informative way to see Barbados.

[SqueakyDust]

Mamaquack

 

When you say hired Cameron Reid I presume you mean as your driver.

 

As a comparison, how much did he charge? what did you do? and how can I get in touch? (does he have a web site?)

 

Thanks:D

[rjscott]

Here is the website for Cameron Reid: http://www.scenicbarbados.com/ Yes, you can establish an itinerary of attractions you wish to see. Cameron will determine the length of time that itinerary will take and advise you of the cost.

 

We are just back from the Dawn Princess and used Cameron Reid tours while on Barbados. Cameron and I emailed back and forth to establish an itinerary, and the time needed and cost. He met us outside the terminal and introduced us to our driver, Herman. Herman was an excellent guide and driver. After we had visited a couple of the spots we particularly wanted to see, we let Herman determine the rest of the tour stops. He was great about stopping for photos, and made sure to stop at a grocery, as requested, b/f returning us to the terminal.

 

If our travels take us back to Barbados, I would gladly use Cameron Reid tours again to see more of the island.

 

Becki

[MamaQuack]

We did the same thing as Becki - we wanted to see the Caves, Andromedia Gardens, eat lunch at The Round House, see the monkeys and end up shopping at Earthworks Pottery. Cameron met us at the prearranged time. We went first to the Caves - he escorted me and ds13 inside - there were many folks waiting but King Cameron as we began to call him, got us right in - he is well liked and respected in Barbados. My hubby is claustrophobic so he and Cameron took a ride to a nice spot where they had some tea and enjoyed the view. From there we went to the gardens which were absolutely darling - I felt like I was in somebody's grandma's tropical garden!! My hubby is a master gardener and he loved it. Then we went for lunch. We asked Cameron to be our guest. He continued to entertain us with stories and facts all throughout lunch - the view from here is spectacular and the flying fish sandwiches were incredible. We stopped many times througout the day for photos - Cameron took a lot of family shots for us. We tried to see the monkeys but at his suggestion he drove up and 'asked first' before we paid - they were not out so we moved on across the street to a beautiful public park. It was almost empty. Again, amazing views, cool breezes and very pretty. We ended the day as we wanted buying some pottery. Cameron knew the folks there also and we were able to go in the back to meet and watch the potters. We would use him again in an instant. We also tipped him $25 more than the agreed price.

[rjscott]

We were on our tour over 5 hrs, so we asked our guide, Herman, to find us a place for lunch. My hubby and I both wanted to try the flying fish, and our friends (there were 4 of us) were willing to try something new as well. Herman took us to Round Top (I think that was the name) restaurant, which was right on the ocean at Bathsheba. Beautiful views and a wonderful breeze. Herman offered to have coffee at the bar while we had lunch, but we insisted he join us. The food was very good and the setting could not have been better.

 

Becki

[SqueakyDust]

I'll check out his site and get him to quote, so I can compare costs.

 

Thanks:D

[Morning glory]

For those of you who used Cameron Reid, do you recall what the agreed upon price was, for what length of time? Also, did you specifically request that he be your driver?

TIA!!

[rjscott]

Morning Glory, Cameron quoted a rate of $100, assuming a tour of 4 hours for the four of us. Because we wanted to see a bit more than the time would allow, our cost was $125 (and even then we ran over the 5 hours, but the driver didn't charge us extra). I did not ask for Cameron to be our driver, but he was there at the terminal to greet us and introduce us to our driver, with whom we were quite pleased. If air-conditioning in a vehicle is important to you, be sure to specify that. Our car was air-conditioned, but we had to ask the driver to run it (which he did without complaint). Our car was a bit on the small side for 4 people, but it wasn't uncomfortable. I understand Cameron also has vans available, so if you want more room, you will want to discuss that with him. Not sure if there is a difference in price for the vans.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Becki

[norskenancy]

Was it $100 each? or for 4? We are going back and forth between renting a car etc, but most likely we would end up lost. Is the island easy to navigate - signs etc?

 

Norske

[texancruzer]

I just received second email from Cameron confirming our reservation for Dec.1st He quoted me $150.00 total for 4 people (2 couples) for 5-51/2 hours. HE DID SAY PRICE COULD GO UP IF GAS PRICES KEEP GOING UP BEFORE THEN. However, I have my Frommers "Caribbean Ports of Call" and it says "You will get lost- just chalk it up to part of the sightseeing experience." We usually like to rent our own car and head out but at this price (we will split it w/our friends) we feel this will be more relaxing and a better way to see this gorgeous island. He said we can put together our own itinerary and he will also make suggestions as we wish. HAVE HEARD ONLY GREAT THINGS ABOUT HIM - I did request him specifically and he gladly obliged. Hope this info helps. :)

[rjscott]

A couple of things to consider when deciding whether to hire a driver or just rent a car on Barbados; the roads are very hilly, narrow and winding and with driving on the left, it would be very challenging for most American drivers. Also, as previously mentioned, the roads are not as well-marked as we are used to, so a driver unfamiliar with the roads could spend a lot of time driving in circles to find an attraction. I much preferred for my husband and I to be able to relax and enjoy the scenery and the conversation of our driver.

 

Becki

[ketchnj]

Absolutley. However, if you are on a time schedule beware, because the roads are not marked very well. You are going to get lost and if you have to be back at a certain time hire a driver. Trust me, I spent a lot of time in the sugarcane fiells by Bathsheba before finding the restuarant Round Top. But it was a great adventure if you have the time. Have a great time!

[SqueakyDust]

When we last hired a car there (1989!!) the road were terrible.

 

There weren't many, very few signposts and some of the roads landed up being tracks in fields! I doubt the roads now could be worse.

 

However, does anyone know of a decent roadmap, which highlights the tourist attrractions, online?

[rjscott]

Squeakydust, this is not a great roadmap, but it does show the attractions in relation to each other, the port and which part of the island.

 

http://www.barbados.org/points.htm

[SqueakyDust]

RJ, Thanks, thats exactly what I was needing to help us plan where to go!

 

I'm sure the car hire company will give us a road map.

[rjscott]

Squeaky, glad it's what you were looking for. I'm sure the car rental will give you a map, but this way you can kinda plan your stops a little ahead.