Barbados Wildlife
Barbados may be small, but it is full of life. Whistling frogs perform a nightly chorus, green monkeys leap through the canopy, and hummingbirds flash between hibiscus blooms. In the pastures, hardy Barbados Blackbelly sheep graze, a breed that is a true island original. Each of these residents has a story, and each plays a part in keeping the island in balance...
🐒 Green Monkeys
From playful antics to fascinating behaviors, uncover what makes these curious creatures so unique.
Monkey Around ››
🐑 Black Belly Sheep
Renowned for resilience & adaptability, these sheep have a story worth knowing.
Discover The Breed ››
🤿 Sea Turtles
From ocean refuge to nesting on our shores, Barbados is home to hawksbill & leatherback turtles.
Dive In ››
🎣 Flying Fish
Sleek, swift, and full of surprises, this little marvel of the sea is a national symbol.
Learn More ››
🐦 Birds
Year-round residents and migratory visitors, discover the diverse birdlife that calls Barbados home.
Wing Your Way In ››
🐢 Reptiles
Swift lizards, whistling frogs, and lanquid tortoises await across the island.
Look Closer ››
🦀 Crabs
From sandy beaches to coastal wetlands, fascinating crabs scuttle through diverse habitats.
Meet the Crabs ››
🐳 Whales
Discover the majestic whales that pass by Barbados each year as they migrate through the Caribbean.
Learn More ››
🐍 Snakes
Did you know that the Barbados threadsnake is one of the smallest snakes in the world?
Discover the Threadsnake ››
🦅 Pelicans
The now elusive brown pelican remains a fascinating part of the island's natural heritage.
Take a Closer Look ››
🦈 Sharks
Just some quiet reef dwellers, and the occasional fishermen's catch far offshore.
Dive Deeper ››Nature Sanctuaries
Tucked across the island, these nature sanctuaries invite you to step into the habitats of green monkeys traversing through the treetops, tortoises wandering shaded paths, and herons wading through mangrove shallows. Come curious, tread lightly, and leave with a deeper love for Barbados' animals.
🦜 Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary
A 35-acre sanctuary that is a haven for wildlife and an amazing mangrove ecosystem.
Step Inside »
🦌 Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Stroll through the Reserve watching the animals close-up and in their own natural environment.
Let's Explore »
🐒 Welchman Hall Gully
Join the daily feeding of the Green Monkeys resident in the gully and nearby gullies.
Explore The Gully »Animal Adventures
Discover Barbados' incredible animal adventures both above and below the sea. Encounter the island's famous green monkeys, swim alongside majestic sea turtles, snorkel among colorful tropical marine life, and dive into an unforgettable underwater world aboard a submarine adventure. Get closer to nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Wildlife
Apart from the green monkey, other animals found in Barbados include the mongoose, eight species of bat, the rarely seen European hare, red-footed tortoise, various species of lizards, whistling frogs and toads.
While there are very few snakes in Barbados, the island is home to the smallest known snake species.
Barbados is also a haven for many turtles, including the Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles. In certain areas turtles have become accustomed to humans and are relatively tame and you can swim with them as they feed amongst the coral. The Barbados Sea Turtle Project monitors nesting and hatching activity during the turtle season.
Meet the various reptile and amphibian species that call Barbados home.
Birds
Barbados boasts of over a hundred different bird species, mainly migrant and transient species (including ducks, falcons, sandpipers, warblers and terns). Only about 20 bird species are actually resident in Barbados (including doves, pigeons, herons, egrets, hummingbirds and finches).
Many of the birds seen in Barbados are water birds and can be seen in the marine/wetland areas of the island, such as the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary.
Butterflies
Across Barbados you'll spot magnificent butterflies fluttering between the tropical flowers. Our national flower - the Pride of Barbados - is a particular favourite.
