Where to Spot Green Monkeys in Barbados: A Local’s Guide to the Best Wildlife Encounters

If you’ve ever driven through the winding roads of Barbados and spotted a flash of green darting across the trees—or even had a cheeky visitor peek into your picnic—you’ve already met one of the island’s most famous residents: the Green Monkey. Mischievous, curious, and endlessly entertaining, these monkeys are as much a part of Barbados’ charm as turquoise seas and swaying sugar cane fields. But while visitors are often eager to get that perfect monkey photo, there’s more to seeing them than just luck—you need to know where to look, when to go, and how to do it responsibly.

This guide will take you through the best spots on the island to see Barbados’ Green Monkeys up close, while ensuring your visit supports ethical and sustainable wildlife tourism.

A Brief History of the Green Monkey in Barbados

The Green Monkey isn’t originally native to the Caribbean. They arrived on slave ships from West Africa (Senegal and Gambia) more than 350 years ago. Since then, they’ve thrived in Barbados’ lush forests and gulleys, becoming an iconic part of local life. Today, they roam freely across the island in troops, often spotted in both rural parishes and even urban gardens.

Best Places to Spot Green Monkeys in Barbados

1. Welchman Hall Gully

If you want a near guarantee of seeing monkeys, Welchman Hall Gully is one of the top spots. This lush tropical gully is home to wild troops that roam freely among breadfruit trees and mahogany. Mornings are the best time to see them when they often come down for feeding sessions.

Why it’s great: Natural habitat, educational guided tours, and conservation-focused.

2. Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Located near Farley Hill, this reserve offers a semi-wild setting where Green Monkeys come and go as they please. They’re especially active around the daily 2:00 p.m. feeding time, so come for the monkeys and stay for the tortoises, deer, and exotic birds.

Why it’s great: Safe, family-friendly, and offers excellent photography opportunities.

When is the Best Time to See Green Monkeys?

• Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times. Like most primates, they’re most active during cooler parts of the day.

• Avoid midday heat, when they tend to rest in shady areas.

What Do Green Monkeys Eat?

These playful primates are omnivores. Their diet includes fruits (mangoes, figs, bananas), seeds, flowers, leaves, and even insects. While it may be tempting to hand them a snack, feeding them disrupts their natural behavior and can make them aggressive toward humans.

Responsible Tourism: How to See Monkeys the Right Way

Seeing Barbados’ Green Monkeys is a highlight for many travelers—but how you interact with them matters. Here are key tips:

1. Don’t Feed the Monkeys: Feeding them human food not only affects their health but also encourages dependency and aggression.

2. Keep a Respectful Distance: Use your zoom lens for photos. Don’t chase, corner, or attempt to touch them.

3. Support Ethical Wildlife Sites: Places like Welchman Hall Gully and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve focus on conservation and education. Choosing these sites helps fund local preservation.

4. Observe, Don’t Disturb: Enjoy watching their natural behaviors—grooming, foraging, playing—without interfering.

Green Monkeys are part of the heartbeat of Barbados—wild, playful, and full of personality. Seeing them in their natural environment is an unforgettable experience, but it comes with a responsibility to protect both the animals and the island’s delicate ecosystem.

So whether you’re spotting a troop in the gullies of St. Thomas or catching a glimpse from your hotel balcony—remember: the best encounters are the respectful ones.