Barbados - What to do

Diving:

Barbados is ideal for year-round diving but is probably best in the summer months. The visibility ranges from 40 to 70ft and the water temperature is a consistent 80 degrees F. The fringes and reefs found off Barbados blossom with healthy sponges, coral and plant life. There are several types of reefs, each one unique in its own special way. The barrier reefs, located 1/2 - 2 miles from shore contain large coral heads which form the habitat for thousands of beautiful fish. Larger organisms are also found on these reefs, feeding on the smaller fish. The Hawksbill turtle can also be found on these reefs. Fringes and patching reefs are found closer to shore and have smaller coral formations and more abundant plant life then the barrier reefs. These reefs are home to Sea Horses, Frog Fish, Giant Sand Eels and many other marine creatures. Wrecks form fascinating habitats for marine life and Barbados has several excellent sites for wreck diving. Carlisle Bay, with 200 reported wrecks, and the Stavronikita, located at Folkestone Marine Park, are two of the most popular sites.

Hiking:

Hike Barbados takes you through cane fields, gullies, tropical forests and coastal communities to explore the unique geological and social structure of Barbados. Along the way you will meet new friends, enjoy healthy exercise and observe the delicate balance of the unique heritage and environment of Barbados. The hikes are FREE but donations are welcome towards the work of the Barbados National Trust (preserving our built and natural environment) and Treading Lightly (problem-solving for sustainability).

Horseback Riding:

Explore Barbados on horseback! Local riding centres offer a variety of trail rides and exciting scenic rides along the beach for those with any level of experience. Ask at your hotel and they can most likely make the necessary arrangements for you.

Surfing:

The island's location, being far out in the Atlantic Ocean, allows waves to travel thousands of kilometers on the bottom of the sea to finally unload all the power it developed during it's long journey over Barbados' coral reefs. As Barbados is a Coral island, a coral reef stretches all around Barbados' coastline, providing for unlimited surfing conditions all over. No matter whether a swell approaches the island from a northerly or westerly direction or whether it's moving in from the East or the South, Barbados is guaranteed to have surf somewhere along it's shores at almost any given day of the year.

Wind Surfing:

Besides Hawaii, Barbados is one of the best wave windsurfing spots of the world. The chances of wind are high and the waves are perfect for jumping and waveriding in sideshore winds. Not only wave cracks, speed freaks and beginners as well will find dream conditions in the 27°C warm waters of the South Coast on this most easterly situated Caribbean island. The best time to spend your windsurfing vacation in Barbados is the period of time when the cooling trade winds blow with high consistency over the island's shores, namely from mid November to the end of June. But that does not mean the rest of the year couldn't be as good or even better. During the hurricane season which starts 1st of June all the way through to November all sorts of conditions are possible. The trades usually blow at a moderate windspeed.

Fishing:

The warm waters off the coast of Barbados offer ideal fishing for Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin (Dorado), and the Marlin species. There is a fleet of Cabin Cruisers available for charter. Most charters include drinks, all tackle and bait. Spin fishing from the many beaches and inshore fishing from open boats is a popular pastime for Barbadians.

Golf:

Sunny weather all year round makes Barbados an ideal location for golfing and the perfect vacation spot for golfers and "would-be" golfers! These glorious weather conditions are complemented by excellent golf courses and facilities and several hotels offer special golf packages. Several golf tournaments are hosted throughout the year, attracting participants from a number of countries including Europe and North America. In addition most golf clubs offer professional instruction.

Kayaking:

Explore Barbados by kayak! Enjoy a fascinating experience in the warm tropical breezes as you glide across the crystal clear Caribbean waters and past white sandy beaches. This scenic trip can take you over colourful coral reefs, afford you a glimpse of our breathtaking underwater life and grant you an unforgettable experience with friendly sea turtles. For those who want to experience this adventure on more calming waters, the west coast's waters are ideal. For a more exciting adventure, journey to the south coast, where you can rent kayaking gear from many of the watersports shops there.

Cricket:

Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and the West Indies. Thousands of Barbadians, other West Indians and visitors flock to world-class matches at Kensington Oval, Barbados to watch batsmen of the calibre of Brian Lara, Carl Hooper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul as well as hostile fast bowlers such as Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. Barbados is one of the international capitals of cricket and always contributes a large contingent to the West Indies team. Names like Sir Garfield Sobers, the three W's, Wes Hall, the late Keith Boyce, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge and David Allen come to mind immediately as Barbadians who have contributed greatly to West Indies cricket.

Horse Racing:

For an afternoon of fun and excitement, join the sport of kings at the Garrison Savannah! The racing season runs for almost the entire year and a number of thoroughbred horses and creoles run for handsome prize money. The main event of the Barbados horse racing season is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup (formerly the Cockspur Gold Cup), which attracts entrants from across the Caribbean and jockeys from the United Kingdom and Canada.

Information courtesy the The Barbados Tourism Authority