Barbados is the most eastern island in the Caribbean, and is a tiny dot on most world maps with an area of 430 square kilometres (166 sq miles) and the greater part of the 260,000 population live in the capital Bridgetown. With 97 kilometres (60 miles) of coastline, Barbados has much to offer its visitors in terms of water sports and beach activities
Tourism is Barbados’ leading industry but the island also produces about 80,000 tonnes of sugar per annum, mainly for the UK market. The offshore business sector has emerged as one of the main growth areas in recent years, now the second largest earner of foreign exchange after tourism. Barbados is a fun dynamic island with plenty to keep you busy no matter how long your stay.
Whether you’re looking for lazy days on a tranquil sun-drenched beach while sipping a tropical cocktail, or an exciting and adventurous day enjoying the many water sports and beach activities, Barbados caters to all your needs.
Barbados is a relatively flat island with an abundant supply of large gradually sloping beaches fringing the land.
In some areas, notably the North, coral and sandstone cliffs rise straight out of the sea reaching several hundred feet in height. In the South West, cliffs of 50 to 100 feet rise and fall along the coast, separated by small sandy beaches and bays.
On the flatter South West and West coasts, you may walk for miles along unbroken white sand beaches, sometimes stopping at a cluster of coral rocks jutting out to sea. All along the shore large and small beaches are broken by coral formations, the soft coral rocks weathered by the ocean surf, forming abstract sculptures to an artist’s eye.
Barbados beaches are truly some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, in fact the beach at The Crane was rated “one of the ten best beaches in the world” by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
It’s an all day beach bash at The Boatyard! Relax on a beach chair under the umbrellas or indulge in some of the many watersports available including snorkeling, scuba diving, beach volleyball, kayaks, pedal boats and ocean trampolines!
Enjoy the shimmering, crystal clear waters on a pleasure or party cruise or explore the exotic marine life on a snorkeling trip, a submersible or diving expedition.
Thrill seekers may prefer a rugged out back or safari tour exploring the gullies and hidden treasures by horseback ,ATV,hiking or the very popular 4×4 tours.
Create your own adventure,hire a mini-moke, arm your self with a map and drive off into the sunset. Wander through meandering hills and swaying cane arrows. A stop at one of the many local rum shops that dot the countryside is a must do.
Soft, Warm, White Sand Barbados Beaches
Barbados is a coral island and its beaches are made from finely ground coral forming a clean fine grain. There are few beaches that are not fine sand. Generally if there is a beach on the shore, it is beautiful sand. Natural sand dunes are not common but some exist in Long Bay on the South West Coast.
Swim, Surf, Soak and Play
Generally the seas on the West coast are the calmest, but good, safe, quiet swimming is available in the many tranquil bays along the South West and the South that touch the Caribbean Sea. If you like calm waters with a soft sandy bottom, then the West Coast is probably the best of these conditions, but seasonal variations can cause things to change.
Here you will find seas of gentle waves for body surfing and tumbling in the water. There are rollers for surfing with buggy boards and surfboards and some of the best windsurfing in the world. Annual surfing competitions and international surfing meets are held on both the South and East Coasts.
BARBADOS EAST AND NORTH COASTS
The East and North coasts of Barbados meet the Atlantic Ocean where huge waves crash along the shore and coral reefs. This coast is not recommended for swimming except for a few of the very protected bays. There are strong currents and fierce waves beating on the rugged coral to create a spectacle of power of a wild and rugged sea. If you love the sea at its wildest you must visit the East Coast, but don’t swim unless you are with someone who knows the area well.
When the sun sets and the beaches clear, the clubs and night zones spring into life with the island’s pulsating exciting rhythms.
Barbados by night is lively. Enjoy an early evening with a spectacular, colourful dinner-show like the Bajan Roots and Rhythms Show or a sunset cruise under romantic starry skies. For a truly local experience: fresh cooked fish, lively music, great atmosphere, visit Oistins a fishing town on the South Coast of the island, for the weekend Fish Fry.
Bars, pubs, sports bars, jazz clubs, floorshows, theatre, drive- in- cinema are but a few of the choices of night life activities on this very diverse island.
If it’s vibrant late night action you want, we have some of the best bands in the Caribbean. You can dance your way into the wee hours to our exotic Caribbean rhythms at reggae clubs, nightclubs, latin parties or beach bars. There are even 24 hours a day bars for those of you who just can’t get enough.
The cooling trade-winds and the star filled skies promise you a truly tropical experience.
Other Barbados Coastal Features
Of course, not all of Barbados’ coast is sand; there are mangrove swamps, cliffs, tide pools and areas where beds of low lying coral rock, sandstone, clay or shale reach out to the sea.
Barbados’ swamps are to be found in Chancery Lane, Inch Marlow and Graeme Hall in the South and South West of the Island. They are the major wetlands of Barbados providing an assemblage of plants and animals forming an important link in the food chain of offshore fish and birds.
Low lying rock formations are particularly prevalent along the North East and South Easter points; periwinkles, sea anemones, crabs and snails make their home along these rocks.
Tidal flats and wave ridges occur mostly off the East coast within eroded limestone plateaus and other low lying rock formations.
On the South and South West Coasts you will find many tide pools, an important ecological resource, acting as nurseries for juvenile fish and other permanent residents like the ghost crab and sea roaches as well as marine plants like sea moss which is made into a health drink.
Cliffs of coral and sandstone overlook calm bays and rugged coastlines and sometimes small, cozy soft sand beaches nestle between heads of coral sculptured by the sea. Most of the larger cliffs are in the North, in the parish of St. Lucy.
Ail along the tranquil coast of the dazzling Caribbean Sea stopping along the way at one of the many beautiful, picturesque coves to Snorkel, swim with the turtles or just lie on one of the many palm fringed, coral sand beaches.
With over 70 miles of coastline, Barbados offers excellent sailing conditions. There are a variety of cruises from which to choose and well trained captains and crew to ensure your trip is both safe and more importantly enjoyable.
For the ultimate in relaxation try a Pleasure Cruise or indulge yourself on one of the many catamaran cruises, most of which offer a choice of lunch, sunset or Private charters. Most lunch cruises include a swim with the turtles or snorkel in the crystal clear water. The romantic sunset cruises are a great way to unwind and enjoy a dazzling west coast sunset while you sip on a cold cocktail.
If a spirited party with a wild lively atmosphere is more your pleasure then a Party Cruise is a “must do” for you. You may find yourself walking the plank on a pirate ship or dancing under the stars on a four deck, custom built, floating entertainment centre.
For the Deep Sea Fishing enthusiast Barbados offers a plentiful supply of fish in its waters and a number of half day and full day charters are available from a variety of sports fishing boats.
Cruise the offshore of Barbados and at the same time experience the thrill and speed of power boating. This is a relatively new but exciting way to see the beauty of our waters.
From glass bottom boats to sleek elegant yachts, from party to pleasure cruises, the memory of an exhilarating cruise on the shimmering waters of the Caribbean Sea will linger for a lifetime.
