BARBADOS

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar Currency Exchange

Barbados Listings

Angler Apartments

Barbados Blue Watersports

Golden View Apartments

Reefers & Wreckers

Settlers Beach Villa Hotel

The Dive Shop

West Side Scuba Centre

Yellow Bird Hotel

SYP Main Page

Caribbean Menu

 

Barbados is a beautiful tropical island with many activities available. There is night life, music, history, art, and some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere. In addition to scuba diving, water activities include surfing, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking and more. But what makes Barbados such a wonderful place, and the reason why so many visitors keep returning to the island year after year, is the people. Barbadians, called Bajans, are warm and friendly, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile.

Whether new to diving or a seasoned pro, you will be amazed by underwater Barbados. The fringes and reefs found off this island blossom with healthy sponges, coral, plant life. There are a number 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 Folkstone Marine Park are two of the most popular sites.

Climate 75 - 85F 24 -29C Water Temp 80F 27C Visibility 50 - 80 ft 15 - 24 m

Dive Services

 

 

Travel & Tips

Air Travel

International Airport

Barbados (BGI) (Grantley Adams), 13km (8 miles) east of Bridgetown, near Christ Church.

Scheduled flights to Barbados

From USA

Air Jamaica
American Airlines
BWIA
US Airways

From Canada

Air Canada
BWIA

From Europe

British Airways
BWIA
Virgin Atlantic

From within the Caribbean

Air Jamaica
BWIA
Caribbean Star
LIAT

In addition, there are several charter airlines which service Barbados. See your travel agent or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority

Departure Tax
Bds$25 for all departures. Passengers in transit who will be remaining in Barbados for less than 24 hours and children under 12 are exempt.

Entry Requirements

All visitors to Barbados (Inc North American citizens) require a valid passport to gain entry to the island plus valid return airline tickets or other means of travel. It is important for people visiting Barbados to have proof and the right documents, otherwise the resulting paperwork or prevention of entry into the country itself can cause quite a considerable inconvenience.

All passengers should already have their passports before boarding the plane to Barbados. However, those with one-way tickets should be aware of the requirement for valid return tickets, again to avoid inconvenience and because it is a legal requirement.

Visitors from the UK, USA, Canada, Nationals of CARICOM member sates plus some Commonwealth countries do not require a Barbados visa and may be admitted for a period not exceeding 3 months.

Please note that Barbados has a strict law prohibiting any camouflage material entering the country. For example rucksacks, any items of clothing ect. Any material will be confiscated and returned at departure.

Barbados Flights
Cruise Ship Passengers
Visas are not required for passengers on cruise ships with the exception of citizens of the C.I.S., Eastern European countries, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, South Africa and Korea.

Getting Around

Rental Cars
There are a number of international and local rental agencies available. You can obtain a Barbados drivers license for $10.00 Bds on producing a valid National or International License. All authorised car rental companies can issue you a drivers license if you have a valid license.

Bus Service
Frequent, comprehensive coverage of the island, flat rate of approx. Bds$1.50 for all trips. Although cheap, buses are crowded during the rush hours. All buses terminate at Speightstown.

Taxis
Taxis do not have meters and fares are regulated by the Government. Listings are available from the Tourist Office. Please ask the price before travelling.

ZR Mini Vans
There are many licensed "Mini Vans" that run around the island picking up tourist and locals. You will recognise them by their "ZR" license plate. They have few fixed schedules but there are many of them and service is frequent. The rate is Bds$1.50 and is not recommended for the nervous passenger as ZR stop frequently, often abruptly, and move quickly to pick up the maximum paying passengers in the shortest time.

Helpful Tips

Money
Most of the hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments will accept credit cards. Travelers checks are also widely accepted.

Dress
Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.

Electricity
110 volts/50 cycles. Most hotels can provide adapters and transformers for hair dryers and other appliances.

Nude Bathing
There are no nude beaches and all beaches are open to the public. Nudism is actually illegal. Barbados has a history of conservative British tradition and Barbadians are not comfortable undressing or seeing other undress on public beaches.

Sunscreen
Barbados is a tropical island blessed with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Please remember to use sunscreen protection.