Barbados

Author: bill mashek
Date of Trip: July 2011

Barbados

The island of Barbados is the most eastern exposure of all the Caribbean Islands. Subsequently, it is the Vortex of major swells coming from the Atlantic. This makes Barbados a superior surfing hotspot as well as dive destination. Being a “multi-sport” traveler, I chose to got to Barbados for this reason. We stayed at Salt Ashe Apts., moderately priced (75.00) and located just off the Saint Lawrence Gap. We dove with Dive Shop Ltd., one of the oldest dive shops in Barbados. Fatima, the owner, picked us up at our hotel each dive morning and took us back at the end of the day.

The diving in Barbados may not be “world class” but it is interesting and diverse. There are over 200 wrecks that lie just off its shores. The most famous being the Stavronikita, a 365’ Greek freighter.

However, Barbados has much more to offer than a few wrecks. The Fringing reefs scattered around the island offer superb diving . Some of the local marine life we saw included (many) hawksbill turtles, stingrays, flying fish and barracuda.

If you like to surf and dive or have a non-diving partner, Barbados is a fun island with lots of activities. One of the activities you don’t want to miss–also a good trip for families is the catamarn sail. A 3/4 day adventure trip which includes all food and drinks (yes, alchol also). They make several snorkel stops where you can snorkel with sea turtles and see underwater wrecks. You sail by huge mansions where many celebrities have stayed. Makes for a fun and interesting day.

Getting There: Flying to Barbados from the west coast can take several stop overs. The most direct flight with only one stop in Miami is Jet Blue. I was using my air miles so we made 3 stops each way, 9 hours to and 11 hours back.