Welcome to our Barbados page. Please note that all vacation package prices are mentioned here as a sample quotation only to give you a point of reference. All properties offer specials during the year and, based on your individual departures dates, the rates will vary and they can be less or more expensive than listed. We have quoted average rates as a guideline for you. Exact rates are given at time of booking and will always be the best price being offered by the property at that time.
Barbados is the eastern-most Caribbean island. It is located at 13.4N, 54.4W.
Banking
Most banks are open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm, Friday from 9am to 1pm and 3 to 5pm. The major banks of Barbados, all with ATMs, are found along Broad Street in Bridgetown, including branches of Barclays, the Barbados National Bank, and the Bank of Nova Scotia. These banks also have branch offices in Holetown, Speightstown, and along the St. Lawrence Gap south of
Bridgetown. There are ATMs at the airport as well, plus at bank branches throughout the island.
Currency
The Barbados dollar (BD$) is the official currency, available in $5, $10, $20, and $100 notes, as well as 10¢, 25¢, and $1 silver coins, plus 1¢ and 5¢ copper coins. The Barbados dollar is permanently fixed because of an international agreement at the rate of approximately 50¢ in U.S. currency. Most stores take traveler's checks or U.S. dollars. However, it's best to
convert your money at banks and pay in Barbados dollars.
Documents
U.S. or Canadian citizens coming directly from North America to Barbados for a period not exceeding 3 months must have proof of identity and national status, such as a passport, which we always recommend carrying. However, a birth certificate (either an original or a certified copy) is also acceptable, provided it's backed up with photo ID. For stays longer than 3 months, a
passport is required. An ongoing or return ticket is also necessary. British subjects need a valid passport.
Water
Barbados has a pure water supply. It's pumped from underground sources in the coral rock that covers most of the island, and it's safe to drink.
Electricity
The electricity is 110-volt AC (50 cycles), so at most places you can use your U.S.-made appliances
Hospitals
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is located on Martinsdale Road in St. Michael (tel. 246/436-6450). Of the several private clinics, one of the most expensive and best recommended is the Bayview Hospital, St. Paul's Avenue, Bayville, St. Michael (tel. 246/436-5446).
Language
The Bajans speak English, but with their own island lilt.
Liquor
Liquor, beer, and wine are sold throughout the island at every outlet from grocery stores to convenience stores on any day the stores are open. Be discreet with open containers on the beach, as legally they are not allowed.
Safety
Crimes against tourists used to be rare, but there are occasional reports of pick-pocketing, armed robbery, and even sexual assault. Avoid leaving cash or valuables in your hotel room, beware of purse-snatchers when walking, exercise caution on the beach or at tourist attractions, and be wary of driving in isolated areas.
Taxes
A 7 1/2% government sales tax is tacked on to hotel bills. A 15% VAT (value-added tax) is levied on all meals. (For example, if your hotel costs $200 per night, and you are charged $50 per person for a MAP, you'll have to pay a 7 1/2% government tax plus the 10% additional service charge for the $200 room rate, then an additional 15% VAT on the MAP rate.) Some visitors view
these additional charges as "larcenous." They certainly won't make you happy when you go to pay your final bill. There's also a $13 departure tax. ( Please note that in our vacation packages these taxes are included.)
Time
Barbados is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round, placing it 1 hour ahead of New York. However, when the United States is on daylight savings time, Barbados matches the clocks of the U.S. east coast.
Weather
Daytime temperatures are in the 75° to 85°F (24°C-29°C) range throughout the year
Grand
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The guide compares all
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The island, which is less than one million years old, was created by the collision of the Atlantic crustal and Caribbean plates, along with a volcanic eruption. Later coral formed, accumulating to approximately 300 feet. It is geologically unique, being actually two land masses that merged together over the
years. The history of the early settlement of Barbados is being rewritten as a result of recent archaeological discoveries unearthed at the site of Port St. Charles. Artifacts and evidence point to settlement some time around 1623 B.C.
The first indigenous people were Amerindians who arrived here from Venezuela. Paddling long dugout canoes they crossed oceans and currents that challenge modern sailing vessels. On the north end of Venezuela a narrow sea
channel called the Dragon's mouth acts as a funnel to the Caribbean sea and the nearest Island of Trinidad. It is a formidable passage of swift flowing water and cross currents. It is dangerous water for an open dugout canoe. But they came, families and villages, adventurers, descendants of the the first people who travelled across the Alaska land bridge, down through Canada and the Americas to the South.
They made their new home in Barbados along the coast, leaving behind hardly a trace, only a hint of evidence for the archeologist to date and dream about. Fragments of tools made of shell, utensils, refuse and burial places convey but a mystery of their time.
Amerindian Civilization.
The Arawaks were short, olive-skinned people who bound their foreheads during infancy to slope it into a point. They considered this along with black and white body painting to be attractive. The CaÏques (chiefs) and influential members of the tribe wore nose plugs and/or rings made of copper and gold alloys (History of Barbados). They were an agricultural people and grew cotton, cassava, corn, peanuts, guavas, and papaws (papaya). The cotton was woven and
used for armbands and hammocks. Cassava was ground and grated to be made into casareep, a seasoning used in cooking. The Arawaks also used harpoons, nets, and hooks, to fish for food (History of Barbados).
1200 Carib Indians
In 1200, the Arawaks were conquered by the Caribs. The Caribs were a taller and stronger Amerindian tribe than the Arawaks. They were also cannibals. They were a warlike and savage people who are reported to have barbecued their captives and washed them down with cassava beer. In the History of Barbados, for example, it is reported that Caribs ate an entire French crew in 1596. They were incredibly accurate bowmen and used a powerful poison to paralyze
their prey. (History of Barbados).
Portugese
The Portugese came to Barbados en route to Brazil. It was at this time that the island was named Los Barbados (bearded-ones) by the Portugese explorer Pedro a Campos. It was so named, presumably, after the island's fig trees, which have a beard-like appearance.
1492 Spanish
Despite the Caribs' ruthless warlike abilities, the island was taken over by the Spanish in 1492. The Spanish imposed slavery on the Caribs. Slavery and the contagious European small pox and tuberculosis ended the Caribs' existence (History of Barbados). Spain, however, passed Barbados over in favour of the larger Caribbean islands (History of European Overseas Exploration and Empires). This left the island open for anyone who wanted to colonize it.
1625 - 1644 . English Colonization
The first English ship touched the island on May 14th 1625 under the command of Captain John Powell. The island was therefore claimed on behalf of King James I.
On February 17th 1627, Captain Henry Powell landed with a party of 80 settlers and 10 slaves to occupy and settle the island. This expedition landed in Holetown formerly known as Jamestown. The colonists established a House of Assembly in 1639. It was the 3rd ever Parliamentary Democracy in the world (Barbados History). People with good financial
backgrounds and social connections with England were allocated land. Within a few years much of the land had been deforested to make way for tobacco and cotton plantations.
During the 1630s, sugar cane was introduced to the agriculture. The production of sugar, tobacco and cotton was heavily reliant on the indenture of servants. White civilians who wanted to emigrate overseas could do so by signing an agreement to serve a planter in Barbados for a period of 5 or 7 years. To meet the labor demands, servants were also derived from kidnapping, and convicted criminals were shipped to Barbados. Descendants of the white slaves and
indentured labour (referred to as Red Legs) still live in Barbados, they live amongst the black population in St. Martin's River and other east coast regions. At one time they lived in caves in this region.
1644 . 1700 . Sugar and Slavery
A potential market formed for slaves and sugar-making machinery by the Dutch Merchants who were to supply Barbados with their requirements of forced labor from West Africa. The slaves came from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon. Many slaves did not survive the journey from Africa, but many thousands still reached their destination. The
Barbadians dominated the Caribbean Sugar Industry in these early years. The sugar plantation owners were powerful and successful businessmen who had arrived in Barbados in the early years.
Many natural disasters occurred in the late 1600s, such as the locust plague of 1663, the Bridgetown fire and a major hurricane in 1667. Drought in 1668 ruined some planters and excessive rain in 1669 added to their financial problems. However, investment continued in sugar and slaves and was perceived to have good prospects. By 1720 Barbadians were no longer a dominant force within the sugar industry. They had been surpassed by the Leeward Islands and the
Jamaica.
1807 - 1838 . Abolition, rebellion and emancipation
After slavery was abolished in 1834, many of the new citizens of Barbados took advantage of the superb education available on the island. After these citizens had been educated, they wanted something more than working in the cane fields. Some of them gained prominent offices in Barbados. Others worked in common jobs, and still others stayed in the cane fields (Barbados History). Many people were drawn to Barbados because of the climate and slow pace of life. The island was thought of as a cure for "the vapours" (Barbados History). Even Major George Washington visited the island with his tuberculosis-stricken half brother in hope of ameliorating his illness (Barbados History) Slavery, abolished in 1834, was followed by a 4-year apprenticeship period during which free men continued to
work a 45-hour week without pay in exchange for living in the tiny huts provided by the plantation owners.
1961-1966 Independence
Barbados was first occupied by the British in 1627 and remained a British colony until internal autonomy was granted in 1961. The Island gained full independence in 1966, and maintains ties to the Britain monarch represented in Barbados by the Governor General. It is a member of the Commonwealth. The first leader of Barbados as a free nation was the Right Honourable Errol Walton Barrow, of the Democratic Labour Party. The other major political party is
the Barbados Labour Party, led by the current Prime Minister - The Right Honourable Owen Arthur. In 1989, the National Democratic Party was formed. Its leader was Dr.Richie Haynes.
Endless pink- and white-sand beaches and a rich West Indian tradition are what put Barbados on the map. Barbados is easily reached from the United States and has a grand array of hotels (many of them super-expensive). Although it doesn't offer casinos, it has more than just beach life. It's a terrific destination for travelers interested in learning about West Indian culture, and it offers more
sightseeing attractions than most Caribbean islands.
After morning mists burn off to expose panoramas of valley and ocean, the Bajan landscape is one of the most majestic in the southern Caribbean. It's an ideal place to go on lovely driving tours to take in all the little seaside villages, plantations, gardens, and English country churches, some dating from the 17th century.
Barbados is known as "Little England" in the Caribbean. Afternoon tea remains a tradition in many places, cricket is still the national sport, and many Bajans speak with a British accent. Despite this legacy, islanders are weighing the possibility of a divorce from the mother country.
Don't rule out Barbados if you're seeking a peaceful island getaway. Although the south coast is known for its nightlife and the west-coast beach strip is completely built up, some of the island remains undeveloped. The east coast is fairly tranquil, and you can often be alone here (but because it faces the Atlantic, the waters aren't as calm as they are on the Caribbean side). Many escapists, especially Canadians seeking a low-cost
place to stay in winter, don't seem to mind the Atlantic waters at all. Not only does the Atlantic Coast have Bathsheba Beach going for it, but it is also home to some of the most visited attractions on the island. These include Andromeda Botanical Garden, Farley Hill National Park, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, and Harrison's Cave.
Although crime has been on the rise in recent years, Barbados is still a relatively safe destination. The difference between the haves and the have-nots doesn't result in the violence seen on other islands like Jamaica. Bajans have a long history of welcoming foreign visitors, and that tradition of hospitality is still ingrained in most locals.
The island's beaches are all open to the public -- even those in front of the big resort hotels and private homes -- and the government requires that there be access to all beaches, via roads along the property line or through hotel entrances. The beaches on the west coast, the Gold Coast, are the
most popular.
On The West Coast -- The waters are calm here. Major beaches include Paynes Bay, which is accessed from the Coach House, south of Holetown, and has a parking area. This is a good choice for watersports, especially snorkeling. The beach can get rather crowded, but the beautiful bay is worth the effort. Directly south of Payne's Bay, at Fresh Water Bay, are three of the best west-coast beaches: Brighton Beach, Brandon's
Beach, and Paradise Beach.
We also recommend Mullins Beach, where the glassy blue waters attract snorkelers. There's parking on the main road and some shady areas. At the Mullins Beach Bar, you can order that rum drink you've been craving.
On The South Coast -- Casuarina Beach is accessed from Maxwell Coast Road, going across the property of the Casuarina Beach Hotel. This is one of the wider beaches of Barbados, it's cooled by trade winds even on the hottest days of August. Windsurfers are especially fond of this one. Food and drinks can be ordered at the hotel.
Silver Sands Beach, to the east of Oistins, is near the southernmost point of Barbados, directly east of South Point Lighthouse and near the Silver Rock Hotel. This white-sand beach is a favorite with many Bajans (who probably want to keep it a secret from as many tourists as possible). The Silver Rock Bar sells drinks.
Sandy Beach, accessible via the parking lot on the Worthing main road, has tranquil waters opening onto a lagoon. It's a family favorite, and especially boisterous on weekends. Food and drinks are available.
On The Southeast Coast -- The southeast coast is the site of big waves, especially at Crane Beach, the white-sand strip set against a backdrop of palms that you've probably seen in travel magazines. The beach is spectacular, and Prince Andrew, who has a house overlooking it, might agree. It offers excellent bodysurfing, but at times the waters may be too rough for all but the strongest swimmers; take appropriate
precautions. The beach is set against cliffs, with the Crane Beach Hotel towering above.
Bottom Bay, north of Sam Lord's Castle Resort, is one of our all-time Bajan favorites. Park on the top of a cliff, then walk down the steps to this much-photographed tropical beach with its grove of coconut palms; there's even a cave. The sand is brilliantly white against the aquamarine sea, a picture-postcard perfect beach paradise.
On The East (Atlantic) Coast -- The miles and miles of uncrowded beaches on the rougher Atlantic side are ideal for strolling, but swimming can be dangerous. Waves are extremely high, and the bottom tends to be rocky. The currents are also unpredictable. Many travelers enjoy the rugged grandeur of these beaches, especially those in the Bathsheba/Cattlewash areas.
Overview
There's so much to see and do here, it would take more than one vacation to cover it all. Stroll the streets, embrace the ambience. Spend an hour or two in the ocean or a day on it. Go snorkeling, diving, sailing, cruising or fishing. Explore nature. Go shopping. Immerse yourself in the culture. Smell the flowers, listen to the birds and soak up the sunshine. The choice is yours. Browse the following listings to make your choices.
Often hot and clogged with traffic, the capital, Bridgetown, merits a morning's shopping jaunt, plus a visit to some of its major sights.
Since about half a million visitors arrive on Barbados by cruise ship each year, the government has opened a $6 million cruise-ship terminal with 20 duty-free shops, 13 local retail stores, and scads of vendors. Cruise passengers can choose from a range of products, including the arts and crafts of Barbados, jewelry, liquor, china, crystal, electronics, perfume, and leather goods. The interior was designed to
re-create an island street scene; some storefronts appear as traditional chattel houses in brilliant island colors, complete with streetlights, tropical landscaping, benches, and pushcarts.
Begin your tour at the waterfront, called the Carenage (French for "turning vessels on their side for cleaning"). This was a haven for clipper ships, and even though today it doesn't have the color of yesteryear, it's still worth exploring.
At Trafalgar Square, the long tradition of British colonization is immortalized. The monument here, honoring Lord Nelson, was executed by Sir Richard Westmacott and erected in 1813. The great gray Victorian/Gothic Public Buildings on the square look like ones you might find in London. The east wing contains the meeting halls of the Senate and the House of Assembly, with some stained-glass windows
representing the sovereigns of England. Look for the "Great Protector" himself, Oliver Cromwell.
Behind the Financial Building, St. Michael's Cathedral, east of Trafalgar Square, is the symbol of the Church of England. This Anglican church was built in 1655 but was completely destroyed in a 1780 hurricane. Reconstructed in 1789, it was again damaged by a hurricane in 1831. George Washington supposedly worshipped here on his visit to Barbados.
The Synagogue, Synagogue Lane (no phone), is one of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere and is surrounded by a burial ground of early Jewish settlers. The present building dates from 1833. It was constructed on the site of an even older synagogue, erected by Jews from Brazil in 1654. It's now part of the National Trust of Barbados -- and a synagogue once again. It's open Monday to Friday from 9am to
4pm; a donation is requested for admission.
First made popular in 1870, cricket is the national pastime on Barbados. Matches can last from 1 to 5 days. If you'd like to see one, watch for announcements in the newspapers or ask at the Tourist Board, on Harbour Road (tel. 246/427-2623). From Bridgetown, take a taxi to Garrison Savannah, just south of the capital, a venue for frequent cricket matches and horse races.
Barbados Museum, St. Ann's Garrison, St. Michael (tel. 246/427-0201), is in a former military prison. Extensive collections show the island's development from prehistoric to modern times, as well as fascinating glimpses into the natural environment and fine examples of West Indian maps and decorative arts. The museum sells a variety of quality publications, reproductions, and handcrafts. Its cafe is good
for a snack or light lunch. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, Sunday from 2 to 6pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children.
Nearby, the russet-red St. Ann's Fort, on the fringe of the savanna, garrisoned British soldiers in 1694. The fort wasn't completed until 1703. The Clock House survived the hurricane of 1831.
On a cliff overlooking the town of Bathsheba on the rugged east coast, limestone boulders make for a natural 3-hectare (8-acre) rock-garden setting. Thousands of orchids, hundreds of hibiscus and heliconia, and many varieties of ferns, begonias, palms, and other species grow here in splendid profusion. You'll occasionally see frogs, herons, lizards, hummingbirds, and sometimes a mongoose or a monkey.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Across the road from Farley Hill National Park, in northern St. Peter Parish, the reserve is set in a mahogany forest that's maintained by the Barbados Primate Research Center. Visitors can stroll through what is primarily a monkey sanctuary and an arboretum. Aside from the uncaged monkeys, you can see wild hares, deer, tortoises, otters, wallabies (which were brought into Barbados), and a variety of tropical birds
Flower Forest
This former sugar plantation stands 255m (850 ft.) above sea level near the western edge of the Scotland district, 2km (1 1/4 miles) from Harrison's Cave. Set in one of the most scenic parts of Barbados, it's more than just a botanical garden; it's where people and nature came together to create something beautiful. After viewing the grounds, visitors can purchase handcrafts at Best of Barbados.
Francia Plantation
A fine family home, the Francia Plantation stands on a wooded hillside overlooking the St. George Valley and is still owned and occupied by descendants of the original owner. Built in 1913, the house blends West Indian and European architectural influences. You can explore several rooms, including the dining room with its family silver and an 18th-century James McCabe bracket clock. On the walls are antique maps and
prints, including a map of the West Indies printed in 1522.
Gun Hill Signal Station
One of two such stations owned and operated by the Barbados National Trust, the Gun Hill Signal Station is strategically placed on the highland of St. George and commands a panoramic view from the east to the west. Built in 1818, it was the finest of a chain of signal stations and was also used as an outpost for the British army. The restored military cookhouse houses a snack bar and gift shop.
Harrison's Cave
The underground world here, the number-one tourist attraction of Barbados, is viewed from aboard an electric tram and trailer. You'll see bubbling streams, tumbling cascades, and subtly lit deep pools, while all around stalactites hang overhead like icicles, and stalagmites rise from the floor. Visitors may disembark and get a closer look at this natural phenomenon at the Rotunda Room and the Cascade Pool. Although
it's interesting, it may not impress those who have been to the far more spectacular Carlsbad or Luray Caverns.
Heritage Park & Rum Factory
After driving through cane fields, you'll arrive at the first rum distillery to be launched on the island since the 19th century. Inaugurated in 1996, this factory is located on a former molasses and sugar plantation dating back some 350 years. Produced on site is ESA Field, a white rum praised by connoisseurs. Adjacent is an admission-free park where Barbadian handcrafts are displayed. You'll also find an array of
shops and carts selling global foods, handcrafts, and products.
Created in 1727 when Barbados was one of Britain's major sugar colonies, this mill is now restored, one of only two intact sugar mills in the Caribbean (the other is in Antigua). The mill includes an exhibit of the equipment, including horse-driven machinery, once used to make sugar. The on-site plantation house has seen better days, but makes a picturesque ruin with its rubble walls. The mill lies on a scenic mount in
the northeast of the island, offering panoramic views of the east coast. Before its restoration, this mill appeared on a list of the 100 most endangered historical sites in the world.
St. Nicholas Abbey
Surrounded by sugarcane fields, this Jacobean plantation great house has been around since about 1650. It was never actually an abbey -- around 1820 an ambitious owner simply christened it as such. More than 80 hectares (200 acres) are still cultivated each year. The house, characterized by its curved gables, is believed to be one of three Jacobean houses in the western hemisphere. At least the ground floor of the structure is open to the public.
You can have lunch or tea at the cafe, and perhaps catch an intriguing home movie from the 1930s.
Sunbury Plantation House
If you have time to visit only one plantation or great house in Barbados, make it this one. It's the only great house on Barbados where all the rooms are open for viewing. The 300-year-old plantation house is steeped in history, featuring mahogany antiques, old prints, and a unique collection of horse-drawn carriages. Take the informative tour, then stop in the Courtyard Restaurant and Bar for a meal or drinks; there's
also a gift shop. A candlelight dinner is offered at least once a week; this five-course meal, served at a 200-year-old mahogany table, costs $75 per person.
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village
If you arrived at the airport, you'll recognize the name of Sir Grantley Adams, the leader of the Bajan movement for independence from Britain. This was once his home, and his wife, Lady Adams, lived in the house until her death in 1990. Once you had to wrangle a highly prized invitation to visit, but the home is now open to all. It was built sometime in the mid-1850s from coral stone, in a Palladian style. The grounds
have been turned into a museum of Bajan life, including small chattel houses where potters and artists work. The museum attracts mainly those with a genuine interest in Bajan culture; it may not be for the average visitor intent on getting to the beach on time.
Welchman Hall Gully
The Barbados National Trust owns this lush tropical garden, which contains specimens of plants that were here before the English settlers landed in 1627, and later imports that include cocoa bushes, exotic orchids, and trees from which both cloves and nutmeg are produced. Many of the plants are labeled and occasionally you'll spot a wild monkey. You can also see breadfruit trees that are supposedly descendants of the
seedlings brought ashore by Captain Bligh, of Bounty fame.
A Beautiful Picnic Spot -- Farley Hill National Park surrounds what used to be one of the greatest houses of Barbados, Farley Hill, a mansion in ruins. The park lies to the north of the parish of St. Peter, directly across the road leading into the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. You can bring in a picnic and wander in the park, overlooking the turbulent waters of the Atlantic. You can enter the park for free
if you're walking, but it costs $2 to bring a car in. Hours are daily 8:30am to 6pm.
Organized Tours -- Bajan Tours, Shak-Shak Complex, Hastings, Christ Church (tel. 246/228-6000; fax 246/228-0606), is a locally owned and operated company. The best bet for the first-timer is the Exclusive Island Tour, departing daily between 8:15 and 9am and returning between 3:30 and 4pm. It covers all the island's highlights, including the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, the Chalky Mount Potteries,
and the rugged east coast. All tours cost $60 per person and include a full buffet lunch.
Cruises -- Most popular and fun are the Jolly Roger "Pirate" Cruises run by Jolly Roger Cruises (tel. 246/436-6424), operating out of Bridgetown Harbour. Passengers can rope swing, swim, snorkel, and suntan on the top deck. Even mock weddings are staged. A buffet lunch with rum punch is available Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Lunch cruises cost $62 per person. You can also sail on a
catamaran lunch cruise, a 4-hour cruise offered daily from 10am to 3pm, costing $65 per person. Children 12 and under are half price.
Part cruise ship, part nightclub, the M/V Harbour Master (tel. 246/430-0900) is a 30m (100-ft.), 4-story vessel with theme decks, a modern gallery, and 3 bars. It boasts a dance floor and a sit-down restaurant, and also offers formal buffets on its Calypso Deck. On the Harbour Master Deck, there's a bank of TVs for sports buffs. The showpiece of the vessel is an onboard semi-submersible, which is
lowered hydraulically to 2m (6 ft.) beneath the ship. This is, in effect, a "boat in a boat," with 30 seats. Lunch and dinner cruises cost $62 and $65 per person; the semi-submersible experience costs another $10.
Submerged Sightseeing -- You no longer have to be an experienced diver to see what lives 45m (150 ft.) below the surface of the sea. Now anybody can view the sea's wonders on sightseeing submarines. The air-conditioned submersibles seat 28 to 48 passengers and make several dives daily from 9am to 4pm. Passengers are transported aboard a ferryboat from the Carenage in downtown Bridgetown to the submarine site,
about 2km (1 1/4 miles) from the west coast of Barbados. The ride offers a view of the west coast of the island.
The submarine, Atlantic III, features viewing ports that allow you to see a rainbow of colors, tropical fish, plants, and even a shipwreck that lies upright and intact below the surface. The cost is $80 for adults, $40 for children. For reservations, contact Atlantis Submarines (Barbados), Shallow Draught, Bridgetown (tel. 246/436-8929).
It's also possible to go cruising over one of the shore reefs to observe marine life. You sit in air-conditioned comfort aboard the Atlantis Seatrec, a semi-submersible boat, which gives you a chance to get a snorkeler's view of the reef through large viewing windows. You can also relax on deck as you take in the scenic coastline. A second Seatrec tour explores wreckage sites. Divers go down with video
cameras to three different wrecks on Carlisle Bay, and the video is transmitted to TV monitors aboard the vessel. Both tours cost $35 for adults, half for children age 4 to 12 (not suitable for kids age 3 and under). For reservations, call the number above.
Deep-Sea Fishing -- The fishing is first-rate in the waters around Barbados, where anglers pursue dolphin (mahimahi), marlin, wahoo, barracuda, and sailfish, to name only the most popular catches. There's also an occasional cobia. The Dive Shop, Pebbles Beach, Aquatic Gap, St. Michael (tel. 800/693-3483 or 246/426-9947), can arrange half-day charters for one to six people, costing $350 per boat
(including all equipment and drinks). A whole-day jaunt goes for $700.
Golf -- Open to all are the trio of 18-hole championship golf courses of the Sandy Lane Hotel, St. James (tel. 246/444-2000), on the west coast. Greens fees are $220 in winter and $200 in summer for 18 holes, or $60 year-round for 9 holes. Carts and caddies are available.
Another option, the Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club, Westmoreland, St. James (tel. 246/422-4653), is one of the island's premier golf courses. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., this $30 million, 18-hole course is spread across 200 hectares (500 acres) overlooking the Gold Coast. It is part of a private residential community. For either 9 or 18 holes, greens fees cost $190 U.S., including use of
an electric golf cart. A full set of clubs rents for $60.
Hiking -- The Barbados National Trust (tel. 246/426-2421) offers popular Sunday morning hikes throughout the year. Led by young Bajans and members of the National Trust, the hikes cover a different area of the island each week, giving you an opportunity to learn about Barbados' natural beauty. The guides give brief talks on subjects such as geography, history, geology, and agriculture. The hikes,
free and open to participants of all ages, are divided into fast, medium, and slow categories, with groups of no more than 10. All hikes leave promptly at 6am, are about 8km (5 miles) long, and take about 3 hours to complete. There are also hikes at 3:30 and 5:30pm, the latter conducted only on moonlit nights. For more information, contact the Barbados National Trust.
In 1998, Barbados created a nature trail that explores the natural history and heritage of Speightstown, once a major sugar port and even today a fishing town with old houses and a bustling waterfront. The Arbib Nature & Heritage Trail takes you through town, the mysterious gully known as "the Whim," and the surrounding districts. The first marked trail is a 8km (4.7-mile) trek which begins outside St. Peter's
Church in Speightstown, traverses the Whim, crosses one of the last working plantations in Barbados (Warleight), and leads to the historic 18th-century Dover Fort, following along white-sand beaches at Heywoods before ending up back in town. Guided hikes are offered on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. For information and reservations, call the Barbados National Trust, and ask for a trail map at the tourist office.
The rugged, dramatic east coast stretches about 26km (16 miles) from the lighthouse at Ragged Point, the easternmost point of Barbados, north along the Atlantic coast to Bathsheba and Pico Teneriffe. This is the island's most panoramic hiking area. Some hardy souls do the entire coast; if your time is limited, hike our favorite walk, the 6km (4-mile) stretch from Ragged Point to Consett Bay, along a rough, stony
trail that requires only moderate endurance. Allow at least 2 1/2 hours. A small picnic facility just north of Bathsheba is a popular spot for Bajan families, especially on Sundays. As for information, you're pretty much on your own, although if you stick to the coastline, you won't get lost.
Horseback Riding -- A different view of Barbados is offered by the Caribbean International Riding Centre, St. Andrew, Sarely Hill (tel. 246/422-7433). With nearly 40 horses, Mrs. Roachford and her daughters offer a variety of trail rides for all levels of experience, ranging from a 1 1/2-hour jaunt for $60 to a 2 1/2-hour trek for $90. You'll ride through some of the most panoramic parts of
Barbados, including the hilly terrain of the Scotland district. Along the way, you can see wild ducks and water lilies, with the rhythm of the Atlantic as background music.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling -- The clear waters off Barbados have a visibility of more than 30m (100 ft.) most of the year. More than 50 varieties of fish are found on the shallow inside reefs, and there's an unusually high concentration of hawksbill turtles. On night dives, you can spot sleeping fish, night anemones, lobsters, moray eels, and octopuses. Diving is concentrated on the leeward west and south coasts,
where hard corals grow thick along the crest of the reef, and orange elephant ear, barrel sponge, and rope sponge cascade down the drop-off of the outer reef.
On a 2km (1 1/4-miles) -long coral reef 2 minutes by boat from Sandy Beach, sea fans, corals, gorgonians, and reef fish are plentiful. J.R., a dredge barge sunk as an artificial reef in 1983, is popular with beginners for its coral, fish life, and 6m (20-ft.) depth. The Berwyn, a coral-encrusted tugboat that sank in Carlisle Bay in 1916, attracts photographers for its variety of reef fish, shallow
depth, good light, and visibility.
Asta Reef, with a drop of 24m (80 ft.), has coral, sea fans, and reef fish in abundance. It's the site of a Barbados wreck that was sunk in 1986 as an artificial reef. Dottins, the most beautiful reef on the west coast, stretches 8km (5 miles ) from Holetown to Bridgetown and has numerous dive sites at an average depth of 12m (40 ft.) and drop-offs of 30m (100 ft.). The SS Stavronikita, a Greek
freighter, is a popular site for advanced divers. Crippled by fire in 1976, the 108m (360-ft.) freighter was sunk a .4km ( 1/4 mile) off the west coast to become an artificial reef in Folkestone Underwater Park, north of Holetown. The mast is at 12m (40 ft.), the deck at 24m (80 ft.), and the keel at 36m (140 ft.). While you explore the site, you might spot barracuda, moray eels, and a vibrant coat of bright yellow tube sponge, delicate pink rope
sponge, and crimson encrusting sponge. The park has an underwater snorkel trail, plus glass-bottom boat rides, making it a family favorite.
The Dive Shop, Pebbles Beach, Aquatic Gap, St. Michael (tel. 800/878-3483 or 246/426-9947), offers some of the best scuba diving on Barbados, charging $55 for a one-tank dive and $80 for a two-tank dive. Every day, three dive trips go out to the nearby reefs and wrecks; snorkeling trips and equipment rentals are also available. Visitors with reasonable swimming skills who have never dived before can sign
up for a resort course. Priced at $70, it includes pool training, safety instructions, and a one-tank open-water dive. The establishment is NAUI- and PADI-certified, and is open Sunday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Some other dive shops in Barbados that rent or sell snorkeling equipment include the following: Carib Ocean Divers, St. James (tel. 246/422-4414); Hazel's Water World, Bridgetown, St. Michael (tel. 246/426-4043); and
Explore Sub, Christ Church, near Bridgetown (tel. 246/435-6542).
Several companies also operate snorkeling cruises that take you to particularly picturesque areas.
Tennis -- The big hotels have tennis courts that can be reserved even if you're not a guest. In Barbados, most tennis players still wear traditional whites. Folkestone Park, Holetown (tel. 246/422-2314), is a free public tennis court. Courts at the Barbados Squash Club, Marine House, Christ Church (tel. 246/427-7913), can be reserved for $17 for 45 minutes.
Windsurfing -- Experts say the windsurfing off Barbados is as good as any this side of Hawaii. Windsurfing on Barbados has turned into a very big business between November and April, attracting thousands of windsurfers from as far away as Finland, Argentina, and Japan. The shifting of the trade winds between November and May and the shallow offshore reef of Silver Sands create unique conditions of wind
and wave swells. This allows windsurfers to reach speeds of up to 50 knots and do complete loops off the waves. Silver Sands is rated the best spot in the Caribbean for advanced windsurfing (skill rating of five to six).
Club Mistral Windsurfing Club, with two branches on the island, can get you started. Beginners and intermediates usually opt for the branch in Oistins (tel. 246/428-7277), where winds are constant but the sea is generally flat and calm. Advanced intermediates and experts usually go to the branch adjacent to the Silver Sands Hotel, in Christ Church (tel. 246/428-6001), where stronger winds and
higher waves allow surfers to combine aspects of windsurfing and conventional Hawaiian-style surfing. Both branches use boards and equipment provided by the Germany-based Club Mistral. Lessons at either branch cost between $40 and $65 per hour, depending on how many people are in your class. Equipment rents for $25 per hour, or $55 to $65 per half day, depending on where and what you rent; rates are less expensive at the Oistins branch.
Can you resist temptation? You'd better come prepared if you are going shopping here. There are so many great products that it's guaranteed: somewhere, sometime, you'll be tempted. It might be colorful beachwear, evening fashions, an exquisite piece of art, an ultra-smart purse, a tropical shirt, a gorgeous piece of jewelery or native crafts. Browse the following listings to see what's available and where.
Barbados offers an unmatched selection of the finest gold and silver jewelery imported from more than a dozen leading jewel countries. Also imported are diamonds and other precious stones, available at highly competitive prices. Experienced and knowledgeable jewelers and gemologists will ensure that you find the perfect stone. With high-quality, tax-free merchandise, excellent service by friendly and knowledgeable sales staff, and
comfortable, air-conditioned stores, shopping in Barbados truly is..... just beyond your imagination!
You may find duty-free merchandise here at prices 20% to 40% lower than in the United States and Canada -- but you've got to be a smart shopper to spot bargains, and you should be familiar with prices back in your hometown. Duty-free shops have two prices listed on items of merchandise: the local retail price and the local retail price less the government-imposed tax.
Some of the best duty-free buys include cameras, watches, crystal, gold jewelry, bone china, cosmetics and perfumes, and liquor (including locally produced Barbados rum and liqueurs), along with tobacco products and cashmere sweaters, tweeds, and sportswear from Britain. If you purchase items made on Barbados, you don't have to pay duty.
The quintessential Barbados handcrafts are black-coral jewelry and clay pottery. The latter originates at Chalky Mount Potteries (no phone), which is worth a visit. Potters turn out different products, some based on designs that are centuries old. The potteries (which are signposted) are north of Bathsheba on the east coast, in St. Joseph Parish near Barclay's Park. In shops across the island, you'll
also find a selection of locally made vases, pots, pottery mugs, glazed plates, and ornaments.
Island craftspeople weave wall hangings from local grasses and dried flowers, and also turn out straw mats, baskets, and bags with raffia embroidery. Leatherwork, particularly handbags, belts, and sandals, is also found on Barbado
The heart and soul of shopping in Barbados is Broad Street in the capital city, Bridgetown. There you will find several large department stores and duty free shops. In addition to the specialty stores (such as jewellery stores), there are several shopping malls offering a wide variety of products and services. Just outside of Bridgetown is the
Bayshore Complex, worth a stop for its shopping, and historic value.
Pelican Village, on the outskirts of Bridgetown, is the place to get local handicrafts including straw bags, wall hangings, batik, paintings, rum cakes, and much more!
Shopping in Barbados is by no means confined to Bridgetown. There are several smaller towns like Holetown in St.James and Speightstown in St.Peter that feature craft shops and gift shops. Several shopping malls and plazas are also located outside of Bridgetown. Chattel Village shopping areas are becoming increasingly popular in Barbados. These feature shops made in traditional chattel house style and selling souvenirs, gift
items, clothing and local arts and crafts. You can find these chattel villages at Holetown, St.James and St.Lawrence Gap, Christ Church.
Supermarkets
If you are staying in an apartment, villas or hotel with kitchen facilities, you may choose to do some cooking yourself, and can make purchases at local supermarkets, mini marts, and markets. Your hotel front desk can advise of the nearest shopping facilities but some of the more popular ones are:
On the south coast: Big B Supermarket (Worthing), Julie 'N Supermarket (Worthing).
On the west coast: Jordan's Supermarket (Payne's Bay), Super Centre (Holetown), Esso AutoMart (Payne's Bay).
Some of the best known shops are:
In Bridgetown -- Cruise passengers generally head for the cruise-ship terminal at Bridgetown Harbour, which has some 20 duty-free shops, 13 local shops, and many vendors.
At Articrafts, Broad Street (tel. 246/427-5767), John and Roslyn Watson have assembled an impressive display of Bajan arts and crafts. Roslyn's distinctive wall hangings are decorated with objects from the island, including sea fans and coral. The unique Colours of De Caribbean, the Waterfront Marina (next to the Waterfront Café, on the Carenage; tel. 246/436-8522), carries a
limited selection of original hand-painted and batik clothing, all made in the West Indies, plus jewelry and decorative objects.
Cave Shepherd, Broad Street (tel. 246/431-2121), is the largest department store on the island and the best place for duty-free merchandise. There are branches at Sunset Crest in Holetown, Da Costas Mall, Grantley Adams Airport, and the Bridgetown cruise-ship terminal, but if your time is limited, try this outlet, as it has the widest selection. The store sells perfumes, cosmetics, fine crystal
and bone china, cameras, jewelry, swimwear, leather goods, men's designer clothing, handcrafts, liquor, and souvenirs. You can take a break in the cool comfort of the Balcony, overlooking Broad Street, which serves vegetarian dishes and has a salad bar and beer garden.
Harrison's, 1 Broad St. (tel. 246/431-5500), has 6 branch stores, all selling a wide variety of duty-free merchandise, including china, crystal, jewelry, leather goods, and perfumes -- all at fair prices. Also for sale are some fine leather products handcrafted in Colombia. Harrison's is the major competitor to Cave Shepherd on the island, but we'd give the edge to Cave Shepherd.
Little Switzerland, in the Da Costas Mall, Broad Street (tel. 246/431-0030), offers a wide selection of watches, fine jewelry, Mont Blanc pens, and an array of goodies from Waterford, Lalique, Swarovski, Baccarat, and others. Also on Broad Street, at Mall 34, is a branch of Best of Barbados (tel. 246/436-1416).
About a 1/2 hour drive north of Bridgetown, Luna Jewelers, Queen St., Spice Town, St. Peter (tel. 246/419-5862), sells diamonds and precious stones. What makes Luna unusual is its emphasis on Art-Nouveau and Art-Deco designs set into gold and silver, crafted on Barbados in alluring designs. Fossilized Bajan coral is carefully polished and set into gold or silver settings, and in some cases, intricate mosaic-style inlays.
Pelican Crafts Center, Harbour Road (tel. 246/426-4391), offers bargains from Bajan artisans. In Bridgetown, go down Princess Alice Highway to the city's Deep Water Harbour, where you'll find this tiny colony of thatch-roofed shops. Some of the shops here are gimmicky, but interesting items can be found. Sometimes you can see craftspeople at work.
Elsewhere On The Island -- The best shop on the island for local products is Best of Barbados, in the Southern Palms, St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, on the south coast (tel. 246/420-8040). Part of an island-wide chain of eight stores, this tasteful shop sells only products designed or made on Barbados, such as prints, coasters, T-shirts, pottery, dolls, games, and cookbooks. Also in the
town of St. Lawrence Gap is Walker's Caribbean World (tel. 246/428-1183), near the Southern Palms, which offers many locally made items for sale, as well as handcrafts from the Caribbean Basin and the famous Jill Walker prints.
One of the most interesting shopping jaunts in Barbados is to the previously recommended Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, the former home of the Bajan national hero, Sir Grantley Adams. On the grounds of the former prime minister's estate is a colony of artisans, who turn out an array of articles for sale ranging from paintings to pottery, from baskets to handmade figurines.
Earthworks Pottery/The Potter's House Gallery, Edgehill Heights 2, St. Thomas (tel. 246/425-0223), is one of the artistic highlights of Barbados. Deep in the island's central highlands, Canadian-born Goldie Spieler and her son, David, create whimsical ceramics in the colors of the sea and sky; many objects are decorated with Antillean-inspired swirls and zigzags. On the premises are a studio and
a showroom that sells the output of at least half a dozen other island potters. Purchases can be shipped.
The Shell Gallery, Gibbes Hill, St. Peter (tel. 246/422-2593), has the best collection of shells in the West Indies. Also offered are shell jewelry, local pottery and ceramics, and batik.
Greenwich House Antiques, Greenwich Village, Trents Hill, St. James (tel. 246/432-1169), a 25-minute drive from Bridgetown, feels like a genteel private home where the objects for sale seem to have come from the attic of your slightly dotty great aunt. Dozens of objects fill every available inch of display space.
Overview
Welcome to the culinary culture of Barbados. Pray that your waist doesn't grow as broad as your dining options. The sea offers a bounty that is fresh and healthy. Landlubbers will find their share of chicken, beef, lamb, pork, pasta and vegetarian dishes. Many restaurants offer a unique blend of Caribbean or Continental ambience, and the quality of the food is second to none. Use the following listings to plan your
culinary adventure.
LaTerra
Cuisine
BAJAN, INTERNATIONAL
Hours
Daily 11am-3pm, 6:30-10pm
Location
Royal Westmoreland, On the West Coast
Reservations
Reservations required
Phone
246/432-1099
Prices
Main courses $25-$40
Credit Cards
AE, MC, V
This kitchen offers an exciting medley of flavors that roam the world for inspiration but come home to the Caribbean for spicing. It's a romantic setting -- an orchid spray on each of the 24 tables, fireflies lighting the garden and the sounds of taped jazz from New Orleans competing with the tree-frog symphony, and the soothing surf.
The chef uses quality ingredients and searches for local produce whenever available. Each dish has a kind of harmonious simplicity; flavors maintain their integrity without being buried in heavy sauces. Our appetizer of risotto primavera with white truffle oil set the tone of the meal. That was followed by baked barracuda flavored with tarragon and served with caper-studded red wine sauce on a bed of fettuccine with fresh
greens. Although many of the meat dishes are made with imported frozen meat, they don't taste that way. We recommend the grilled black Angus tenderloin on baked polenta with a zesty touch of roasted shallots and béarnaise sauce. After 10pm diners can head downstairs to the Casbah Nightclub.
The Cliff
Cuisine
International, Caribbean
Hours
Mon-Sat 6:30-10pm
Location
Hwy. 1, Derrick, St. James, On the West Coast
Reservations
Reservations required in winter
Phone
246/432-1922
Prices
Set-menu $65
Credit Cards
AE, MC, V
Built atop a 3m (10-ft.) coral cliff adjacent to the Coconut Creek Hotel, this open-air restaurantfeatures a four-level dining room crafted with terra-cotta tiles and coral stone. Though it's not exclusive or even particularly formal, it has attracted Prince Andrew and other titled and bejeweled guests of the nearby upscale hotels. The culinary technique is impeccably sharp, and the chefs here select only the finest cuts of
beef, the freshest seafood, and the choicest vegetables. The best items are grilled snapper drizzled with three types of coriander sauce (cream-based, oil-based, and vinaigrette style), accompanied with garlic mashed potatoes and Thai-style curried shrimp. For sheer innovation, dishes such as this put The Cliff ahead of Bagatelle. Also try the fresh sushi. As you dine, watch for manta rays, which glide through the illuminated waters below; a sighting is
considered a sign of good luck.
Mango's by the Sea
Cuisine
International, Seafood
Hours
Daily 6-9:30pm. Also open Sat 6-9:30pm Dec-Apr
Address
2 West End
Location
Queen St., Speightstown, St. Peter, On the West Coast
Reservations
Reservations recommended
Phone
246/422-0704
Prices
Main courses $25-$28
Credit Cards
AE, MC, V
This restaurant and bar overlooking the water is best known for its seafood: The owners, Montréal natives Gail and Pierre Spenard, buy the catch of the day directly from the fishermen's boats. The food is exceedingly good, and the seasonings aren't as overpowering as they are at many Bajan restaurants. Appetizers might be anything from smoked salmon to pumpkin soup. If you don't want fish, opt for the 8-ounce U.S.
tenderloin steak cooked to perfection or the fall-off-the-bone barbecued baby back ribs. Top off your meal with passion-fruit cheesecake or star fruit torte. There's live entertainment on some nights. Next door is an art gallery under the same management which features the silk screen prints of artist Michael Adams.
Brown Sugar
Cuisine
Bajan
Hours
Sun-Fri noon-2:30pm, 6-9:30pm (last order); Sat 6-9:30pm (last order)
Location
Aquatic Gap, St. Michael, South of Bridgetown
Reservations
Reservations recommended
Phone
246/426-7684
Prices
Main courses $15-$36; fixed-price buffet lunch $20 or $23 Sun
Credit Cards
AE, DC, DISC, MC, V
Brown Sugar serves the tastiest Bajan specialties on the island. The alfresco restaurant is hidden behind lush foliage in a turn-of-the-century coral limestone bungalow. The ceiling is latticed, with slow-turning fans, and there's an open veranda for dining by candlelight beneath hanging plants. We suggest starting with black bean soup. Creole pork is the best main dish, followed closely by stuffed crab backs. A selection of
locally grown vegetables is also offered. Only the lobster is expensive; most of the other dishes are reasonably priced. The restaurant is known for its buffet-style lunches, popular with local businesspeople for its good value.
La Mer
Cuisine
International
Hours
Sun only noon-2pm; Tues-Sat 7-9pm
Location
In the Port St. Charles Condo and Marina complex, Speightstown, St. Peter, On the West Coast
Reservations
Reservations required
Phone
246/419-2000
Prices
Main courses $28-$46; Sun lunch buffet $63 per person
Credit Cards
AE, MC, V
Intricately associated, architecturally and socially, with the upscale Port St. Charles Condo and Marina complex in which it's located, this is a stylish and breezy restaurant with a prominent bar, a terrace that overlooks some of the most expensive yachts in the Caribbean, and a clientele that's composed of local homeowners and well-heeled foreign visitors. The decor features graceful columns, big-glass windows, lots of
flowers and flickering candles, and artfully designed lighting from overhead spotlights. Menu items include the kind of hearty mariners' fare that goes beautifully with the fresh salt air. Begin with duck liver paté; shrimp in a sweet-and-sour rum sauce; or perhaps a platter of smoked salmon with all the traditional garnishes. Main courses include grilled fish of the day -- usually mahimahi, and often grilled and served with a lime-flavored butter sauce; veal
kidneys in a light mustard sauce; and Angus steak. Dessert usually includes spiced island apple fudge cheesecake -- the kind of thing that's worth ruining your diet for. The bar is stylish but rarely raucous, with closing hours that rarely extend past 11:30pm.
The island, which is less than one million years old, was created by the collision of the Atlantic crustal and Caribbean plates, along with a volcanic eruption. Later coral formed, accumulating to approximately 300 feet. It is geologically unique, being actually two land masses that merged together over the
years. The history of the early settlement of Barbados is being rewritten as a result of recent archaeological discoveries unearthed at the site of Port St. Charles. Artifacts and evidence point to settlement some time around 1623 B.C. 
A potential market formed for slaves and sugar-making machinery by the Dutch Merchants who were to supply Barbados with their requirements of forced labor from West Africa. The slaves came from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon. Many slaves did not survive the journey from Africa, but many thousands still reached their destination. The
Barbadians dominated the Caribbean Sugar Industry in these early years. The sugar plantation owners were powerful and successful businessmen who had arrived in Barbados in the early years. 
Endless pink- and white-sand beaches and a rich West Indian tradition are what put Barbados on the map. Barbados is easily reached from the United States and has a grand array of hotels (many of them super-expensive). Although it doesn't offer casinos, it has more than just beach life. It's a terrific destination for travelers interested in learning about West Indian culture, and it offers more
sightseeing attractions than most Caribbean islands.
Overview
Pelican Village
Overview