An Introduction to Barbados

An island naturally charming and sophisticated, alive with possibilities, as boundless as the turquoise sea, endless as the sandy shore....

Wake up to the rhythm of the tropics and paradise to explore...

Barbados is a coral island, pushed out of sea by volcanic activity in a far away time. On the West Coast of Barbados, coral shore beaches of fine white sand stretch along a blue-green sea. Coral reefs fringe the Barbados shoreline to provide excellent snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Along the East Coast a lively surf is blown briskly by the strong and constant trade winds and the waves pound against a rocky shore. The constant breeze of the trade winds give Barbados a mild and pleasant tropical climate.

When you visit Barbados, you will see it is mostly a flat coral island with excellent beaches, but there are rolling hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with an interesting distribution of flora and fauna. Within the Barbados coral core there is a vast array of caves and underground lakes which provide an excellent supply of drinking water that is amongst the purest in the world. Geologically Barbados is unique, being actually two land masses that merged together over the years. This and other anomalies make this Caribbean Island quite phenomenal, and there are geological structures that you will find only in Barbados.

Barbados is a very beautiful island, with lots of art, activities, night life, music, history and some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere. But what makes it even more special, 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 souls, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile. they make you feel welcome and special, in this lovely Caribbean Island. You will feel its your home and will want to come back again and again. Discover Barbados - A unique Caribbean paradise, surprisingly sophisticated, friendly, fun and always naturally Charming!

What to Expect in Barbados

CLIMATE:

Barbados is warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 75 - 85 F. The nights are usually slightly cooler.
The prevailing northeast trade winds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot.
The rain usually comes in quick showers. The dry season lasts from January to June.

DEPARTURE TAX:

The departure tax of $25 BBD (approx $13 U.S. Dollars) is normally included in the price of your ticket. Please check with your airline or ticketing agent for details. If it is not, you must pay it when you check in for your flight home.

DRINKING WATER:

Most of the drinking water in Barbados is piped-in and sanitized and is usually safe to drink. However, the chlorination could can mild abdominal upsets for people who are not used to it.
If you have a sensitive stomach, it is wise to keep to bottled water, which is readily available.

DRIVING LICENSE:

You can obtain a Barbados drivers license for $10.00 Bds on producing a valid National or International License.
All authorized car rental companies can issue you a drivers license if you have a valid license. Driving is on the left in Barbados.

ELECTRICITY:

Electricity in Barbados is: 110 volts/50 cycles.
There is a reliable electricity supply, with only the occasional outage.
Standard plugs found in Barbados are also similar to those in the United States with the exception of one.
In addition to the usual 2 flat blades or 2 flat blades with a round grounding pin, there are also some plugs one single flat blade.
If traveling from North America, you should be able to bring any appliances and use them without any problems.
If traveling from Europe, however, you may need adapters and transformers.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid Passport and a return or ongoing ticket.

TOURISM SEASONS:

Temperatures do not vary more than about 5 degrees all year round, but in conjunction with the rainy season, low season is April – October, and hotels often discount their rates by as much as 60% this time of the year.
High season can get very crowded and busy, but if you are into a happening and lively scene, November – March may be the right time for you.

VACCINATIONS:

No vaccinations or preventative medications are required for travel to Barbados. However, we always suggest that you speak to your family physician for a personal recommendation.

WATER TEMPERATURES AND WETSUITS:

Water temperatures generally range between 77 – 80°F year round and most people find wearing a 1mm – 3mm wetsuit keeps them comfortable.

Visual Tour of Barbados