Barbados is an island situated on the border of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Barbados is part of the Lesser Antilles, which includes Trinidad and Tobago and St. Maarten. Tourism is one of the main income source of the country. It is actually a  lovely island to spend your holiday with. White sand beaches, lovely weather and amazing resorts and luxury villas to stay in.

General Information

Barbados has a total of 300.000 inhabitants over a 430 km² land area, which makes it relatively a densely populated island. Most of the residents are descendants  of slaves from Africa that were brought to the island to work on the sugar plantations. Therefore there are still many Afro-Barbadian influences in the island. Moreover, there is a clear British-based culture. The Anglo-Saxon church is a strong representative in the island, people drive on the left side of the road, children play crickets or polo  on the streets and English is the official language of Barbados. However, most of the residents speak Bajan, a Creole language.

The island was generated from dead coral reefs which came above the sea level. There are beautiful beaches and bays along the coast, especially along the Caribbean side. The water are wild and rough on the other side of the island with high cliffs. Furthermore, the island is covered with tropical plants and forests. You can also find sugar cane plantations on the island. The inland is mountainous with its highest point Mount Hillaby (340 m). The most famous Barbadian is the successful singer Rihanna.

Climate

Barbados has a tropical climate  with an average temperature of 26°C. The temperature is high throughout the year, which makes Barbados a lovely holiday destination for everyone. Annual precipitation ranges between 1,000 and 2,300 mm (40 and 90 in). The rainy season is between June and November. Mostly, the rain falls in the mountainous part of the island. Barbados lies outside the Atlantic hurricane belt and is at virtually no risk of hurricane exposure.

Coast

As mentioned before, Barbados is located on the border of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. It is rocky on the north-west side of the island (Atlantic coast). This means there are less tourist coming to that side. Moreover, most part of the ocean are not suitable for swimming and there is less beaches. However, the water is rougher which make it interesting for the surfers.

Most tourists can be found on the Caribbean coast, south east side of the island. Here you can find a lot of resorts, luxury villas and hotels situated along the beautiful beaches. The water is calm and the underwater world is very rewarding.

A few beautiful beaches in Barbados:

Here is a list of most beautiful beaches  in Barbados, including Crane Beach. This beach was chosen as the most beautiful beach in the world by USA Today. (photo on the right)

Bathsheba Beach is mostly recommended for surfers. In contrary, this beach always has good waves. There are regularly surf competitions being held in this place. (photo on the left)

 

What to visit in Barbados:

Bridgetown

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and has approximately 100.000 inhabitants. The city has a strong English character, such as the streetnames and the structure of the buildings. Bridgetown is a nice place to visit for a day and here you can see the “real” life of Barbados.

Atlantis Submarines

A trip in a real submarine is an extraordinary underwater experience. Come see the colorful corals and fishes in the Caribbean Sea. This is a unique experience for the whole family. This underwater adventure is one of the most special activities that you can experience on the island.

Rum Distillery

Barbados is the birthplace of rum and they are very proud of it. There are different kinds of rum distillery in Barbados. Foursquare Rum Distilley and Heritage Park are just two of the famous rum distillery on the island. See how the rum is made and at the end of the tour you will get a chance to taste it.

Harrison’s Cave

Since Barbardos was generated from coral reefs, you can find many caves and limestone cliffs on the island. Harrison’s Cave is the best example. Inside the cave you see stalagmites and stalactites everywhere. You will be in large open spaces with ceilings up to 100 meters! In some parts of the cave, there is a ‘tram’ that takes you to different places. Harrison’s Cave is a must see!

Carlisle Bay

This lively bay near Bridgetown is a nice place to visit especially for tourists. You can find a number of stores at the boulevard. The sea is a lovely place to go swimming and a starting point to go snorkeling and diving. Several shipwrecks can be found near the bay. There are a few extraordinary fishes and marine life in this place. Furthermore, there are many diving and snorkeling shops at this place.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

The wildlife reserve on the island is a must visit for the nature and animal lovers. You can find the so-called “green monkeys” on this island. It seems that there are still 5,000 monkeys living on this island. Moreover, you also encounter alligators, pelicans, turtles, iguanas and tropical birds.

Silver Moon

Cruising along the beautiful coastline with the Silver Moon Sailing Charters. During the trip you can see the island from the amazing blue waters. All drinks, lunch and snorkel gear are included in this trip. A relaxing day at sea!

Fun Facts:

•  The name ‘Barbados’ is originated from the ‘Bearded Fig Trees’, which was found in abundance on the island.

• Has always flown only the British flag until 1966, which is their independence day. In 2016 they have celebrated their 50 years of independence.

• It is completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

• The capital city, Bridgetown, was formally named ‘Indian Bridge’ for the rude bridge which has been constructed over the river by the Indians.

• Barbados is the birthplace of Rihanna. She moved to the USA at the age of 16 to pursue her career.

• Tiger Woods have chosen Barbados as the location for his wedding in 2004.

Practical issues:

• It is 5 hours earlier in Barbados (winter time) and 6 hours earlier (summer time). Barbados has no daylight saving time.

• The official currency in Barbados is the Barbadian dollar BBD or B$. The Barbadian dollar. Take into account that you have to change your money.

• Zika virus is active in this region, it is smart to protect yourself against the mosquitoes.

• If you want to drive in Barbados, you have to keep in mind that they drive on the left.

To conclude everything,

If this blog still did not convince you to put Barbados on your holiday list, then maybe the official tourism site of Barbados will convince you with the following:

“In Barbados we’ve captured the art of fine living and offer daily lessons for those who seek to do the same. Here at the official tourism site of Barbados you’ll discover culture passionate in spirit and full of life. A place where refined luxury and exceptional culinary delights dance and mingle among lush tropical greenery, limpid blue waters and warm golden sunlight.

 

Spend a day on a white sandy beach. Try some flying fish. Enjoy a rum punch. Learn to trade the rush for the slow and easy. Just give us a few days and you won’t remember the old you. Let us teach you how to truly live.

 

Come celebrate living. Come Long Live Life.”

 

Not bad right?

 

Are you planning to go Barbados? We can help you arrange your trip to Barbados! Email us at mail@xclusivebarbados.com or call us at (+31) 085 401 0902.

Let the holiday begin!

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