Barbados

Barbados, the pearl of the Caribbean, is the eastern-most Caribbean island. It is actually an enormous and ancient coral reef that was formed approximately one million years ago. It has been dubbed 'the real fantasy island', an appellation that points to its exotic resorts and glorious beaches. It enjoys 340 days of sunshine a year, numerous well-developed amenities, a throbbing nightlife and friendly inhabitants, making it one of the most desirable holiday destinations.

The islanders call themselves 'Bajans', West Indian by descent, although largely shaped by English custom and culture. These 'influences' pervade much of the island, most evident in the Anglican stone churches (the island is divided into numerous parishes) and in the many cricket games played on the village greens. The 'Little England' legacy dates back to colonial days when the sugar industry reigned supreme. Barbados gained self-government in 1966, and now tourism rather than sugar is the mainstay of the local economy.

The island is a pear-shaped, 20-mile (32km) stretch of soft coral, which is permeated by water and over time has formed fascinating underground caverns. The coral reefs enveloping most of the island entice tourists to its picturesque shores.

Basics

Time: GMT –5.
Electricity: 110 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels provide adaptors and transformers for hairdryers and other appliances.
Money: The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is fixed to the US Dollar at a rate of Bd$1.98 to US$1 and does not fluctuate. Its rate relative to other currencies fluctuates based on the particular currency's relation to the US Dollar. US Dollars are also widely accepted on the island, and well-known international credit cards and travelers cheques (best carried in US dollars to avoid additional charges) are accepted in most stores and restaurants. Banks and ATMs are freely available and cash withdrawals can be made.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: English is the official language.
Entry Requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: British tourists require a valid passport. No visa for stays of up to six months.
Entry Requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays up to six months.
Entry Requirements for Australians: Australian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
Entry Requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
Passport/Visa Note: All tourists require a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds and documents for onward travel. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from Barbados by air will require a passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well. *Special note: In connection with the Cricket World Cup, a common visa policy will be in effect from 1 February to 15 May 2007 between Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. All visitors, except for nationals of Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, USA and UK, will require a CARICOM Special Visa, which will allow movement between the participating countries.
Health: There are no mandatory requirements regarding vaccinations for visitors to Barbados, however a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from infected areas, and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for those aged over two years. There have been occasional outbreaks of Dengue Fever and mosquito repellent is strongly recommended. Medical care is good but very expensive and serious cases are usually transferred overseas (usually to the USA). Health insurance is therefore strongly recommended. Ambulances take hours to respond and attendants may not administer life-saving techniques en route to hospital.
Tipping: Tipping is not necessary if a service charge has already been included in the bill, otherwise it is generally about 10-15%. Tipping is normal in bars.
Safety: There are no extremist groups or areas of instability in Barbados. Some drug-related organized crime exists, but does not generally affect tourists. There has been a small increase in the incidence of tourists being robbed, and visitors are warned to be especially vigilant on the beaches at night. There has been an increase in attacks and rapes against foreigners and visitors should be alert at all times. Tropical storms and hurricanes may occur between June and November. The ICC Cricket World Cup takes place in the Caribbean from 11 March to 27 April 2007, travelers are advised that flights and accommodation will be in great demand during this period.
Customs: It is an offence to dress in camouflage clothing.
Business: Bridgetown is generally the centre of business on the island. Business protocol is fairly formal, including greetings (use Mr or Ms) and dress, which is smart. Handshaking between both men and women is expected and business cards are handed out on introduction. Punctuality is expected at meetings. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Barbados is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 246. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom), no outgoing code is needed to call the US. Mobile phones operate on a GSM network. Cell phones can be rented through Cellcom. Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty Free: Travelers to Barbados do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 227g of other tobacco products; 750ml spirits and 750ml wine; perfume up to 118ml perfume or 237ml of eau de cologne; and souvenirs to the value of Bds$100. Prohibited items include rum, matches, fresh fruit, and articles of clothing or accessories made from camouflage material.
 

Activities

Surfing

Being a coral island, a coral reef stretches all around Barbados' coastline, providing for unlimited surfing conditions all over and is guaranteed to have surf somewhere along it's shores at almost any given day of the year. The east coast boasts the most powerful and biggest waves and the foaming surf of the 'Soup Bowl' is a favorite spot that is internationally recognized and the venue for the annual surfing contest. Surfboard lessons and rentals are available, as well as surf tours for the more experienced.

Scuba diving

The waters around Barbados are a treasure trove of marine life. Barrier reefs, situated about one and a half to two miles (2.5 to 3km) from shore, are home to numerous schools of tropical fish, corals, turtles, rays and barracudas, while fringe reefs are found closer to shore with smaller coral formations and more plant life. These are home to marine life such as seahorses and eels. Barbados is also good for wreck diving; historic Carlisle Bay has numerous wrecks and is a popular dive location, as is Folkestone Marine Park, where the artificial reef was formed by the deliberate sinking of the Greek freighter Stavronikita in 1976.

Windsurfing

Barbados is one of the best wave windsurfing spots in the world, particularly from mid-November to the end of June when the moderate trade winds blow consistently over the shores. Beginners as well as experienced windsurfers will find ideal conditions in which to ride the waves, jump or simply sail. Silver Sands is a popular location, where the conditions are challenging but forgiving. A reef lies 820ft (250m) offshore and provides a steady three to seven foot swell (1-2m), although on some days the waves here can reach up to 16ft (5m).

 

Bridgetown

Bridgetown, originally called 'Indian Bridge', is the capital and commercial centre of Barbados, with about 80,000 inhabitants. It is a busy port with a natural harbor inlet, known as the Careenage, and is well utilized by pleasure craft and fishing boats. The main street, Broad Street, is where one finds banks, department stores and duty-free shops. At the top of Broad Street is the Parliament Building (the Barbados Parliament is the third oldest in the Commonwealth, dating from 1639), facing National Heroes Square. Opposite the Gothic parliamentary building is a grand statue of Lord Nelson, which, having been erected in 1813, is older than the one in Trafalgar Square in London. Barbados' colonial military history is well-represented at the Barbados Garrison, the 18th-century base of the British Windward and Leeward Islands Command. This elegant Georgian building, dating from 1802, is the headquarters of the Garrison Committee who are unearthing the numerous old cannons scattered around the island; about 400 have so far been found in gardens, cellars, beaches or buried beneath fortifications. The most important pieces from this collection are mounted in front of the Main Guard House and make a fine photographic display for visitors. The Garrison complex also features the Barbados Museum, which is housed in the old military detention barracks - the display galleries were once prison cells. The museum houses exhibits chronicling the natural history and arts and crafts of Barbados. Another attraction in Bridgetown is a massive Baobab tree (said to have been brought to the island from Guinea, Africa around 1738). It takes 15 adults with outstretched arms to encircle the trunk.

 

Airports

Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI)

Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) east of Bridgetown, near Christchurch. Time: GMT –5. Contacts: Tel: +1 246 428 7101. Transfer to the city: There is a regular bus service to the city that departs every 10 minutes and a 24-hour taxi service (travel time 30 minutes). Taxi fares are fixed by the government, however vehicles are un-metered so fares should be established in advance. Car rental: There is only one, local car hire company at the airport. A Barbados driving permit is required, which can be obtained from the airport or from car hire companies. Facilities: Facilities in the airport include a bank and foreign exchange, bar, restaurant, duty-free, a business centre with Internet facilities, and an information desk. Facilities for the disabled are good. Parking: Car parks are within walking distance of the terminals. Departure tax: Bds$25 for all departures.

 

Climate

The weather is mostly sunny and fair in tropical Barbados, with an average of high daytime temperatures of 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). These hot conditions are tempered by the prevailing cool northeast tradewinds. The dry season occurs from January to June and the hurricane season extends from June to October. Hurricanes, however, usually miss Barbados. Instead the island experiences some spectacular tropical rainstorms. These are usually short and heavy spells that dry up quickly.