Barbados Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Barbados (Continued...)

t there are the mellow towns and resorts the Caribbean is legendary for. Spend your time on the Bridgetown beaches with tropical rhythms of steel pan music soothing your ears and some classic Barbadian rum in your glass.
Barbados’ position as the most easterly of the Caribbean islands gives it a unique climate. On the west coast the flat and serene Caribbean Sea meets the sandy shoreline in a harmony that makes Barbados such an attractive option for leisurely sun-bathing and relaxation.

On the east coast, however, the island borders the powerful Atlantic Ocean leading to strong winds, especially when the hurricane season draws close. For those with an adventurous spirit, this can only improve the prospects of adrenaline-fuelled water sports, as you battle the waves and the elements. Don’t let this leave you worried about the weather; All of Barbados is sun-drenched virtually all year round, and the heat is moderated by cooling northeast trade winds.

Away from the beaches and more developed settlements there are rocky limestone terraces, although the island is fairly flat compared to its Caribbean neighbours. Lush plains stretched across Barbados are a beautiful contrast to the cool, white sand and colourful towns.

Kitesurfing

The brilliant thing about kitesurfing on the Barbadian coast is the diversity it affords to you. Surrounded by reefs (which make an excellent diving experience) you’ll find the seas are quelled and calm inside the coral, but become more ferocious and thrilling outside.

If you’re a beginner you can learn to ride the water in close comfort of the heavenly beaches. For the more experienced and those who want to progress, you can go out a little farther and challenge yourself against the blustery winds and high-rising waves.

Though a relatively new sport, kitesurfing has rapidly increased in popularity, and the conditions found all along the Barbadian shoreline make it an ideal location to enjoy this amazing experience.

Surfing

There’s a reason some of the world’s greatest surfers come to Barbados. Its location deep into the Atlantic Ocean allows groundswell to travel far along the seabed before it reaches the coral reefs, which border the island. These conditions create a perfect surfer’s environment, as high and consistent waves break on the shores year round.

Surfing here in the warm, crystal-clear water is an undeniably pleasurable experience. If you’re new to the sport you’ll love the exceptionally friendly atmosphere and the more-the-merrier attitude. If you’ve done it before then prepare yourself for a distinct and dynamic surfer’s paradise, where the only thing as unlimited as the waves, is the glorious sunshine.

Windsurfing

There aren’t many spots in the world where you will find the combination of stunning blue seas, radiant sunshine and strong winds. But there is one place: Barbados. Take on the challenge of Silver Sands and the powerful Atlantic waves, or try the mellower west coast.

No matter where you choose to go, windsurfing here is phenomenal. Spend hours riding the waves and take breaks relaxing on the inviting sands, soaking up the sun and the high spirits.

Classic Itineraries

The adventurers will probably find themselves drawn to the east of the island. Here is where you’ll find the strong waves and thrills afforded by the Atlantic Ocean.

Those looking for a milder experience will prefer the more developed resorts around Bridgetown and the west. There’s still a multitude of the best water sports around, but in much more peaceful conditions.

Barbados isn’t huge, though, and if you’ve got the time to travel you’ll be able to take in all the best that this tropical paradise has to offer. Enjoy the most delightful sandy beaches, lush landscape and flamboyant culture.

Other Activities

The friendly Caribbean atmosphere means that there is always plenty to do here. The Crop Over Festival, which celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest, runs from May to August as a vivid collection of art, music and dance. In the summer season you’ll find calypso carnivals and lively exhibitions of Caribbean culture all over the place.

The island is home to all kinds of exotic wildlife, and there are numerous national parks and nature sanctuaries, which give you the chance to see diverse Caribbean flora and fauna up close. For those more comfortable in the water there are ample opportunities to scuba dive among the many coral reefs that surround Barbados.

You can take some time out to relax by fishing, horseback riding or enjoying a chilled-out Barbadian cruise. Alternatively, if the thrill seeker inside you is dying to get out, then can try always try out jet skiing or paragliding: Barbados, perhaps the best adventure holiday destination there is.