Water - Water - Surf and Sand

Written by Julie Greiner

Barbados is a coral island and the only one in the Caribbean with white sand. Under the blue ocean waters a colorful paradise exists. There is an incredible variety of sea life and fascinating shipwrecks. From Maycocks Bay on the north-west coast to the South Winds Fringe in the south-west, you are privy to the underwater world of the inhabitants of a gigantic coral garden. There are a number of reputable dive operators who offer certification courses. The absolute mecca of ship wrecks... the 365 ft. Sailboarding

long S.S. Staronikita, is upright in 130 ft. of water off the west coast, with hundreds of fish sponges and corals. Bathsheba on the east coast has 100 foot rock formations to dive from.

The Soup Bowl

Imagine a perfect 6 foot wave peeling in towards the shoreline. Soup Bowl, Barbados' most famous spot is located on the eastern shore of the island. Soup bowl is surfed 365 days a year and 80% of the waves are head-height or over. There are also the High Rock, Parlor and Sand Bank beaches for surfing. The best waves arrive between November and April when waves can reach 15 foot!! Barbados Soup Bowl is considered one of the top ten beaches of the world and is absolutely the surfing mecca of the Caribbean.

Game Fishing

Barbados' surrounding waters abound with fish and there are boats available Fishing Traps

for half and/or full day charter. Popular catches include Mahi Mahi, King Fish, Sailfish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Bonita and Barracuda. Barbados hosts several fishing tournaments a year.

Sea Turtles of Barbados

The Hawkshill and the Leatherback Turtles are two of the world's rarest sea creatures, and they make their nests on the beaches of Barbados. The contribution that sea turtles make to the health of our reefs is only now being appreciated. The Barbados Sea Turtle Project is based at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Parasailing and Just Sailing

You can fly, it's exhilarating and energizing, and you stay dry the whole time. That is one of the selling points of parasailing with The Falcon. They offer a birds-eye view of the island. For further information call: 419-0579. The variety of cruises, day boat rentals and excursion sailing is as varied as the fish in the sea. A small

Photo by Tanya Greiner

sampling includes excursions available on the Tiami Catamaran, Calypso music with a ride on the Jolly Roger pirates ship and the Harbour Master - a 100 foot long by 40 foot wide, four decks high semi-submersible coastal cruising vessel (only one of its kind). Come sail the blue waters of the Caribbean off Barbados.