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Barbados
is a beautiful tropical island with many activities available.
There is night life, music, history, art, and some of the
best restaurants to be found anywhere. In addition to scuba
diving, water activities include surfing, fishing, windsurfing,
 kayaking
and more. But what makes Barbados such a wonderful place,
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, always ready to greet you
with a sincere smile.
Whether new to diving or a seasoned pro, you will be amazed
by underwater Barbados. The fringes and reefs found off
this island blossom with healthy sponges, coral, plant life.
There are a number of reefs, each one unique in its own
special way.
The barrier reefs, located 1/2 - 2 miles from shore contain
large coral heads which form the habitat for thousands of
beautiful fish. Larger organisms are also found on these
reefs, feeding on the smaller fish. The Hawksbill turtle
can also be found on these reefs. Fringes and patching reefs
are found closer to shore and have smaller coral formations
and more abundant plant life then the barrier reefs. These
reefs are home to Sea Horses, Frog Fish, Giant Sand Eels
and many other marine creatures.
Wrecks form fascinating habitats for marine life and Barbados
has several excellent sites for wreck diving. Carlisle Bay,
with 200 reported wrecks, and the Stavronikita, located
at Folkstone Marine Park are two of the most popular sites.
Barbados
Dive Packages
Barbados
Travel Information and Tips
Air
Travel
International Airport
Barbados (BGI) (Grantley Adams), 13km (8 miles) east
of Bridgetown, near Christ Church. Air Jamaica, American
Airlines, BWIA and U.S. Airways fly from the U.S.
Entry Requirements
Passports
Every person entering Barbados should be in possession
of a valid passport and a valid return ticket. A visitor
who is a citizen of the United States of America or
Canada traveling direct from these countries may be
admitted without a passport for a period not exceeding
three (3) months. However, that person will be required
to produce proof of nationality, by means of an original
birth certificate or citizenship papers, and photo
identification by means of
either.
* Valid Driver's license with photograph
* University or School identification with photograph
* Job identification card with photograph
* Senior Citizen Card with photograph.
Getting Around
Rental Cars
There are a number of international and local rental
agencies available. You can obtain a Barbados drivers
license for $10.00 Bds on producing a valid National
or International License. All authorised car rental
companies can issue you a drivers license if you have
a valid license.
Bus Service
Frequent, comprehensive coverage of the island, flat
rate of approx. Bds$1.50 for all trips. Although cheap,
buses are crowded during the rush hours. All buses
terminate at Speightstown.
Taxis
Taxis do not have meters and fares are regulated by
the Government. Listings are available from the Tourist
Office. Please ask the price before travelling.
ZR Mini Vans
There are many licensed "Mini Vans" that
run around the island picking up tourist and locals.
You will recognise them by their "ZR" license
plate. They have few fixed schedules but there are
many of them and service is frequent. The rate is
Bds$1.50 and is not recommended for the nervous passenger
as ZR stop frequently, often abruptly, and move quickly
to pick up the maximum paying passengers in the shortest
time.
Helpful Tips
Money
Most of the hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments
will accept credit cards. Travelers checks are also
widely accepted.
Dress
Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate
for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants.
Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie
for men and dresses for women in the evening.
Electricity
110 volts/50 cycles. Most hotels can provide adapters
and transformers for hair dryers and other appliances.
Nude Bathing
There are no nude beaches and all beaches are open
to the public. Nudism is actually illegal. Barbados
has a history of conservative British tradition and
Barbadians are not comfortable undressing or seeing
others undress on public beaches.
Sunscreen
Barbados is a tropical island blessed with warm temperatures
and plenty of sunshine. Please remember to use sunscreen
protection. |
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