Barbados is ideal for year-round diving but is probably best in the summer months. The visibility ranges from 40ft to 70ft and the water temperature is a consistent 80F. Barrier reefs located approx 2 miles off shore contain large coral heads which form the habitat for thousands of beautiful fish. Carlisle Bay, with 200 reported wrecks, and the S.S. Stavronikita, a 365ft freighter sunk by the government in1978 to create an artificial reef at Folkestone Marine Park are two of the most popular sites.

Snorkelling
The coral reefs surrounding the island include more than 50 varieties of tropical fish and coral formations in the shallow inside reefs. Equipment may be hired locally at the hotels or from beach water sports huts and dive shops around the island.

Surfing
The quality and consistency of the rolling Atlantic waves on the East Coast is sought after by the professional surfer. The Soup Bowl at Bathsheba in St. Joseph is a famous location for local and international surfing events. Surfboards can be rented from surf shops all over the South Coast.

Windsurfing
Barbados ranks among the top six places in the world with ideal conditions for windsurfing from mid-December to mid-March. One of the major events for international professional windsurfing is the Barbados Cup held at Silver Sands and Silver Rock on the South East Coast. Windsurfing equipment can be bought or rented at various rental shops and from the water sports shops at most of the major hotels.

Deep Sea Fishing
There are about 20 game fishing boats available for charter. Usually they fish 5 miles out to sea where catches can include barracuda, kingfish, dolphin (dorado), marlin, tuna, sail and bill fish. Charters can either be half or full days and can be shared. Golf in Barbados Barbados is a golfer’s paradise with 3 major championship courses available to all visitors. Sandy Lane,

Barbados Golf Clubs

St. James (7060 yards, Par 72)
An extensive re-building programme combined with spectacular panoramic views of the Caribbean make this one of the world’s great courses providing golfers of all levels with a real challenge. One 9 hole and two 18 hole courses.

St. Phillip (6905 yards, Par 72)
Relatively flat with two lakes, this excellent 18 hole course offers the perfect test to any golfer. All visitors welcome. Royal Westmoreland Resort,

St. James (6870 yards, Par 72)
Relatively flat with two lakes, this excellent 18 hole course offers the perfect test to any golfer. All visitors welcomed is exposed to two ocean influences with the Caribbean Sea lapping gently against its western shores whilst the Atlantic batters the parish of St. Lucy on the other side. There are some interesting places to visit here too, such as the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, St Nicholas Abbey and the Animal Flower Cave.