Barbados Tourism - What to Do and See

Are you looking for some sun, sand and surf, come to Barbados; this island is ranked among the best destinations in the Caribbean. When visiting here, you will notice it is a flat coral island with beautiful beaches, rolling hills and an interesting assortment of flora and fauna. Barbados is located in the Lesser Antilles, one-hundred miles east of St Vincent and the Grenadines. It is 21 miles in length, 14 miles wide and has an area of 166 sq miles. As of 2009, Barbados had an estimated population of 284,000 people, with roughly 80,000 living in or near the capital of Bridgetown.

Barbados was under British rule from the early 1600's until its Independence on November 30, 1966. Consequently, this island is known as the “England in the Tropics.” Barbados is without question the most British in the Caribbean; here you will find afternoon tea and dressing for dinner a common practice. From the white sand beaches, to the lush tropical foliage, Barbados is an exciting place to visit.

Life is great in Barbados; a visit here will immerse you into the culture and environment in a variety of ways:

• Barbados is home to many beautiful beaches; The beaches are diverse as the island itself and they are divided into four areas: north, south, east and west. The northern beaches are known for their breathtaking views; Although this area is not recommended for swimming, in some areas its possible during low tide. The southern beaches have swimming, snorkeling, surfing and at the southernmost tip windsurfing. The east coast beaches have huge waves; these beaches are for walking and sun-tanning. In addition, surfers come from all over the world to ride the waves here. Lastly, the west coast is known for its clear calm waters and it is ideal for swimming or family vacations.
• If you are an Eco-tourist, Barbados' attractions vary from tropical flora to caves. Some of the more popular attractions include: Welchman Hall Gully, Harrison's Cave, Folkestone Marine Park & Museum, Chancery Lane Swamp and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
• For the museum enthusiast, Barbados has a variety of interesting cultural exhibits; Some of the popular museums include: St. Nicholas Abbey, Arlington House, Sir Frank Hutson Sugar museum, Sunbury Plantation House and the Barbados Museum. Also, if you are visiting the Bridgetown area, many of the structures and buildings have historical importance too.
• If you are seeking a good nightlife, the area to visit is St.Lawrence Gap. This is the main strip where you will find the best nightclubs, bars,and restaurants. Also, the clubs play a variety of musical genres.
• No trip to Barbados is complete without shopping; with the high-quality duty-free merchandise found here your shopping will be a pleasant experience. The heart of the shopping in Bridgetown is Broad street.
• For the adventurous person wishing to surf, sail or go on a submarine tour, Barbados has them all. Imagine yourself riding a wave off the east coast of Barbados or picture yourself sailing on a catamaran late one evening with nothing ahead of you but open water. How about the thrill of viewing reefs, shipwrecks and various species of marine life 22 fathoms down. All this and more awaits you here.

Barbados is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. It is here you will learn the art of living & relaxation as you experience a vibrant unique culture. Come to Barbados and you will see why half a million visitors can’t be wrong.