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Carnival
The highlight of the year’s festivities on Barbados is the now well-established Crop Over Festival, which commences in July and lasts for around 5 weeks. A truly local event, the festival commemorates the end of the sugarcane season and starts with the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Crop. There are weekly Calypso Tent shows in the run up to the Pic-O-De-Crop and Party Monarch Calypso competitions. The celebrations culminate on the first Monday in August, which is a national holiday.
The Sunday evening of the final weekend sees Cohobblopot, a large Carnival like show where the Queen and Monarch of the costumed bands parade and compete for prizes at the National Stadium and the finals of the Calypso Contest are held. A recent addition, which was originally started in the 1940’s, then resurrected in 1974, is Fore-day Morning Jump Up. This is similar to the J’ouvert of other carnivals, an early morning street party held in Bridgetown (don’t wear anything you don’t want to be ruined, as party goers smear themselves in paint and oil!), which heads to Spring Garden Highway.
The climax of the festival is the Grand Kadooment, which is held on the Monday. This is a spectacular, soca-driven street procession that leads from the National Stadium to Spring Garden Highway. Huge sounds systems on trucks pump out the calypso hits of the year, with the chosen Road March tunes blaring out to throngs of revellers who “jump-up” and “wind-up”, whilst downing gallons of beer and rum. Membership of the carnival bands is not restricted to locals. It is possible to join in the dancing by buying one of the costumes in a band and dancing along with them. Costumes can be as simple as a t-shirt or extremely elaborate. Check out www.kadooment.com for more information. |
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Casinos
There are no casinos on Barbados and the majority of Barbadians are happy for it to remain so. It is a controversial subject however as occasional attempts have been made to introduce casino gambling. So far they have failed. Gambling does exist in Barbados. There is a national lottery, betting is allowed at the races through the Barbados Turf Club and there are a number of establishments with slot machines.
Lucky Horseshoe Saloon, Steakhouse & Slots, Worthing, Christ Church, t 435 5825 and Warrens, St Michael, t 425 5825
American-style, family oriented eatery (24 hour menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner) with dining and entertainment areas including large screen satellite TVs for music or sports and slot machines. Open daily, around the clock.
The Tavern, Bagatelle, St Thomas, t 421 2121
English-style pub with occasional live entertainment, large screen TVs with live sports, pool tables, video games and slot machines. Located within the Bagatelle Great House complex. Open daily. |
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Charity Support
On Barbados we assist The Barbados Children’s Trust
The Barbados Children’s Trust is a charity that was set up in 1997 by a group of home-owners in Barbados who were looking for an opportunity to give something back to the community. It assists in providing a better life for disadvantaged children throughout the island, by supporting children’s homes and individuals with specific needs. These homes provide an environment for development for children suffering from many forms of physical, emotional or mental disability, sensory deprivation and developmental delays.
We ask you to take a little time to read about the charity's marvellous work and how you can give something back to an island that gives such pleasure to so many. |
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Check In/Check Out
As a general rule check-out times are around 12 noon with check-in seldom prior to 3pm, during which time accommodations are made ready for new arrivals. The majority of international arrivals into Barbados are in the mid to late afternoon, and this should be taken into account during busy times of the year. Some properties may provide day rooms/shower facilities subject to availability, or may be flexible on check-in or check-out times by prior arrangement but you should make all special arrangements at the time of booking. |
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Children
In general children are well received in Barbados. Many of the hotels run programmes for them during the holidays and a handful have actual children’s centres. However it is also worth noting that some of the smarter hotels have an age restriction policy at certain times of year, especially during February and March. Many villas are well geared up for children too. It is easy to find babysitters and they cost approximately Bds$20 per hour, plus transport home.
There is not an abundance of playgrounds in Barbados at the moment, however six of the Chefette fast food outlets do have Kids Zones (including an air-conditioned one at Rockley) and they are happy to cater for parties. Each playground has slides, cars and rides. Some of beaches with facilities, including Silver Sands and Rockley, also have enclosed play areas with climbing frames, slides and swings.
Apart from frolicking in the sea and building sand castles, there are number child friendly activities available on island. The Barbados Museum has a dedicated children’s gallery with an exhibition called ‘yesterdays children’ in the Kidd Gallery. Folkstone Marine Park, a recreational underwater park near Holetown, has a snorkelling trail, an interpretive centre and museum with marine displays and a saltwater aquarium. There is also a picnic area, tennis and basketball courts and a playground. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is popular with children for the animals on view, as is Atlantis Submarine and Harrison’s Cave. There is a Drive-in Cinema near the Sheraton Centre, which also has an indoor cinema. Farley Hill National Park has a picnic and play area. Ocean Park is a marine-themed park which also has mini-golf, a playground, shop and snack bar. Besides the large tanks with displays of marine life and a touch pool there is also a classroom to explain the sea world. See Reviews of visits to some of these sites and other See Reviews of visits to some of these sites and other Child friendly activities in Barbados .
Over recent years polo has become a popular family outing, especially during big matches. Additional entertainment is often arranged, along with afternoon tea and sometimes dinner (normally a barbecue buffet). Activities will vary depending on the sponsor but for children there might be clowns, face painting and games, and for the adults fashion shows and live music. At Lion Castle they even switch on the floodlights after matches so that children can continue to play on the polo field while parents socialise in the club house. For fun-filled days by the sea, Adventure Beach at The Boatyard has kayaks, pedal boats, glass bottom boats, ocean trampolines, a floating rock climbing ice-berg, beach volley ball and snorkelling. Accra Beach in the Rockley area is another popular beach spot, which is good for boogie boarding (boards are for hire). Batts Rock on the West Coast (close to Calabaza Restaurant) has good swimming and snorkelling, plus a small children’s playground with slides, swings and see-saws. There is a parking area, picnic benches, shower and changing facilities, and drinks machine. See See Reviews of Visits to Barbados Beaches with Children.
Hazards
When on the beach keep a look out for manchineel trees. See under Beaches. Do make sure that children are well protected from the sun and heat.
Among the best child friendly accommodation in Barbados is: | Aquamarine
A tremendously popular 3 bed/2 bath beachfront home set directly on Mullins, one of the finest beaches on the West Coast of Barbados. Excellent swimming. Perfect for families and barefoot living. | Glitter Bay Estate
A luxury residential beachfront development set in delightful gardens on the West Coast of Barbados. Glitter Bay Estate is a gated resort with a series of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each individually furnished to a high standard and set around a pool with snack bar and tennis court. A first class Caribbean beach rental, popular with families in school holidays. | Crystal Cove
A buzzing resort hotel, particularly popular with families, set on the West Coast of Barbados. Crystal Cove stands in brightly coloured buildings ranged over multiple levels around lagoon pools that descend to the beach. It is well priced (on an all-inclusive plan) and has an upbeat atmosphere with good facilities including a kids’ club, teens’club and a gym. | Turtle Beach
A large and lively all-inclusive resort set on a pretty stretch of sand on the south coast of Barbados. The hotel is laid out in a horse-shoe of buildings that looks over a central garden, two pools, beach restaurant and watersports to the surreal blue sea. Turtle Beach Barbados has extensive facilities including a kids club, gym, conference rooms and a small spa. | Eternity
A privately managed 2 bedroom/2 bathroom Barbados condominium/apartment with villa services within a resort style setting at Glitter Bay Estate. Good outdoor living space, highly sought after beachfront setting. Ideally suited to couples and families with older children. | Fustic House Private Estate
A captivating 7 bedroom/7 bathroom hideaway, heavily accented with Oliver Messel’s flair, set in 11 acres, part Garden of Eden botanical gardens, surrounded by cane fields and farmland overlooking the NW Coast. An exotic setting amongst nature and magical for weddings. | Mullins Mill
There’s a real sense of sampling a piece of Barbados history when staying at this wonderful eight acre tropical hideaway - its romantic 17th Century sugar mill provides a focal point and houses 2 of the 6 bedrooms. Splendid ‘botanical’ garden with tennis court, large swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Excellent spot for weddings and entertaining. Indoor and outdoor dining options. Private beach cabana on Gibbs Beach. | Oyster Bay
A comfortable family Barbados villa for sun worshippers, on a fabulous beach with 4 bedrooms/4 bathrooms, a swimming pool and good outdoor living space. | Point Of View
A splendid, extremely well furnished, luxurious 4 bedroom Sandy Lane villa with 1 bedroom cottage, stunning views to the Caribbean Sea, colourful gardens, lovely swimming pool and sun terrace with good outdoor living areas. | Sundown
Brand new, high spec, contemporary Barbados villa overlooking Mullins Beach, 3 bedrooms en suite, pool, fully air-conditioned with the latest entertainment equipment. Good for families and young couples looking for beach action. | West Shore
A modern, very well appointed 4 bedroom, beachfront villa with plunge pool. It can also be rented as 2 bedrooms using just the downstairs area and as 3 bedrooms. | Happy Trees
Gracious, well established 4 bed/4 bath Sandy Lane home giving an air of relaxed formality, brimming with fine objects. Good venue for entertaining and beach living on Sandy Lane Beach. | Nelson Gay
A 6/7 bedroom gracious Barbados villa with a timeless quality and bags of old world charm and a massive shady garden fronting a lovely stretch of beach on the Barbados West Coast. Superb for entertaining, weddings, adult groups and families. | Merlin Bay Villas
A tropical haven of eight blazing white 3 bedroom/3 bathroom villas with private plunge pools cleverly set around a glorious lagoon like swimming pool, with a picture perfect Barbados beach below. Perfect for resort style living without hustle and bustle. | Milord
An extremely stylish and popular 3 bedroom Spanish-style beachfront villa on a stunning white sand beach with good swimming on the West Coast of Barbados. Elegantly furnished with a sophisticated yet charming ambiance. Great for couples, especially honeymooners or a family with older children wanting direct beach access. | Sandy Lane
The Caribbean’s most famous hotel, glitzy in season with large, elegant rooms on stunning Paynes Bay, at the heart of Barbados’s prestigious West Coast. | Royal Westmoreland
An elegant, exclusive, gated villa community set in 500 acres with sweeping views of the West Coast and first class golfing facilities. Hosts celebrity golf tournaments, attracting the rich and famous, including royalty. | Landmark House & Cottage
An elegant, sprawling, Moorish style beach retreat, with 4 en suite bedrooms in the main house, shaded tropical gardens with open air living and dining areas, set on the world famous Sandy Lane beach. | Sunwatch - Sugar Hill
A very stylish villa of high quality based on traditional West Indian design, with a modernistic, artsy decor with hint of the exotic set on 2 acres within a 50 acre gated villa community. Spacious, breezy layout, with uninterrupted views of the St James coast with excellent entertainment areas. | Mon Caprice
Contemporary, plantation style villa with grand furnishings, in a sought after location just steps from Sandy Lane beach, 5 bedrooms, family room, formal sitting and dining room, upper terrace, and pool terrace. | Moon Reach
There is a wow factor about this Barbados villa where an impressive avenue of royal palms leads you to a gracious two storey beachfront villa with swimming pool. Unusually, there are five similar bedroom suites each with its own balcony giving view to the sea. | Calliaqua
Contemporary, colonial themed 3-4 bedroom two storey executive villa with a one bedroom guest cottage set in a 50-acre gated villa community and use of the Royal Westmoreland beach facility at Mullins Beach. | Settlers Beach Villa Hotel
A long-standing favourite Barbados 'villa hotel', 22 attractive two-bedroom villas set in well tended gardens on a lovely stretch of beach on Barbados’s famous West Coast. Good choice for families and weddings. |
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Conservation
Barbados is quite advanced when it comes to conservation, as it is in a lot of areas, but with all the development there is a great deal of pressure on resources and many different groups that want to exploit them in different ways, from fishermen and scuba dive operators and farmers to beach users.
The Barbados Marine Trust has a number of projects in operation, including a Reef Ball project off the south coast (reef balls provide a protected environment that can assist the regeneration of coral, fish and sponge populations), a Turtle Programme to encourage the nesting of the Hawksbill turtle and in the past coral transplantation. Earthwatch have been involved in this and in reef watch programmes on the island.
The Barbados Marine Trust, c/o Underwater Barbados, Bay Street, St Michael, t 228 8071/72
info@barbadosmarinetrust.com, www.barbadosmarinetrust.com
The Barbados Sea Turtle Project
The Barbados Sea Turtle Project at the University of the West Indies is part of the regional WIDECAST (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network) programme. It operates a 24-hour ‘Turtle Hotline’ and encourages people, including visitors to the island, to report any sea turtle nesting or hatching activity. The nesting season is between 01 June and 31 October during which time BSTP patrols the beaches and carries out tagging and research. During the hatching season, which runs from mid-July through to mid-October, they have a Hatchling Release Programme (you can join in by signing up on their website) for rescued hatchlings. They do not maintain a hatchery so regular releases cannot be guaranteed. Releases are staged between 6pm and 8pm and follow collections of hatchlings which have become disorientated and crawled inland rather than out to sea. Hatchlings emerge naturally between 6pm and 6am. They also run an Educational Outreach Programme in which scientists speak at local schools, summer camps, clubs and even hotels. Sea turtles have been protected by the Government of Barbados since 1998 and the penalty for catching a turtle or possessing turtle products can be as much as US$25,000 and possibly two years in jail. Turtle Hotline, t 230 0142.
The Barbados Sea Turtle Project, Dept of Biological and Chemical Sciences,
University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, St Michael, t 417 4320, contact Prof Julia Horrocks
julia.horrocks@cavehill.uwi.edu, www.barbadosseaturtles.org.
The Barbados Museum & Historical Society and the Barbados National Trust are also involved in the preservation of historic Barbados.
NATIONAL TRUST
The Barbados National Trust was founded in 1961 to preserve the island’s unique architectural and natural heritage. The Trust administers eight properties and is involved in three others. The Trust’s Top Ten Heritage Attractions are:
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village
Gun Hill Signal Station
Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill
Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum
Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Welchman Hall Tropical Forest Reserve & Gully
Wildey House
George Washington House & Musuem
Arlington House - Museum
The Jewish Synagogue and Nidhe Israel Museum
A popular annual event is the Trust’s Open House Season, which runs from January through to early April. A number of private homes, chosen for their historic, architectural or design interest, are open to the public on Wednesday afternoons.
The Barbados National Trust, Wildey House, Wildey, St Michael, t 426 2421, natrust@sunbeach.net www.nationaltrustbarbados.com Office open Mon-Fri from 8am to 4pm. |
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Complementary Health
Ying Yang Clinic & Day Spa, Savannah Hotel, Hastings, t 435 0107
Run by Gene Martin and Diane Tingy, who offer acupuncture, Reiki, reflexology and iridology as well as a range of spa, body and beauty treatments.
The Maas Clinic, ‘Alcott’, Worthing Main Road, t 431 9415
info@themaasclinic.com www.themaasclinic.com
Integrated osteopathic healthcare centre run by highly recommended British trained holistic osteopathic physician Laurens Maas-Blaauw (B.Sc. Ost, G.Os.C., D.I. Hom, FBIH (UK) Registered Osteopathic Physician, UK & Barbados) and his wife Cathie. Use of osteopathic nedicine, cranial sacral therapy, power assisted manipulations, cold laser therapy and massage, myo-fascial acupuncture, kripalu bodywork, deep tissue massage, posture pro and neuro-muscular therapy, and traction therapy. Nutritional programme, golf rehabilitation and sports injury programmes.
The Osteopathy Centre, 3 Balmoral Apts, Balmoral Gap, Hastings,
t 228 8426
moiramulvey@hotmail.com
British trained osteopath Moira Mulvey Walters offers Cranial Sacral Therapy and Trigger Point Acupuncture. Also runs Pilates classes.
The Wellness Centre, Belleville, t 426 3825
www.innerlifewellness.com
Biological Dr David Homer N.D. C.N.C. doctorate in Naturopathy from the Trinity College of Natural Health, and certifications in Holistic Nutrition from the American Holistic College of Nutrition. The clinic (InnerLife Wellness Center) offers: nutritional/biological microscopy, iridology and muscle response testing. Uses Vaxa Products.
Natural Medicinals Inc, Mall 34, Bridgetown, t 431 0190
Herbalist, acupuncturist and massage therapist, Clotelle Holder-Delves L.A.C. (NCCAOM).
The following individuals will visit villas for private sessions:
Janet Cools, t 422 4994
Massage and reflexology which generally also includes 15 minutes of Reiki. Prices from US$75 -100 for 1 hour.
Trevor Davis, t 438 4805
Trevor is a therapist that looks at the whole person and has wonderful healing hands. Reiki and Lomé Lomé (Hawaiian massage) from US$50 to $65 for one hour. |
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Corporate/Incentives
Barbados has excellent facilities for corporate clients in all types of group, incentive and corporate travel and events. The island has good international and regional air links, making it easy to get to and accommodation can certainly be found to suit any need. There is good variety in terms of size of accommodation and the hotels and resorts selected by Definitive Caribbean are very happy to work with groups. They are all able to set aside facilities for meeting rooms and can provide the necessary equipment. In addition to the hotels, one or two of the larger villas can also make ideal settings for smaller groups.
For on-island assistance, we recommend St James Travel & Tours, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the groups and incentives market. They offer the following the following services: Destination Teasers, Tours and Excursions, Theme Parties, Cruises, Sports and Games, Gifts, Dine Arounds and Dinner Theatre Shows. They can also arrange Customs Brokerage, Audio-visual equipment and press coverage.
For meeting facilities outside of our featured properties note:
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Conference and Cultural Centre (formerly known as Sherbourne Conference Centre), St Michael, t 467 8200
www.bcslbarbados.com
Multi-level conference and event facility with 164,000sq ft of meeting and exhibition space, for trade shows, conferences and special events of up to 1200 persons, seated theatre style in the largest room. Eleven meeting rooms, five break-out rooms, two foyers and two dining rooms, mass media facilities and state of the art telecommunications equipment, infrared Simultaneous Interpretation System
Frank Collymore Hall, Central Bank Building, Bridgetown t 436 9083/4
fchmail@centralbank.org.bb www.fch.org.bb
The Grande Salle, at 61’x 29’, can be used for exhibitions, art showings and meetings, with five large & eleven small screens. The Meeting Room seats 70 and is equipped with presentation and projection equipment.
Wildey Gymnasium, Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St Michael, t 437 6010, www.gymnasiumltd.com.bb/
The facility is fully air-conditioned and is equipped with a sound system, special lighting and media facilities, and can seat up to 4000 people. Apart from sporting events, the gym can be used for concerts, conventions, exhibitions and conferences. There are also two dedicated conference rooms equipped with TV and video (overhead projector and flipcharts on request), one seating 100 theatre style and the other 50.
The following featured properties have conference facilities:
Sandy Lane, Colony Club, Tamarind Cove and Turtle Beach. |
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Cricket in Barbados
Cricket is something of a religion in Barbados and it is well worth attending any match in either the local inter-island series or a test series, as much for the theatre of the stadium as for the cricket. Barbados’s most famous cricket crowd impresario was King Dial, who would strut back and forth in his top hat and colourful coat, but he died a few years ago now. His heir apparent is Mac Fingall, a Physical Education teacher, comedian and occasional show compère. He entertains the crowd at Kensington Stand at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown with his quickfire commentary and antics.
The island was host to a number of matches at different stages of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007.These included some warm-up matches, six matches in the Second Stage ‘Super Eight Series’ and then, on 28 April 2007, the Cup Final. The Kensington Oval was redeveloped for the tournament. Located in Fontabelle on the outskirts of Bridgetown, it now holds a capacity of 28,000 spectators. Additional facilities at the stadium include a new players’ pavilion, a museum, a new media centre and indoor sports facilities. |
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Cruises
Barbados is a popular port-of-call and sees a large number of cruise ships. There are good facilities right at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal in the Deep Water Harbour (just outside the city) and there are plenty of tours and activities if you go ashore during the day of your visit. A number of ships can also be joined in Bridgetown, including those from some of the larger companies such as Carnival, Ocean Village and P&O. Below is a selection of smaller and more stylish cruise ship companies with departures out of Barbados (mostly over the winter season).
Windstar Cruises - Luxury motor-sail yachts with stunning rigging operated by computer. The largest of the Windstar fleet, the MSY Wind Surf (312 passengers) sails out of Barbados at midnight on Sundays from November through March. There are two seven night itineraries - the South Bound which calls in at Bequia, Dominica, St Lucia, Mayreau, Grenada and Tobago - and the North Bound, which visits St Kitts, Nevis, St Martin, St Barths, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and St Lucia.
Star Clippers - Luxury ‘Tall Ship’ company offering traditional sailing aboard huge sailing yachts. Their Royal Clipper (227 passengers) has two seven day itineraries out of Bridgetown, the Windward Island cruise (St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique) and the Grenadine Island cruise (Carriacou, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St Vincent, Bequia, Martinique and St Lucia). Ships depart on Saturdays between November and March.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines - they offer a selection of 15 night Caribbean/South America cruises (including one to the Amazon) out of Barbados on Boudicca (839 passengers) from November to March.
Silversea Cruises - small, luxury all suite cruise ship company. Two of their ships, Silver Cloud (296 passengers) and Silver Shadow (382 passengers), operate a limited number of seven night, round-trip cruises out of Barbados during the winter season. They also do a range of nine to sixteen night, one-way itineraries out of Barbados to San Juan, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles (via the Panama Canal).
The Yachts of Seabourne – An award winning ‘small cruise ship line’ with a fleet of three luxury yachts (four from mid 2009 and total of six by 2011). The 440ft Seabourne Pride (208 passengers) puts into Barbados during Nov/Dec with two round-trip sailings out of Bridgetown on 22 November and 06 December 2008 (plus two one-ways to/from Barbados/Fort Lauderdale on 11 Nov and 13 Dec). The 440ft Seabourne Legend (208 passengers) includes Barbados (out of Fort Lauderdale) on its 28 day Christmas cruise in 2008 and 2009, and their newest ship (due June 2009), the 650ft Seabourne Odyssey (450 passengers) will also put into Barbados during a series of 12-26 day sailings from Fort Lauderdale during November and December 2009. |
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Currency/Credit Cards
The currency of Barbados is the Barbados dollar (Bds), which is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of US$1.00 = Bds$1.98 (some street/beach vendors may do a straight 2 for 1). All prices on island are quoted in Barbados dollars, with the exception of hotel rates which are in US only, and duty free items where the local Bds$ price is shown alongside US dollar price. US dollars (notes only) are accepted throughout the island, however you will often find that the rate of exchange will not be as favourable in hotels, supermarkets and large stores as that in the bank.
CREDIT CARDS
Most of the major credit cards (including debit cards) are accepted anywhere that deals with tourists on a regular basis. Do not expect local bars or small local restaurants to accept them (if in doubt double check in advance), but you will find that the larger supermarkets often do. It is worth noting that certain credit cards may attract an additional charge. |
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Day Sails/Boat Trips
Although Barbados is not generally considered a sailing destination, there are plenty of excellent day sails on offer. You can choose a full range of yachts – from wooden pirate ships to mega-catamarans, yachts, power boats and luxury catamarans – and styles of outings – from lunch cruises (often with a chance to swim or snorkel with turtles) to sunset and evening cruises, from booze cruises where you can dance your feet off to more sedate sails that serve champagne. Drinks, meals and transfers from your accommodation are usually included in the price. Note also that cruises are available for private charter.
Cool Runnings, t 436 0911, info@coolrunningsbarbados.com, www.coolrunningsbarbados.com
Custom-built 54ft catamarans for max 26 people, owner operated by Barbadians Robert and Annika Povey. Daily lunch snorkel cruise with three stops to swim/snorkel with turtles, over a shipwreck and a quiet beach in a bay. Includes unlimited drinks and a buffet lunch. Cost US$85 per person. Sunset cruise on Wednesdays includes two stops for swimming and snorkelling with turtles and over a wreck, unlimited drinks and a buffet dinner. Cost US$75 per person. Includes transportation. Children 4-12yrs half price. Note they are unable to accommodate bookings from cruise ship passengers.
MV Harbour Master, Tall Ships Cruises, t 430 0900, tallships@sunbeach.net
One hundred foot long with 4 decks offering a 4½ hour lunch cruise on Fridays with activities, drinks, dancing, and snorkelling. Also has a semi-submersible for reef viewing and a 70ft water slide. Evening dinner cruise on Thursdays with floorshow and a live band and includes drinks. Prices US$67.50-77.50 per person, which includes transfers.
Jolly Roger, Tall Ships Cruises, t 430 0900, tallships@sunbeach.net
The original party cruise, started back in 1969, the wooden pirate ships are now a national institution. Famed for their Rum Punch and wild lunch cruises with snorkelling, mock pirate wedding, rope-swinging and plank walking. Sunset cruises also. Stop press: the Jolly Roger has been sold by Tall Ships and its replacement will be an identical model made in fibreglass. The new boat was expected to be ready sometime late in 2009 but has now been delayed for a couple of years with construction not due to start until Easter 2010.
Silver Moon Charters, t 436 2088, reservations@silvermoonbarbados.com, www.silvermoonbarbados.com
Luxury, award winning catamarans owned and operated by Nick Parker, who led the standard in catamaran cruises in Barbados in the 1980s when he launched the first Tiami. Both Silver Moon, a 44ft catamaran (max 12 guests), and Silver Moon II, a 45 footer (max 24 guests), were built in South Africa in 2002. Choice of a 5 hour lunch cruise with drinks which includes a swim with turtles and later a snorkel stop, or a 4 hour Champagne sunset cruise with buffet dinner. Drinks, snacks and transfers included, beach pick-up available from West Coast hotels and villas.
Stiletto Catamaran Cruises, t 429 8967
Operated by Barbadian brothers Peter and Graham Allen on sister cats, formerly owned by the Caribbean’s No.1 builder/designer for racing. Simple boats with friendly service which are suitable for smaller groups. A 5 hour lunch cruise with drinks, 2½ hour Turtle cruise with drinks and a 3½ hr Sunset Champagne cruise with snacks and a bottle of chilled Champagne per couple. Prices from $50 to $70 per person including transfers. Children under 12 yrs half price.
Tiami Catamaran Cruises, Tall Ships Cruises, t 430 0900, tallships@sunbeach.net
Considered by many as the best sail-cruise. Tiami has a fleet of five custom-built catamarans ranging from 57ft to 70ft. The daily 5 hour lunch cruises start with a Champagne cocktail and continental breakfast and include an open bar, swimming and snorkelling with turtles. Cost US$82.50. They also do a Turtles at Sunset Cocktail cruise on Sundays, 4pm-7pm, including cocktails and canapés for US$50. Includes transfers. Reduced prices for children.
Seafari Offshore Adventure Tours, t 429 5337, www.thrillerboats.com
Seafari’s 55ft powerboat, Thriller 05 seats up to 40 passengers and is a specially designed power cat (approved by the United States Coast Guard) with twin 444 horsepower Yanmar turbo diesel engines. There is a currently just the one tour, a 3 hour Thriller Turtle & Shipwreck adventure for a minimum of 10 persons, maximum 30. Refreshments are included on board and transfers.
Wildcat Turtle and Shipwreck Adventure, Adventureland 4 x 4 Tours, t 429 3687/436 3687,
info@adventurelandbarbados.com, www.adventurelandbarbados.com
Distinctive bright yellow, custom-built, 23ft power cats that take up to 12 people on a Wildcat Turtle and Shipwreck Adventure. Snorkelling and swimming with hawksbill and green turtles on the West Coast early morning, followed by shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay. Adults US$70 and children under 12 US$50, includes transport. Private charters available for 3 hour tours for US$600 for a 12 seater and US$1200 for a 24 seater Wildcat.
Atlantis Submarine, Shallow Draft, Bridgetown, t 436 8929, barbadosreservations@atlantissubmarines.com
Experience the world beneath the sea without getting wet aboard a 65ft passenger submarine. Descending to maximum depth of 130ft, the sub holds 48 passengers and has 26 view ports, with day and night dives of up to 45 mins.
Adults US$101.50 children 4-12 yrs US$52 and 13-17 years US$82. Minimum height 3ft.
See a Review of Children on a snorkelling and turtle-watching trip. |
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Departure Tax & Taxes
Departure tax is no longer payable at the airline check-in desk as it should be included in the cost of your airline ticket - please check your ticket to confirm this. This tax (passenger service charge) is payable by all passengers leaving the island (exempt for stays under 24 hours) and over the age of 12 years. The amount increased to Bds$55/US$27.50 on 1st February 2007.
Hotel and villa accommodation incurs a 7.5% government room tax and a service charge in Barbados, which is normally added to your bill (unless you are staying in an all-inclusive hotel). It can make quite a difference to the eventual price of your holiday, so if you are booking direct make sure you calculate it in when pricing up your trip.
A 15% VAT applies to most services including car hire, tourist attractions, restaurants, retail (apart from Duty Free items), excursions etc, but this is usually included in the published price, except for car hire rates, which are usually quoted excluding VAT so you'll need to add it. |
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Driving & Parking
Driving is on the left on Barbados and in order to drive you must purchase a local driving permit, cost Bds$10/US$5 on presentation of your licence from home to car hire companies. Don’t forget your driving licence!
Generally speaking drivers are fairly courteous and, being quite conservative, they tend to abide by the Highway Code. However do be cautious going around roundabouts, as not all drivers know which lane they ought to be in. You will also need to keep an eye out for Z vans and minibuses which stop in the middle of the road at the drop of a hat. Try to avoid going anywhere during the rush hour, when all of the major roads heading into Bridgetown, Holetown and the South Coast tend to be back-to-back with traffic (the local radio stations have traffic reports during both the morning and evening rush hours). Almost every household on the island seems to own a car, and for those that do not there are plenty of families who have more than one. Some children still walk to school, so as there are very few pavements (sidewalks) you should drive with caution during the start/finish of the school day. Take special care when going around blind corners in rural areas.
Seat belts are compulsory and failure to wear one attracts a fine of Bds$500. The speed limit in Barbados is 37 mph/60 kph except on the highways (55 mph/80 kph) and in Bridgetown (20 mph/32 kph).
PARKING
The parking fee for official car parks in Bridgetown, and at the airport, is currently Bds$1 per hour or part thereof, and $6 for the whole day. Tickets are issued on entering and payment is made on exit. |
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Electricity
Domestic current will operate appliances designated for 115/230 volts AC, 50 Cycles, with 2-pin US style plugs and sockets. |
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