Island Diving

Barbados has long been known for it's white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, friendly smiles and, of course, rum! One of it's lesser known but by no means lesser quality attractions is it's beauty beneath the seas. Barbados lies in the Atlantic Ocean almost 100 miles east of the Windward Islands; unlike it's neighboring Islands which are mostly volcanic, Barbados was built entirely out of coral. Year after year, decade after decade and century after century, coral life and death built Barbados up from the ocean depths. This building process is still continuing and can be witnessed in huge 6 ft barrel sponges, gigantic sea fans, black corals  and hundreds of tropical fish that adorn every crack and crevice on it's fringing and barrier reefs which circle the island. Most of the diving activity in Barbados occurs on the west and south coasts. The east and north coasts most of the year take the full fury of the Atlantic Ocean and the easterly trade winds, making for spectacular waves and breath taking scenery. The south coast, being partially sheltered from these trade winds, lends itself to moderate seas and currents; while the west coast, being totally sheltered, is generally like a pond. Whether you dive south or west you'll be in for a treat.

From Maycox Bay on the north-west to South Winds Fringe on the south-east, Barbados is home to many large pelagic such as Barracuda, Jacks of various species, Mackerel and of course Turtles. Year round, turtles, especially Hawksbills, can be seen in the waters of Barbados. During the summer months, April through November, turtles can also be seen nesting on the beaches. In the early evenings (around 8 to 10pm) they will crawl up onto the same beach where they themselves were hatched and lay their eggs. Sixty one days later the young turtles will dig themselves out of the sand and scurry down the beach until they reach the ocean.

The S.S. Stavronikita, moments before she was sunk in 1978.

Barbados is not only home to beautiful reefs and tropical fish, for after centuries of English colonization and visits you can find numerous souvenirs left behind by our forefathers. Carlisle Bay, on the border of the south and west coasts is a natural harbour and generations of sailors long ago threw empty rum, whiskey and medicine bottles over board. These antique bottles can be hunted and collected along with cannons, cannon balls and large anchors which are frequently found in Carlisle Bay (the larger items will have to remain underwater). Of course what would a tropical paradise be without shipwrecks? Again, Carlisle Bay is host to unique wrecks, the Berwyn, Fox and Ctrek along with the Bajan Queen, the Eillon and the bow section of the Cornwallace which was cut off and replaced after she was hit by a torpedo during the Second World War. These wrecks, lying in 25 - 40ft of water are all close enough to visit during the same dive, are host to hundreds of tropicals that will eat from the hands of divers or snorkelers. Rare species such as frog fish, sea horses and batfish are also found at this site. This dive is a macro photographer's dream. Half a mile to the south lies the Friars Craig, a 165ft freighter in 60 ft of water. Broken in three pieces, the twisted hull of this wreck is great to explore. It's sister ship, the Parmir, lays on the north western coast, also in 60ft of water. She is still intact and adorned with port holes and tropicals of a dozen varieties.

The premier wreck of the Caribbean is the S.S. Stavronikita. She is 365ft long and sits bolt upright in 130ft of water off the west coast. This wreck dive is a must. Cabin, alleyways and the cargo holds beckon you to peek. The enormous  masts which come to within 20ft of the surface are coated with sponges, corals and hundreds of fish. This is one dive you cannot miss. A decompression chamber at the Barbados Defense HQ confirms the care and quality that we all strive for. With the temperatures from 25 - 30 degrees centigrade, visibility from 50 - 100ft and beyond, professional diving instructors and facilities, outstanding coral reefs and unique wrecks, diving in Barbados is just another good reason to make us your first choice for a truly memorable all around holiday.