Barbados

Isolated in the Eastern Caribbean lies the independent island nation of Barbados, a coral island that came into existence by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. The birthplace of rum, exotic resorts, white sandy beaches, a mild tropical climate, luscious natural scenery, inviting hospitality and passion of the Barbadian people, vibrant nightlife, unique heritage and exceptional culinary delights defines Barbados. The UNESCO World Heritage capital city of Bridgetown is famous for shopping, colonial buildings and old synagogues. Immerse yourself in local Barbadian traditions including afternoon tea and enjoying a game of cricket, the national sport. Dottins reef is an excellent snorkeling and scuba diving spot along the scenic shoreline. You could also play a round of golf on spectacular oceanside golf courses or just revel in the spectacular view while sunbathing on the beach. On your luxury island getaway you will learn to trade the rushed modern lifestyle for relaxing island vibes.

While it's justifiably famed for its fantastic beaches, Barbados is an island that has it all. In addition to fine powdery sand and brilliant turquoise bays, you'll find smashing nightlife, a Unesco World Heritage–listed capital, a beautiful interior dotted with gardens, and wild surf on the lonely east coast, all inhabited by a proud and welcoming populace. The handicraft industry in Barbados isn't as developed as on some of the neighboring islands, but there's still plenty of attractive things to fill your suitcase. Farmers markets are a good place to find local arts and crafts and you'll also find stands set up at the back of the Oistins Fish Fry. Most popular beaches also have at least a couple of local vendors.

Barbados loves to lime (party) and you'll have no trouble finding somewhere to have a few drinks, even in the smallest towns. The main nightlife on the island is concentrated around St Lawrence Gap on the south coast, but there are also good venues in Holetown on the west coast. The local currency is Barbados Dollar (BBD) although US Dollar is widely accepted. English is the official language and many locals speak a Bajan dialect. The time zone is UTC/GMT -4 hours.

Barbados weather is generally warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 30°C / 86°F. In fact, Barbados has over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. The prevailing northeast tradewinds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot. The nights are usually slightly cooler. The rain typically comes in quick showers. The dry season lasts from January to June. Barbados weather is mostly sunny and fair with warm days, cool winds and cozy nights.

It rains mostly in summer and a good rainfall is refreshing and much needed. Rain is usually followed quickly by sunny skies and within minutes everything will be dry. Tropical rainstorms sometimes occur in the hurricane season which runs from June to October (as we say in Barbados – “June too soon, October all over!”). Tropical rains are spectacular but the island is very porous and the heaviest rains quickly drain off into the underground lakes or the sea. Hurricanes usually avoid Barbados. They arise off the African Coast and head to the Caribbean, swinging North about 100 miles from Barbados. The pattern is reasonably consistent as hurricanes tend to bounce from one land mass to the next and Barbados is somewhat separate from the Caribbean island chain. This does not of course make us immune, but the last occasion which Barbados suffered a direct hit from a major hurricane was in 1955.

Barbados Packages

Barbados