Barbados is one of the most accessible islands in the Caribbean. International airlines provide daily services from major cities such as New York, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New Orleans in the United States; London, Manchester and Birmingham in the United Kingdom and Toronto and Montreal in Canada.
Where to Eat and What to Do
There are several restaurants, rum shops, bars and night clubs which feature local and international food and themes. Many hotels provide entertainment such as bands and cabaret shows during the week. On Friday nights visitors and locals flock to the very popular Oistins, which features music, dancing, and food especially fried and grilled fish.
For the religious visitors, there are many churches on the island. Some of the denominations include
Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, Jehovah Witnesses, Closed Bretheren and Rastafarian.
Water-Activities to be Enjoyed in Barbados
Visitors to the island are attracted to the crystal clear waters surrounding the island. Some prefer to laze on the white, sandy beaches soaking up brilliant rays of sunshine. Others opt for activities such as snorkeling the colourful reefs; diving in the blues of the water; riding in a glass-bottom boat or simply enjoying the speedy adventures of a jet ski.
There are many catamarans and yachts which provide day trips along the west and south coasts. These trips usually include meals and drinks and also provide opportunities to swim with turtles and fish as well as snorkeling. Deep sea fishing and sailing are other activities which can be enjoyed in Barbados.
In addition, there is the world-renowned Atlantis submarine which allows patrons to experience the underwater world in a fully submersible submarine. It is a unique experience which has attracted a large number of Barbados’ visitors over the years.
Beautiful Landscapes and Harrison's Cave
The beautiful landscape of Barbados is easily accessible. There are jeep safaris and all-terrain vehicle tours which give guided tours of the island’s beauty. These tours are usually held during the day and include meals and beverages.
Nature lovers interested in exploring the island’s gullies and caves by foot, can make use of the numerous guided tours and hikes available. Harrison’s Cave, a popular attraction, gives visitors the chance to explore a beautiful cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites; natural springs, rivers and waterfalls.
A Little Something For The Sports Enthusiasts
Barbados boasts of a wide range of sporting activities. Cricket, which is one of the more popular sports, attracts fans from all over the world for international tournaments featuring the West Indies cricket team. Youth tournaments and local competitions are held on an annual basis.
Horse-racing is also very popular. The prestigious Sandy Lane Gold Cup, held in March every year, is the highlight of the horse racing calendar. Horses from all over the world are entered into this race which is held at the Garrison Savannah. Other sports such as sailing, surfing, hockey, and football have grown in popularity.
Sea, Sand, Sun and Business
For the business enthusiast, Barbados has many opportunities for investing. The financial sector is one of the strongest in the Caribbean. Commercial banks, offshore banks and other financial institutions provide a myriad of investment options. Real estate, which has grown rapidly in the last few years, is also encouraged and welcomed.
There are many festivals that are celebrated on the island. The largest of which is Crop-Over which runs from June to August which symbolizes the ending of the sugar cane crop season. This premier event which runs from June to August, showcases the talents of local musicians and artistes. The climax of this festival is Grand Kadooment which features costumed clad revelers dancing through the streets to calypso music. Other festivals include the Oistins Fish Festival and the Holetown Festival.
Barbados, though small, has a lot to offer. It is a beautiful island that thrives on all kinds of tourism. Barbaians understand that they have a part to play in the development of the country and this is evident. Their friendliness and willingness to help others adds an undeniable warmth to the island's world class offering.
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