Let our fully qualified & experienced instructors guide you through the beautiful reefs and wrecks of Barbados with dive sites for all levels of certification.
Barbados has long been known for its white sandy beaches, crystal
clear blue waters, friendly smiles and, of course, rum! One of its
lesser known but by no means lesser quality attractions is its
beauty beneath the seas.
Barbados lies in the Atlantic ocean almost 100 miles east of the Windward Islands, and unlike its neighboring islands, which are mostly volcanic, Barbados was built entirely out of coral. Year after year, decade after decade, 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 foot barrel sponges, gigantic sea fans, black corals and hundreds of tropical fish that adorn every crack and crevice on its 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 breathtaking scenery. The south coast being partially sheltered from these 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 Maycocks Bay on the west coast to South Winds Fringe on the south-east, Barbados is home to many large pelagics such as barracuda, jacks of various species, mackerel and, of course, turtles. Year-round, turtles, particularly hawksbills, can be seen in the waters of Barbados. During the summer months, April through November, turtles can also be seen nesting on our beaches. In the early evenings (around 8 - 10pm) they will crawl up onto the same beach where they themselves 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.
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 west and south coasts is a natural harbour and generations of sailors long ago threw empty rum, whisky and medicine bottles overboard. These antique bottles can be hunted and collected along with cannons, cannonballs and large anchors which are all frequently found in Carlisle Bay (the larger items will have to remain underwater).
Barbados has its own diving association, the Professional Association of Dive Operators (PADO) Barbados. PADO members are dedicated to strong professional and ethical standards, marine ecology and safety of everyone in their care. A recompression chamber at the Barbados Defence HQ confirms the care and quality that we all strive for.
With temperatures from 25-30 degrees centigrade (77-87 F), 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-round holiday.