Barbados is everything you could hope for in a Virgin Atlantic Holidays Caribbean trip (see boxout below) – glorious white-sand beaches, plenty of sunshine, warm turquoise seas, vibrant culture, a big-hearted welcome, and the kind of sunsets you’re likely to remember forever.
But look beyond the familiar, and you’ll soon discover that a holiday in Barbados is also a nature lover’s dream. There’s wildlife ranging from green monkeys and dazzlingly exotic birds to flying fish and manta rays, along with unexpected hiking trails and superb scuba diving. Pack some lightweight hiking boots and a pair of binoculars, and prepare to be wowed by another side of this tropical island paradise.
With its crystal-clear waters, dazzling coral reefs and wealth of marine life, Barbados is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. The island’s reefs and surrounding waters are home to more than 500 species of fish, including rainbow parrot fish, angelfish, tiger grouper, barracuda, triggerfish and seahorses. You have a chance to spot flying fish and iconic manta rays – along with southern stingray and spotted eagle ray, Caribbean reef shark and scalloped hammerheads, and huge, graceful whale sharks.
Many of the best dive sites are located along the west coast of the island. Take a boat out to Folkestone Marine Park, and dive among sea turtles – Barbados is fantastic for spotting these beautiful, endangered creatures, including both hawksbill and green sea turtles. The dive site known as the Boot, offshore from St Lawrence, has the most turtle sightings of anywhere in Barbados, and Barbados as a whole has the second largest breeding population of hawksbill turtles in the Caribbean. Bloom Shallows, Clarke’s Bank and Maycocks Bay are other scuba diving hotspots.
Along with all the breathtaking marine life, wreck diving is another highlight of a Virgin Atlantic Holiday to Barbados. Carlisle Bay is a particularly famous spot, with half a dozen shipwrecks, sitting in shallow water just a little way offshore from its paradisiacal white-sand beach. The wrecks are found close together, meaning they can all be seen in one dive. There are numerous Padi-accredited dive shops on the island, offering equipment hire as well as scuba diving courses and excursions.
Carlisle Bay is also excellent for snorkelling, with the wrecks easy to spot from the surface. Try the idyllic Paynes Bay beach, another great place for snorkelling – or head to Shark Hole, an inlet and beach sheltered by arms of rock (which despite the name isn’t known for sharks).
Back on land, the island’s best-known resident wildlife species is the green monkey, which was brought from west Africa approximately 350 years ago. The adults have thick, yellow-flecked coats, often olive-green in colour. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a good place to see these sometimes mischievous primates.
But the real surprise is the birdlife. More than 280 species of bird have been recorded in Barbados – that’s more than any other island among the Lesser Antilles. These include the carib grackle, bananaquit, Antillean crested hummingbird and the endemic Barbados bullfinch. You can also see frigatebirds – huge, unmistakable seabirds with a red neck pouch and enormous wingspan.
Barbados is excellent for shorebirds due to its greater proximity to the Atlantic Flyway migration route than other islands of the Caribbean – the north coast is a particularly good area to see them. Barbados’ top birding spot, however, is Graeme Hill swamp, a nature reserve and Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) with good chance of seeing little egrets and yellow warblers.
There’s plenty of scope for hiking on Barbados, particularly in the island’s hilly interior and on the east coast. Discover the popular trail between Bathsheba and Bath beach, or hike to breathtaking viewpoints such as Mount Hillaby (the highest point on the island) and Hackleton’s cliff. When hiking on Barbados don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a sun hat.
The Barbados Trailway Project is an ongoing scheme to convert a stretch of the historic former Barbados railway, into a paved, multi-use pathway for hiking and cycling. It hasn’t been completed yet, but you can enjoy strolling or cycling along the finished section near Carmichael plantation.
Harrison’s cave, in the centre of the island, is another must-see. Take a tour of the cave interior, and wonder at the seriously impressive stalactites and stalagmites, streams and the dramatic subterranean waterfall. The most popular tour of the cave is on an electric tram – particularly good for young children. Or, for a more hands-on experience (literally), sign up for the cave adventure tour – where, after being kitted out with helmets, head torches and kneepads, you’ll explore the cave on foot with an experienced guide, including sections where you’ll either crawl beneath low ceilings or clamber over rocks. Outside the cave itself there’s an easy nature trail, or try the Monkey zipline or the treetop adventure course – and afterwards kick back with a rum tasting at a nearby distillery.
So, escape the winter blues and head to Barbados with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, immerse yourself in nature both above and below the water, and discover another side of this iconic Caribbean island.
