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Caribbean
Map
General Information
 Barbados
is a beautiful tropical island with many activities
available. There is night life, music, history, art,
and some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere.
In addition to scuba diving, water activities include
surfing, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking and more.
But what makes Barbados such a wonderful place, and
the reason why so many visitors keep returning to
the island year after year, is the people. Barbadians,
called Bajans, are warm and friendly, always ready
to greet you with a sincere smile.
Whether new to diving or a seasoned pro, you will
be amazed by underwater Barbados. The fringes and
reefs found off this island blossom with healthy sponges,
coral, plant life. There are a number of reefs, each
one unique in its own special way.
The barrier reefs, located 1/2 - 2 miles from shore
contain large coral heads which form the habitat for
thousands of beautiful fish. Larger organisms are
also found on these reefs, feeding on the smaller
fish. The Hawksbill turtle can also be found on these
reefs. Fringes and patching reefs are found closer
to shore and have smaller coral formations and more
abundant plant life then the barrier reefs. These
reefs are home to Sea Horses, Frog Fish, Giant Sand
Eels and many other marine creatures.
Wrecks form fascinating habitats for marine life and
Barbados has several excellent sites for wreck diving.
Carlisle Bay, with 200 reported wrecks, and the Stavronikita,
located at Folkstone Marine Park are two of the most
popular sites.
Dive Centers & Accommodations
Getting There
Air Travel
International Airport
Barbados (BGI) (Grantley Adams), 13km (8 miles) east of Bridgetown, near Christ Church.
Scheduled flights to Barbados
From USA
Air
Jamaica
American
Airlines
BWIA
US
Airways
From Canada
Air
Canada
BWIA
From Europe
British
Airways
BWIA
Virgin
Atlantic
From within the Caribbean
Air
Jamaica
BWIA
Caribbean
Star
LIAT
In addition, there are several charter airlines which service Barbados. See your travel agent or contact the Barbados
Tourism Authority
Departure Tax
Bds$25 for all departures. Passengers in transit who will be remaining in Barbados for less than 24 hours and children
under 12 are exempt.
Entry Requirements
Passports
Every person entering Barbados should be in possession of a valid passport and a valid return ticket.
Visas are required for citizens from:
| Afghanistan |
Congo |
| Algeria |
Djibouti |
| Andorra |
Dominican Republic |
| Angola |
Ecuador |
| Bahrain |
Egypt |
| Benin |
El Salvador |
| Bhutan |
Equatorial Guinea |
| Bolivia |
Ethiopia |
| Bosnia - Herzegovina |
Gabon |
| Burkina Faso |
Guatemala |
| Burundi |
Guinea |
| Cambodia |
Guinea-Bissau |
| Cameroon |
Haiti |
| Cape Verde |
Honduras |
| Central African Republic |
India |
| Chad |
Indonesia |
| China |
Iran |
| Comoros |
Iraq |
| Ivory Coast |
Qatar |
| Jordan |
Rwanda |
| Kampuchea |
San Marino |
| Kuwait |
Sao Tome & Principe |
| People’s Republic of Laos |
Saudi Arabia |
| Lebanon |
Senegal |
| Liberia |
Somalia |
| Libya |
The Sudan |
| Madagascar |
Syria |
| Monaco |
Taiwan |
| Mongolia |
Thailand |
| Morocco |
Togo |
| Macau |
United Arab Emirates |
| Mozambique |
Vatican City (Holy See) |
| Myanmar (formerly Burma) |
Vietnam |
| Namibia |
People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen |
| Nepal |
Yemen Arab Republic |
| Niger |
Yugoslavia |
| Oman |
Zaire |
| Pakistan |
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| Paraguay |
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Cruise Ship Passengers
Visas are not required for passengers on cruise ships with the exception of citizens of the C.I.S., Eastern European
countries, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, South Africa and Korea.
Cruise ship passengers who are "in-transit" and stay less than 24 hours are not required to carry a valid
passport.
However, if you are beginning and ending your trip in Barbados or are "in-transit" to take a flight at
the Grantley Adams International Airport, you are required to possess a valid passport.
Duration of Visit to Barbados
Visitors coming to Barbados should provide proof of adequate means of support for the duration of their stay to
the satisfaction of the Immigration officer at the port of entry. They should be in possession of valid return
tickets.
Extension of stay
Visitors wishing to extend their stay should apply to:
The Chief Immigration Officer
Immigration Department
Careenage House, The Wharf
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Tel: (246) 426-1011 / 1-800-268-9122
Travel
Tips
Getting Around
Rental Cars
There are a number of international and local rental agencies available. You can obtain a Barbados drivers license
for $10.00 Bds on producing a valid National or International License. All authorised car rental companies can
issue you a drivers license if you have a valid license.
Bus Service
Frequent, comprehensive coverage of the island, flat rate of approx. Bds$1.50 for all trips. Although cheap, buses
are crowded during the rush hours. All buses terminate at Speightstown.
Taxis
Taxis do not have meters and fares are regulated by the Government. Listings are available from the Tourist Office.
Please ask the price before travelling.
ZR Mini Vans
There are many licensed "Mini Vans" that run around the island picking up tourist and locals. You will
recognise them by their "ZR" license plate. They have few fixed schedules but there are many of them
and service is frequent. The rate is Bds$1.50 and is not recommended for the nervous passenger as ZR stop frequently,
often abruptly, and move quickly to pick up the maximum paying passengers in the shortest time.
Helpful Tips
Money
Most of the hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments will accept credit cards. Travelers checks are also
widely accepted.
Dress
Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some
hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.
Electricity
110 volts/50 cycles. Most hotels can provide adapters and transformers for hair dryers and other appliances.
Nude Bathing
There are no nude beaches and all beaches are open to the public. Nudism is actually illegal. Barbados has a history
of conservative British tradition and Barbadians are not comfortable undressing or seeing other undress on public
beaches.
Sunscreen
Barbados is a tropical island blessed with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Please remember to use sunscreen
protection.
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