Fishing

The warm waters off the coast of Barbados make it an ideal game fishing destination for Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin (Dorado), and the Marlin species. The months of January through April offer particularly ideal fishing when all of the game fish are in full season. You are likely to catch Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin (mahi-mahi), and Barracuda. Chartering a boat for either a half day or full day fishing trip is very easy as there are many charter boats with the majority moored along the Carenage in Bridgetown. Most charters include drinks, all tackle and bait.

Surfing

Barbados is the surfing paradise of the Caribbean. The island's location far out in the Atlantic Ocean allows waves to travel thousands of kilometers across the sea before finally unleashing their power over Barbados' coral reefs. Barbados receives waves to surf from all directions thus providing for unlimited surfing conditions all over. The number 1 surfing location in Barbados is the internationally recognised Soup Bowl in Bathsheba. All over the island however there are beaches suited to surfing, from Brandons Beach near Bridgetown to Accra Beach. South Point Beach has a fairly powerful and clean wave while the shorebreak at Inchcape on Silver Sands Beach seems to break 365 days a year. For those who do not know how to surf but want to learn while on vacation, Barbados has many surfing shops to provide instruction. You can learn more about surfing in Barbados by visiting our Barbados Surfing Page.

Windsurfing & Kite Surfing

If a recreational activity has surfing in its name then it is done in Barbados. Both wind and kite surfing are popular forms of recreation in Barbados. November to July is the best time for these sports as the Trade Winds blow consistently. Equipment can be rented from the many surf shops.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Barbados has a multi-faceted underwater world that will enchant anyone who is looking for underwater recreation. The crystal clear waters off the white sand beaches of Barbados are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, with visibility between 80 to 100 feet for most of the year. There are barrier reefs located between a half mile and two miles off shore with large coral heads that will excite the scuba diving enthusiast. The calm waters along the western coastline are perfect for snorkeling and there are fringing reefs with abundant plant life of sea fans and barrel sponges plus Sea Horses, Frog Fish, Giant Sand Eels and many other marine creatures. Barbados has numerous ship wrecks and several excellent sites for wreck diving. Carlisle Bay, with 200 reported wrecks, and the Stavronikita, located at Folkestone Marine Park, are two of the most popular sites.

Barbados has several dive shops handling from the beginner to the advanced scuba diver. Diving certificates can be had, ranging from one day resort courses to a full instructor's course. If you're bringing your own equipment there are service areas to handle replenishment of air. There is also a decompression chamber available. You can learn more about the snorkeling areas in our article Snorkeling and Scuba in Barbados.

Kayaking

Watersports are a major form of recreational activity in Barbados and as such there are numerous watersports shops. You can easily rent kayaks that will allow you to glide over colourful coral reefs and see the enchanting marine life.

Jet Skis

Jet Skis are available for rent from most bays, beaches and coves around Barbados. Rentals are usually in 30 minute increments and prices will vary in and out of season. All reputable operators will provide appropriate life vests and comprehensive instruction for all hirers.

Sailing

There are several yachts and catamarans available for charters in Barbados. You can join a scheduled cruise or customise your own personal sailing tour. Boat cruises around the island are popular as well as guided sailing tours down the scenic West Coast of Barbados. You can choose to relax on board a catamaran and watch the beautiful coastline of Barbados slip by, then drop anchor in a quiet bay for a swim in the crystal clear waters, followed by lunch or you can join on a party boat and dance to the sound of calypso while sipping rum punch.

Birdwatching

Although the island does not have a high number of resident species, there is much to interest a birder in Barbados; over 230 species have been recorded. The island has scored some notable firsts for the Americas e.g. Garganey, Black-headed Gull, Little Bittern, Alpine Swift, Collared Pratincole, Whiskered Tern, Common Cuckoo, Little Egret. Currently Barbados is the only place in Western Hemisphere where Little Egret is known to breed.

The best location for bird watching is the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary which, is home for up to 40 resident / seasonally resident bird species in addition to the migratory species that visit. This sanctuary is the location of the first known nesting site in the Americas for the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). Designed around a 10 acre mangrove lined lake, the sanctuary is perfect for viewing birds. There is a wooden boardwalk that weaves its way around portions of the lake and around various ponds.

Bicycling

Tennis

Many of the resorts and large hotels have tennis courts that you can rent. In addition at Folkestone Park outside Holetown there is a free tennis court that operates on a first come first served basis. There are also public tennis courts at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in St Michael which must be reserved beforehand.

Shooting

The Kendal Sporting Club in St Phillip offers Clay target shooting and is open to the public. There is also a 10 metre indoor pistol range and a 30 meter outdoor pistol range. The club supplies all required equipment including weapons and ammunition. There is a bar and restaurant for relaxing afterwards.

Archery

The Archery club is located at The Kendal Sporting Club and allows you to experience archery in peaceful surroundings. With a range of distances from 5m to 90m, beginners and advanced archers alike can have a great time while learning or honing their skills.
Excellent club equipment is available, including: Recurve bows, carbon fibre arrows, and other accessories.

Paintball

The Kendal Sporting Club offers paintball on a 120ft X 180ft speedball field. Obstacles and bunkers on this field make things interesting offering sufficient cover for many strategic options during game play. Essential facemasks are provided and for added protection, optional chest/ back protectors and gloves are available. Reservations are required.

Horseback Riding