Barbados - Under the Water

PO Box 3119, St. James, Barbados, W.I.
Tel: 1 (246) 434 3434 E-mail: info@skyviews.com

Barbados - Under the Water

Barbados' geology differs from its island neighbours and, as a result, so does its diving. It is a flat, coral island unlike its mountainous volcanic neighbours and consequently is mostly characterised by fringe, patch and, rather unusually, bar reefs.
The bar reef is home to many, many species of fish commonly encountered in these parts but is also the home to species rarely found elsewhere like frogfish and filefish plus Hawksbill turtles.

Barbados has numerous shipwrecks and other relics from the past like 18th Century cannons and anchors. Acutely aware of the threat that chemical pollution, garbage dumping and anchor damage pose to the fragile marine ecosystem a major Marine Park has recently been established in Carlisle Bay and the Barbados Marine Reserve stretches for 4 kilometres up the West Coast between Sandy Lane and Cobblers Cove. As a result, some of the finest coral formations on the island are close to shore and accessible to divers and snorkellers alike.

Barbados dive operators provide packages and courses from advanced divers to beginners. Many offer Instructor Certification. Most operators offer "Introduction to Scuba" courses that will get you under water in a day. In keeping with world-wide developments in diving Nitrox is widely used and the associated training in its use is also offered too. There is also a decompression chamber on the island. There is even the Atlantis Submarine for those who wish to see the reefs and wrecks in air-conditioned comfort day and night. It's a great introduction to the diving experience. Operators and a summary of popular dive sites are listed below.

Here are some of the better know dive sites ...

Carlisle Bay	West Coast. Tranquil. Numerous wrecks including the Berwyn (french tug, sunk 1919), the Eilon (drug running vessel, sunk 1996), Fox, and C-Trek. Plenty fish plus rare ones like batfish, frogfish & sea horses. Something to keep everyone from experienced divers to snorkellers busy. Easy to advanced.
Stavronikita	West Coast. 356 foot Greek vessel deliberately sunk 20 years ago. Mast to within 30 feet of the surface, dive depth around 100 feet. Loads of exploring as hatches and doors have been removed. A must for wreck divers. Intermediate to advanced.
Silver Bank	West Coast. Extensive beautiful coral gardens. Many reef fish, seemingly unconcerned. The Atlantis submarine may join you. Sub attracts curious fish. Sea turtles often seen. 80 foot dive depth. Intermediate.
Dottins	West Coast. Hundreds of schooling fish plus sea turtles. Popular night dive spot. Intermediate to advanced.
Maycocks	North West Coast. Rays, barracudas and lots of schooling chub spotted here. Abit out of the way, but well worth it. Itermediate.
Parmir	North West Coast. 100 foot wreck in 60 feet of water. Perfect place to start wreck diving. Intermediate.
Bell Buoy	West Coast. Coral lovers get giddy. Forests of brown coral trees and sloping corals on a dome-shaped reef. As you circle the reef, coral diversity is impressive. Plenty curious fish. Intermediate.
Friars Craig	South West Coast. Old wreck pulled apart by storms. Excellent coral formations and a home for many fish. Intermediate.
Shark Bank	No sharks here, unfortunately. A bank reef with depth ranging from 60-140 feet. Barracudas, Turtles and large reef fish (especially parrotfish). First rate deep, multi-level dive. Advanced.
Folkestone Marine Park	West Coast. Perfect for snorkellers. Close to shore with surprisingly wide array of reef fish. A piece of bread will get them interested. Easy.