Barbados is a land of pristine sandy beaches stretching lazily under the rays of the tropical sun. Although there are several fun and entertaining activities available on the island, there are five that top the list.
1. The main attractions of the island are the beaches that liberally adorn its coastline. A trip to the beach is a must for every visitor to Barbados. Statistically, the beaches account for a staggering 70 miles of the coastline. The beaches of Barbados are grouped according to locations: north, south, east and west coast. Barbados offer travellers a beach for every kind of activity one could wish to indulge in; for those seeking to relax under the Caribbean rays where the waves are gentle, the West coast beaches are the best choice. As a general rule of thumb the beaches on the west coast are best for families with small children, and as one moves further to the north or south beaches, travellers are sure to find water sports and fun activities in abundance.
2. The second fun activity in Barbados is the underwater tours that the island offers. The flora and fauna beneath the surface of the ocean defy belief with their shapes and colour. Some exotic species that can be seen include the green turtles and parrot fish. Also, there are coral reefs to marvel at, and relics of old ships resting on the bed of the ocean. Wrecks are best seen in Carlisle Bay, and diving in the S. S. Stavronikita is sure to be an unforgettable experience for divers. For non-divers, there are submersible tours to take one through the mysterious depths.
3. Barbados' rich culture manifests itself in festivals that take place regularly on the island. In January, the Barbados Jazz Festival attracts many visitors and showcases the local talent as well as different genres of Caribbean, African and Cuban music. This festival allows visitors to get a flavour of the land and its heritage and many people often organise their trips to Barbados to coincide with this festival.
4. Another interesting experience is the Taste of Barbados Food Festival. This vibrant celebration embodies the potent flavours of the local cuisine and reflects the traditions of the island. This gives guests at the festival, a feast for their taste buds as they get to sample traditional dishes and enjoy the cuisine of the island all under one roof.
5. There are two caves that must be visited by all adventure lovers in Barbados; namely, Animal Flower Cave and Harrison's Cave. The first is situated along the cliffs, near the northern edge of the island. It is a study in natural history and geology and has a great deal of local folklore associated with it as well. The cave's appellation is derived from its numerous sea anemones, locally known as animal flowers. Harrison's Cave is only accessible using specially designed transport and has majestic stalagmites and stalactites in its caverns.
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Barbados holiday rentals and Holiday and Vacation Rentals.
