The wreck of the 365’ Greek freighter, the Stavronikita, is one of the most popular dives on Barbados, but the entire west coast of the island offers great reef diving with frequent sightings of turtles, rays and schooling fish. Carlisle Bay is also home to 5 wrecks making it a favorite for wreck aficionados. Visitors can experience the island’s sophisticated and active lifestyle through its luxurious resorts, fine restaurants, world class golf and especially its passion for its national sport, cricket.
Diving in Barbados
Watersports reign supreme on Barbados’ scenic coasts, offering unparalleled conditions including underwater visibility of 70 to 80 feet and annual water temperatures between 78 and 84 degrees.
Known as the “shipwreck capital” of the Caribbean, Barbados offers a number of unique and interesting diving and snorkeling features that include a number of accessible sunken ships and a host of beautiful coral formations and marine life.
The west coast has two designated snorkeling areas, both part of the Folkestone Marine Park and the south coast’s best snorkeling area is the Carlisle Bay Marine Park. The diving is easily accessible and not particularly technical, and the island’s facilities are excellent, including a decompression chamber situated near Bridgetown and many well-equipped dive centers found on the west and south coasts.
The most famous of the wrecks, the Stavronikita, has created a fascinating penetration dive for experienced divers.
Water temperature is a warm 82-84°F in the summer and 78-80°F in the winter. Most people will find a 3mm suit adequate for diving in Barbados.
Barbados is blessed with steady trade winds, beckoning waves and crystal clear water that make it ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The south coast is the place to be and the best time to hoist a sail is normally December through mid-March.
Dive Primer
- Water Temp: 78-80°
- Visibility: 60′
- Wetsuit: 1.5mm to 3mm
Best Time to Travel
- Year-round
Favorite Dive Sites
- Wreck of the Stavronikita
- Wreck of the Berwyn
- Wreck of the C-Trek
Topside Attractions
- Barbados Wildlife Reserve to see the green monkeys
- Harrison’s Cave