From the thrill seeker to those who desire a relaxed approach to island water sports, Barbados has plenty of options. It’s one of the perks that come along with island life and the advantage of being surrounded by water... but not just any body of water. The pristine, tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea caress the western side of the island, creating some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. However, as you proceed to the South and East of the island, the Atlantic Ocean and North East trade winds create aggressive waters and big powerful waves, perfect for surfing in Barbados and other similar activities. So, the question is, what do you fancy?
Keeping it Wet
On the island, the options are plentiful, and there are activities for everyone in the family.
Catamaran Cruises
Now, the best sport you can do on a wonderful catamaran cruise is the sport of “doing nothing at all”. Lay on the deck of a luxurious craft, sip a cocktail and enjoy the Caribbean Sea and sun! There are a host of catamaran charter companies like Cool Runnings, Stiletto & Wasn’t Me Catamaran Cruises to name a few all waiting to serve you. They offer various packages from personalised individual experiences to opportunities for you to party with groups of like-minded revellers from the time the anchor is drawn. The boats cruise with a fully stocked bar and catered meals. Most also provide the opportunity to snorkel in Barbados and swim in the calm waters as the boats draw close to the shore.
Waverunner Rentals
This popular activity has ranked as the number one thing to do as it relates to Barbados, the sea and fun. Waverunner rentals are available at almost every beach on the west coast of the island and several Waverunner operators work with hotels. This means that as soon as you walk out to the beach, they are there waiting. The typical experience lasts for 30 minutes, and as long as you follow the guidelines given, you can let the fun begin. You can go solo, double or triple up while participating in this favourite water sports activity.
Kayaking
It is an excellent way to explore the beauty of the coast at your pace. As usual, there are a host of businesses that offer rental options and various packages to choose from. One popular spot for this activity is the serene Carlisle Bay. The bay has one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand, making it the most popular beach in Barbados and the calmness of the water is perfect. Look out for the clear kayaks on offer there, as they allow for enjoyable sporting activity paired with the overhead view of the marine world below.
Paddle Boarding/Stand Up Paddle
Relatively new when compared to the other water activities, SUP has recently been booming in popularity. As the name suggests, you stand on what looks like an extra-large surfboard. You get your paddle, and you push and glide through the blue waters. For the person looking for calm waters, there are a host of operators and trained instructors in the Carlisle Bay and Batts Rock areas. If you need more of a thrill and bigger waves, further south of the island is where your craving will be satisfied.
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Take a drive along the coasts of Barbados, and it is hard to miss the number of Dive shops that are open and ready to take you on an underwater adventure. Barbados is arguably home to some of the best snorkelling in the Caribbean. Clear waters, colourful coral, a variety of fish and turtles are waiting, and the ever-popular Carlisle Bay also has a wide variety of coral species and shipwrecks or further north of the Bay, in the parish St. James is the Folkestone Marine Park. Whether you are a beginner or have experience under your belt, the waters of Barbados are perfect for you.
Water Skiing
Hold on tight, and away you go. Skipping along the top of the clear waters of Barbados while being pulled by a speed boat. What a rush! Water Skiing is common in Barbados so you won’t have to search too hard to find an operator. When you do, be prepared for a thrilling ride.
JetBlade
Now if you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping extreme water sport, then Jetblading is it. Using hydro-powered technology, jet blades strapped to your feet will allow you to hover over the crystal waters. It’s one of the newer water sports activities on the island, but if you want to be like Ironman from the Avengers, it takes skill, but as long as you can master the power, you will be gliding above the waters like a pro. The instructors run through all the safety drills with you and give you pointers along the way.
Fishing/Deep Sea Fishing
The Caribbean Sea is ripe with fish waiting to play a rousing game of cat and mouse with your fishing line. If you are up for the challenge, you have a selection of cabin cruisers/fishing charters available, including IOU, Reel Crazy & HIghland Charters offering a variety of packages. Spend a day deep sea fishing off the coast of Barbados, and maybe you can haul in a tuna or perhaps a white marlin.
Big waves and strong winds
If it is more thrills and adventure you are seeking, then the parishes of Christ Church, St. Philip and St. Joseph are your friends.
Body Surfing/Boogie Boarding
Although the waves may be higher, crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches are still waiting to greet you on every beach across the island. The famous beach at Accra is one spot where you can get your boogie board and have some fun.
Kite Surfing Barbados
Further south at Silver Sands and Crane Beach, the wind & wave action becomes more consistent, and this is where you will find those looking for some invigorating beach fun.
On the south side of the island, you will find locals and visitors zipping across the blue waters. Take a lookup from the waters to the sky and see the kites dancing in the wind. This is an incredible sight to behold, and if you are brave enough, an even more incredible experience. It is said that Barbados is one of the best places on earth for kitesurfing - the options of waves or flat waters and the constant push of the wind attracts adrenaline junkies from all over the world. Most of them venture to Silver Sands where there are options for gear rentals, instruction, pristine conditions and excellent kite surfing in Barbados.
WindSurfing
Beginners, intermediates or seasoned professionals, will find the conditions in the waters of Barbados ideal for windsurfing. The world-famous Brian Talma 'De Action Man' honed his skills right here at Silver Sands, allowing him to dominate the windsurfing game. You too can experience the thrills of the water sport as year-round warm waters beckon you to come in.
Surfing
If you are wondering about the surfing in Barbados and conditions here on the island, you have a few great options and one really, really, really, really, really, really … Did we say really? Well, a really fantastic one! Called one of the best surf spots in the world, that location is the renowned Soup Bowl, in Bathsheba St. Joseph. Located on the east of the island, you will find world-class conditions, said to rival those conditions produced in Hawaii. The waves are suited for experienced surfers and at one point or another, the biggest international names have been wiped out in the Bathsheba waters. Other great points for local surfing (from beginners to the more experienced) are Freights Bay, South Point and Pebbles located in Christ Church. On the north-west of the island, there is Batts Rock, Mullins and off the beaten track Maycocks Beach, which is touted as a hidden treasure for surfing in the north of Barbados. Depending on your experience, there is a beach to meet your desires.
No matter what time of year you come to the beautiful island paradise of Barbados, there is always something to do in the waters. Always welcoming and refreshing the crystal waters and the golden sandy beaches combine to create perfect locations. Whether it be the adrenaline rush of kite and windsurfing, taking a fun ride on a Waverunner or surfing the waves, Barbados is the place to satisfy your water sports cravings.