Barbados Introduction

Barbados is an island country in the Caribbean and its name means “bearded ones”. The island has been an independent country since 30 November 1966, after its long association as a British colony.

Tourism

In the 1980’s, tourism became one of the leading industries in Barbados. Barbados has numerous internationally known hotels and a festive night-life in some main tourist areas such as Saint Lawrence Gap. Attractions to the island include wildlife, scuba diving, helicopter rides, golf, festivals, sightseeing, cave exploration, jewelry stores, fine clothes shopping and exotic drinks.

Airport

Coordinates:  13° 4′ 28″ N, 59° 29′ 32″ W

Grantley Adams International Airport lies about 13 km from the centre of the capital city Bridgetown, in an area known as Seawell. In 2002, 2003 and 2004 the airport was awarded the “Caribbean Leading Airport” by the World Travel Awards.

Airlines

The following airlines offer flights from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) or Cape Town International Airport to Barbados:

• BMI
• British Airways
• Emirates
• SAA
• Virgin Atlantic

What to see / do

• Harrison’s Cave
• Swimming with Sea Turtles
• The Atlantis Submarine
• The Barbados Museum
• The Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• Welchman Hall Gully

Events

• Agrofest – A 2-day festival to celebrate agriculture.
• Barbados Jazz Festival – A week of internationally renowned musicians performing at various venues.
• Barbados Windfest – A three day wind- and kite surfing competition.
• Cropover – One of the biggest festivals with many major related events.
• Holder’s Season – An assemblage of music, comedy and theatre from around the world.
• Holetown Festival – A weeklong celebrations with street fairs, performances, arts and crafts and a beauty pageant.

General Info

Citizens from South Africa will not need a Visa to enter Barbados. The official language of the island is English. Barbados is only 13 degrees off of the equator and you can easily get sun burnt, so beware of the sun, drink plenty of water and bring an umbrella to shade yourself. It is advisable to put on bug spray at night as mosquitoes might become a nuisance.

Currency

The local currency is the Bajan dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted at restaurants and shops.

Weather

Barbados lies within the tropics and has a pleasant maritime climate with average daytime temperatures between 24°C and 28°C all year round. Nights are slightly cooler. Rain usually comes in quick showers with its dry season from January to June. Humidity levels are between 71 percent and 76 percent year round.