Barbados
Dates: June 24 - July 1, 2023
Diver Price: $2210
Non-Diver Price: $1695
Group Air Available: Not Available
This is your chance to meet the ocean's true ancient mariners. Sea turtles can live to 100, and in the waters of Barbados, they aren't shy at any age. You'll find them munching on sponges on shallow reefs, gliding across sand-bottom bays and napping under the keel of a sunken tugboat. Turtle swims have become a signature adventure on the island sometimes known as known as “The Caribbean's Little England.”
What's the diving like?
Diving in Barbados couldn't be easier. The waters are calm, the boat rides relaxing, and a bounty of wrecks and reefs await discovery at moderate depths. But don't equate easy with boring, as an abundance of marine life and a diverse underwater landscape provide ample variety. And those seeking adventure can delve a bit deeper to discover a slightly wilder side to this decidedly civilized island. Known as the friendliest folk in the Caribbean, Barbadians, aka Bajans, offer a gregarious welcome to one and all to an island that still serves High English Tea mid afternoon, then pulses to African roots at night.
Almost all diving in Barbados takes place on the island's sheltered western and southern coasts. Average visibility is in the 70-foot range, while sites farther from shore and to the north may see 100-foot days. Shipwrecks within the Carlisle Bay Marine Park sit at depths of 60 feet, providing ample no-stop time for exploration. During calmer weather, some shops may schedule dives to the island's east coast. Water temperatures range from 77°F in winter to 84°F in summer.
Where will you be staying?
Mango Bay All Inclusive Resort located on the fashionable West Coast of Barbados and on a most stunning beach with turquoise waters and powder soft sand. This is an intimate hotel that combines Caribbean elegance with personal and friendly service. Mango Bay offers a wide array of activities included with the all inclusive plan such as free scuba lesson, glass bottom boat ride, waterskiing & catamaran cruise to swim with the turtles. Rooms are all Air-conditioned & offer Ipod docking station, complimentary in-room safe, direct dial telephone, cable television, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, tea/coffee making facilities, daily housekeeping, beach towels & bath robes. Restaurants, bars and boutiques of fashionable Holetown & Limegrove are just footsteps away making this the best location when staying in Barbados.
Be Prepared!
Here's what to expect and a few tips
Included on your vacation;
- 7 nights at Mango Bay Resort in Superior Rooms
- Breakfast, Lunch Dinner and Alcohol
- Weekly Cocktail Party
- Nightly Live Music
- Catamaran Cruise to snorkel with sea turtles
- Glass bottom boat ride
- Free Wifi
- Roundtrip airport transfers in Barbados
- 5 days of 2 tank AM dives
Not Included;
- Airport transfers in the United States
- Divemaster Tips
Options
- R/T Airfare
- Advanced Diver Course
- Nitrox Diver Course
Tips and Info
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Because the island sits south and east of the Windward Island chain, it has been historically less susceptible to hurricanes. This can make summer a good time to visit, as temperatures remain mild, room rates are often lower and turtles arrive to nest, and are more frequently seen on area reefs.
- A skin suit or 3mm shorty, and add a vest or light head cover for second dives in the winter season. Bring a compact underwater light to brighten up the wrecks or illuminate reclusive marine life in the cracks and crevices that punctuate many of the reefs.
Best Places to Dive in Barbados
- The shipwrecks of Carlisle Bay are a must-do that is within the comfort zone of most all divers.
- The Pamir provides an easy introduction to wreck diving, while the Friar's Craig combines an interesting wreck and a vibrant reef at one site.
- Top reef dives include Bell Buoy and Maycocks Bank, and divers comfortable at depths of 100 feet should include the Stavronikita and Shark Bank.