ALL ABOUT BARBADOS
Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and it is found in the parish of St. Michael. It is the main commercial center of the island housing the Cruise ship terminal and Bridgetown port, as well as being home to all of the retail banks. The Barbados dollar is the official currency. US $1.00 = BDS $1.98. US dollars are accepted island-wide, and most stores and restaurants accept major credit cards and traveller’s cheques. Banks normally open from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. (Mon. - Thu.) and 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (Fri.). There are several ATM’s on the South and West Coasts, and in Bridgetown.
Whilst in Barbados, it really is worth taking a day out to see the true beauty of the island, and to see the dramatic change in the scenery between the south, west and east coasts. You may wish to do on an organised tour either in a 4x4, which will take you places that a normal vehicle could not go, or relax in the comfort of a air-conditioned tour bus with an experienced tour guide to show you the sights. For the more adventureous you may even like to hire a car and drive yourself along the 100 miles of coastline. Our street signage is not the best but if you find yourself a COT Holiday Map, available at the airport, all hotels and many restaurants and cafes, this will make the journey quite clear and very interesting.
Being a coral island, as opposed to many of its neighbouring volcanic islands, Barbados has a varied and unique marine life, and pristine white sand beaches. About 800 metres offshore a reef system runs along almost the entire length of the West and South Coasts from North Point to South Point. The shallowest part of this reef system is approximately 40 feet and the deepest parts average 80 feet on the top of the reef. The sides fall off at a gentle slope to around 140 feet where the coral no longer grows and the sometimes 8-foot tall barrel sponges meet the white powdery sands. The shallow depths of this reef system not only make it ideal for divers, but also for fish and coral. The sea is so clear that quite often you can see right to the bottom in 40 ft. of water. The white sand means the waters are always aqua blue and never mirky. Some of the famous beaches you must visit include Sandy Lane (west); The Boatyard (Bridgetown); Dover Beach (south); The Crane Beach - known as one of the most photographed in the world (east); and Bathsheba (east coast - but no swimming recommended here). You’ll find your favourite!
