Caribbean islands tend to have similar geological features, but Barbados is so well-known for its pristine white sand beaches and tranquil waters on its south coast, that each year visitors are being attracted from not only the neighbouring islands but those from colder climates, like myself.

However Barbados is so much more than its white sand beaches and one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the island is to see first-hand the picturesque seascape of underwater reefs with the abundance of marine life swimming in and around.

From personal experience the best way to sample the delights of the shimmering blue waters of Barbados is by taking a relaxing sailing cruise from one of the many catamarans that harbour in Bridgetown.  

The catamarans are all designed with comfort, safety and enjoyment in mind to cater for all generations and tourist types. But with an open bar filled with an endless supply of Banks, rum and wine they definitely provide unrivalled holiday entertainment, and find the perfect equilibrium between relaxation and ‘merry’.    

Catamaran Cruise Recommendations:

Cool Runnings is a unique charter company specialising in personalised cruises, ensuring the utmost in comfort, service and enjoyment. These elegant, custom-built catamarans sail with a limited number of passengers, to guarantee a superb day of sailing in an uncrowded atmosphere.

The captain and crew are a good-humoured group of well-trained, experienced sailors who know how to look after and entertain their guests. Sail, swim with turtles, snorkel over a shallow shipwreck, swim in a secluded bay and enjoy a delicious lunch and open bar. Sunset cruises are also very popular and private cruises are offered for a more flexible itinerary.

My Thoughts - Cool Runnings was the most enjoyable four hours on my recent visit to Barbados. On past catamaran cruises I have been largely disappointed by the lack of close encounter turtle swimming on offer, but Cool Runnings ensured we were all in the thick of the action.

Before booking this trip I read a lot of articles mentioning the excellent service onboard Cool Runnings. I have to agree that the crew were absolutely amazing and extremely interested in making sure that everyone had a great time – which included the females of my group who pretended they could not swim to gain extra attention.

Rubáiyát is a classic Peter Spronk original with a unique schooner rig. At 50 ft long, she is sleek, comfortable and fully equipped for day chartering. Rubáiyát is skippered by owner and well-known Barbadian Eddie Cheeseman, who has over 20 years professional sailing experience as captain and has been sailing his own boat since 1998.

My Thoughts – I knew this would be a great day for my first Catamaran cruise as I was joined by a host of Virgin Atlantic air-cabin crew taking advantage of their day off, courtesy of Richard Branson. This automatically gave me a high perception of the catamaran knowing that it was the first choice booking for such a prestigious airline.

My perception was not altered throughout the day with great reggae music being played and the staff providing endless entertainment. In particular the shipwreck in the shallows was a sight to see on this trip with schools of multicoloured fish darting through the vessels. 

Both of these fantastic catamaran cruises offer breathless views of the Baijan coastine as you sail under the gentle breeze of the trade winds, and if you could only take one trip while in Barbados then I stongly advise a Barbados Catamaran Cruise

Scott Hurley
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More On Barbados

Select Resorts have revamped their Barbados Villas webpage and have some great offers for the Crane Resort in Barbados.

With the ICC ending speculation that the tournament could be moved away from West Indies the count down for the tournament is now on its way starting with the official launch in Barbados on October 31.

The tournament will be staged at four venues – Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia from 30 Apr – and the final will be played at the Kensington Oval, Barbados on May 16.

ICC Chief executive Haroon Lorgat comments on the hosts stating – “In Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia we have four outstanding venues, something that was shown in 2007 when they hosted matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and we know that West Indian spectators enjoy the format as they have already embraced Twenty20 at domestic level.”

Defending champions Pakistan will play in Group ‘A’ alongside Bangladesh and Australia. Former champions India are in Group ‘C’ with South Africa and another qualifier while Group ‘B’ comprises Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.

Download your free tournament schedule by clicking here

Barbados

Barbados is a coral island formed in pre-historic times by erupting volcanoes. Now it is a dream for beachgoers, cricketers, scuba divers, golfers, fishing enthusiasts and just about anyone seeking fun and relaxation in a relatively upmarket environment. Its west coast boasts beaches of fine white sand bordering a blue-green Caribbean sea, while the Atlantic Ocean supplies the east coast with waves that inspire surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.

Accommodation

Select Resorts offer outstanding prices on the finest villasand apartments that Barbados has to offer. Whether looking for accommodation close to Bridgetown that is pulsating with night-life, reggae music, and fun-loving locals or accommodation in luxury resorts like Royal Westmoreland and The Crane, Select Resorts will create a truly unforgettable experience for you.

St Lucia

St. Lucia is one of the most desirable locations in the Caribbean, a tropical island rich in unspoiled natural beauty, verdant forests, beautiful coves and palm fringed sandy beaches. The most popular part of the island is the north, here are also some of the best beaches, shopping centres, marinas and hotels. It can be explored by taxi, boat or hire car and there are many fascinating tours

Accommodation

Select Resorts provide an exquisite collection of villa and apartment rentals on this beautiful tropical island. Take advantage of watching the cricket in St Lucia with beautiful scenery and perfectly positioned holiday accommodation stretched along palm fringed beaches with gorgeous views out across the Caribbean Sea.

January 2009 sees England’s preparations for the Ashes Tour take them to the West Indies, where Freddie and co, together with the Barmy Army will be able to enjoy one of World Crickets most beautiful destinations, Barbados. 

On arrival in the West Indies england play two tour matches in Barbados on the 26th and 29th January before heading to Jamaica and Antigua for the first two tests. The 3rd Test match takes place in Barbados from the 26nd of February until the 2nd March. The Venue for the match is the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Following this England will hope to continue the form shown in the one day series against South Africa into the series against the West Indies.  The 3rd and Fourth ODI take place on March 27th and the following Sunday March 29th.

Given that these games follow the $20m Stanford Super Series match between England and a Caribbean XI, one of these sides will have something to prove having missed out on becoming dollar millionaires

Select Resorts have a range of stunning properties available for rent during the Cricket season, including properties in Royal Westmoreland Resort as well as a selection of newer and less expensive properties for rent on the South Coast Barbados.  All the Barbados Villas and Barbados Apartments properties are within easy commuting distance of the Cricket ground.

With plenty of Sun Sea and Sand for you to enjoy when the cricket is over, a trip to Barbados offers something for everyone, even the non cricket lovers in your family. 

If Barbados is not for you then a trip to St Lucia, for Friday 3 April, will take in the 5th one day match in what could be the deciding game of the series.

Remember as well to keep an eye out for pedalo riding cricket stars.

The above statement will conjure the thought in your mind that this must be a very big cave, and it certainly is, even if the train is an electric road train.  Harrison’s cave was known about since the 18th century but not properly explored until 1970 and subsequently landscaped. It is certainly one of the largest and most interesting caves in the whole of the Caribbean and one of the 7 wonders of Barbados.

The road train consists of several wagons with line seating and open top, in fact there are 2 road trains, so the visitors flow is kept constant. And what a good idea this is, if you have visited caves before you will know that these places are dark and slippery, sometimes even dangerous so a road train makes perfect sense.

Harrison’s cave is a “must see” attraction on this tiny Caribbean island, famous for its sandy beaches and celebrity visitors. The rock formation is of coral limestone, which is very porous. Like in all Caribbean islands, it rains frequently in short spells so the stalactites and stalagmites are constantly forming, and what an amazing gallery there is! The lighting is also very cleverly positioned for best effect, reflecting on the clear stream and emerald pools.

Barbados is one of the most attractive islands of the Caribbean, is also located well south of the hurricane corridor and it has seldom been hit. With a constant, year round pleasant climate and good connections from the UK, it is no surprise that the island is so popular and not just for holiday makers but also for property purchasers.

In addition to the many elegant hotels, there is now a choice of privately owned beautiful Barbados villas and Barbados apartments available to rent. For an overview of the fantastic selection, standard and availability of the accommodation on offer please access www.selectresorts.co.uk

Author: Jonathan Williams

Ahoy there mateys! I take it that you landlubbers want a piece of the deep blue. Well, if that’s the case, then pack your bags and prepare to hoist the colors because there’s no other place to let your inner pirate loose than in the beautiful isle of Barbados.

1.) Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum

There’s nothing better to kick start your holiday than to have yourself a bottle of authentic pirate rum. Visit Mount Gay Visitor’s center and have a sample of the best rum that the Caribbean can offer. You can also avail of a free tour around the factory to see exactly how Rum is made.

2.) The Life of a Gentleman Farmer

Have you ever thought about how your life would be if you had been a gentleman farmer during the colonial times? Well, satisfy your curiosity by visiting the Francia Plantation House, a wonderfully preserved house that dates back to when Barbados was still part of the colony. It is filled with antique furniture and antique paintings.

3.) Last Windmill Standing

If you’re on a trek to discover the history and culture of Barbados, you certainly can’t miss the Morgna Lewis Sugar Windmill. Of all the windmills in Barbados, this was the only one that lasted. Amazingly, it’s still standing right now and it has become one of Barbados’ tourist attractions.

4.) Commune with your Spiritual Side

If you’re curious about the life of the monks in the monasteries, visit St. Nicholas Abbey. It’s situated above a cliff and is 800 feet above sea level. Going there will also give you a breathtaking view of the Atlantic that is sure to make your trip up to the cliff perfectly worthwhile.

5.) Ride with the Wind

Barbados is hailed as one of the best spots for windsurfing in the world. So, if you’re up for some extreme sports, grab your swimsuit and head on out to the beach for some windsurfing action. Make sure that it’s not summer though, because during summer, the seas of Barbados are perfectly calm and are most suitable for other activities.

6.) Explore the Underwater World

If the winds are not picking up and the waves aren’t cooperating, don’t worry, the Barbados beaches still has lots to offer you. Shed your land legs and grab some snorkels and dive into the beautiful deep blue sea to explore a whole new world entirely. Swim with the fishes and discover the coral reefs in the west and south coasts, or you could also visit the Pamir shipwreck, a truly exciting and mysterious experience.

7.) Celebrate with Some Tropical Foods

Barbados offers some great cuisines for you to enjoy. The favorite is the Flying fish – this can be cooked in a variety of ways, fried, steamed, grilled – whatever, either way, it’s a must-taste if you’re visiting Barbados. You can also sample some of their fresh fruits and of course, their delicious lobsters, but if you’re going to visit a restaurant though, prepare some cash because it will cost you.

8.) A Calm Interlude

In the midst of all the hustle bustle of your visit to the tropics, why not take some time to relax and have a nice peaceful walk through Welchman Hall Gully, a path that’s flanked by beautiful flowers, vegetation, and spice trees. If you’re lucky, you might spot a monkey or two. It’s also a good place for bird watching.

9.) When Darkness Falls

You’d think that everything would be quiet once night comes in the peaceful island of Barbados. But you’d be horribly mistaken. In fact, St. Lawrence Gap, a 1 mile road in Barbados is famous for night clubs, jazz bars, and pubs where you can dance until you drop.

10.) A Pirate’s Haven

Just because you’re tired for the day doesn’t mean that you’ll have to stop your role playing as a swashbuckling buccaneer. Quite the contrary. You can always retire to Barbados’ Pirate Inn, an inn that specializes in providing lodging that has a pirate theme.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ten-essential-things-to-do-when-you-visit-barbados-323523.html

About the Author:

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV – the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.DestinationGuide.tv/barbados to view or share Barbados travel videos.

Select Resorts have revamped their Barbados Villas webpage and have some great offers for the Crane Resort in Barbados.

Buying a Holday Home?

Holiday homes are hard to buy. You have many factors affecting exactly what you purchase. First you’ve got to choose a destination. I couldnt resist the lure of Barbados, with lovely sandy beaches and warm all year round climate. How could you say no to such a place?

Once you have your place in the sun, you have to choose where to buy from. I came across many sites offering property in Barbados, and finally settled on the one I thought looked the most professional. Lotus Realty Services, offered me a great service and a huge array of apartments and villas to choose from, across many areas of Barbados.

Anyway, ive bought my holiday home in the sun and have been there many times. Its a beautiful place Barbados, and if your looking to purchase a holiday home, then I would reccomend looking at this Carribean Island as your location.

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