The dramatic differences between the east and west coast must be savoured. The eastern side, facing the Atlantic, is less developed and ruggedly beautiful.  The west coast faces the Caribbean Sea, and is called the Platinum Coast.  Here there is more hotel development, but the coastline remains elegant and attractive. The sea is calm and clear and this is the coast where watersports come into their own.

The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1536, and was named after a bearded fig tree ~ Los Barbudos, 'the bearded ones'.  The English founded the first settlement of Jamestown (now Holetown) in 1627, and dropped the 'los', renaming the island Barbados.  

Throughout its colonial history, until the Declaration of Independence in 1966, Barbados was under British sovereignty. This is strongly reflected in Bridgetown which has a decidedly English character, so much so that there was, until a couple of years ago, a miniature of London's Trafalgar Square, although the statue of Lord Nelson still stands proudly overlooking the port.

It might take you a few days to slow down to the relaxed pace of life here, but you'll soon get into the swing of things. As well as 'limin'  (chilling out) you will have to find the time to fit in some 'wining' (Bajan dancing), and there's lots to see on this pretty coral island.

If you're looking for nightlife then St Lawrence Gap on the South Coast is the place for you. The beaches are wide, and the waves are perfect for boogie boarding.  To really understand the island, of course, you must take to the waters.  

A catamaran tour around the island gives you a totally different perspective, while snorkelling fans can find plenty of reefs to explore! 

 

• British Airways ~ Direct from London Gatwick, daily
• Virgin Atlantic ~ Direct from London Gatwick, daily
• bmi ~ From Manchester direct to Barbados, and from London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Glasgow as a through route.
• Other european airlines offer services via their own European gateway.
  

Barbados is the singularly most popular Caribbean island for sports tours. We've arranged cricket, football, hockey, netball and rugby tours to the island.  We'll admit that in the past it has been over-toured which has affected the quality of the opposition.  For quite some time, they heavily promoted the Sir Garry Sobers International Cricket Festival which we felt was inappropriate at the time as the name was a misnomer with very few 'nations' taking part. Recently, this has improved with more Caribbean islands and other countries taking part. We still have doubts about it as our style is for teams to play only local opposition to get a real feel for the country.

Barbados has astro turf which is constantly in demand, especially during peak periods and especially in the cooler times of the day. We've had a number of different fixture arrangers on the island, all of whom ultimately failed to live up to the very high standards we require. Whilst everybody enjoys the laid back 'No problem, man" approach, when there is a problem, you need a good person. This is why we have been using Ricky Clarke for very many years.

Ricky is almost your original laid-back West Indian. A cricketer of some note in his prime, he played good league cricket in the UK which gives him an extra benefit when he arranges all our fixtures.  He'll meet you at the airport and then be available and in contact throughout the tour.

Testimonial: "The ground handlers were fantastic.  The staff were friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and most enthusiastic.  They made life for the staff very easy." Tour Manager.

 

Barbados is the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean. You can be assured of a wide variety. Depending on your sport, your budget, where you want to be, we will recommend what we believe will suit your requirements. It may be that you prefer self-catering.

The location options are two-fold. The south coast where the water is colder and rougher, or the west coast where it is warmer and calmer. We don't recommend the east coast as it is the Atlantic Ocean and the undercurrents are very strong.

On the south coast it may be Time Out at the Gap, a very popular hotel in St Lawrence Gap.  Offering local entertainment three times a week, as well as the Whistling Frog Restaurant & Bar, with a large screen TV, pool tables and dart boards.  Just across the street is the breath-taking Dover Beach, where you can Scuba dive, snorkel, windsurf and sail.  All rooms are spacious, with air-conditioning, mini-refrigerator, satellite TV, telephone, radio/alarm clock, hairdryer, iron with ironing board.

We also use the Coral Mist at Worthing Beach, boasting newly built units, a restaurant, fitness centre and novelty shop.  All accommodation is fully air-conditioned, with private bath, kitchen and private balconies, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  Also at Worthing, the Blue Orchids Resort  is a cluster of 3 buildings set admist lush tropical gardens, overlooking the beach and ocean.  Recently extended and refurbished, this property consists of studios, one bedrooms, two bedrooms and one bedroom suites, each with its own private terrace and beachfront and oceanfront views.  Other facilities include a a fitness centre, Novelty shop and a freshwater swimming pool.

On the west coast, we currently use the Sunset Crest apartments, but we are continually updating our choice of resorts in order to maintain our high standards.

 

• Bridgetown ~ The capital.  Places worthy of a visit include Nelson's Column, a smaller version of the one in London, The Garrison Savannah, former British military HQ, and the Barbados Museum.
• Kensington Oval Cricket Ground ~ Recently renovated in readiness for the Cricket World Cup in 2007.
• Barbados Concorde Experience ~ See a retired Concorde and learn about its part in the history of aviation in Barbados at an exhibition at Grantley Adams International Airport.
• Harrison's Caves ~ Journey by special train around the crystallised limestone caves.
• Andromeda Botanical Gardens ~ 6-acres, displaying several varieties of glorious tropical plants and exotic flowers.
• Bathsheba ~ fishing village on the east coast, famous for its picturesque rocky terrain and spectacular beach.
• Catamaran Cruise ~ Half or full day leisurely charter with Tiami.
• Jolly Roger Cruise ~ If swinging from the yardarm and walking the plank is more your thing, this lively 1/2 day excursion is very popular!
• Atlantis Submarine ~ Located near Bridgetown, an hour-long journey below the sea.
• Oistin's Fish Fry ~ Friday and Saturday night entertainment in this south coast town, with live music and dancing while enjoying the fish and other seafood on offer.
• Music, dance and BBQ at either the Harbour Lights Beach Party or Bajan Roots N Rhythms.