10 Reasons to Go Scuba Diving in Barbados

With exhilarating wrecks and some of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean, Barbados’ underwater thrills are matched by a strong topside game. Here are our 10 favorite things about visiting Barbados for a scuba diving vacation.

READ MORE: The World's Best Wrecks for Diving

Friars Craig
Surge damage has broken apart the wreck of this 100-foot-long Dutch freighter. But since its 1984 sinking off the south coast of Barbados, Friars Craig has been a thriving habitat for everything from hawksbill turtles and peacock flounder to squirrelfish and stingrays. As an added bonus, all dives here visit beautiful Asta Reef too. rogersscubashack.com

Local rum
You could go to the Mount Gay Visitor Centre to taste Barbados’ beloved export: rum. But a more entertaining spot for some rum tasting and partying is Sharkey’s Bar at the Boatyard: the island’s liveliest beach bar on Brownes Beach. theboatyard.com

Kayak Exploration
Indented with coves and fringed with cliffs, the island’s rugged northwest coast begs exploration by kayak. Spot sea turtles during guided tours and ride some waves while learning how to kayak surf here too. kayakingbarbados.com

Stavronikita
The Stav, as locals call the island’s — and one of the Caribbean’s — most iconic wreck dives, is a 365-foot-long Greek freighter that suffered fire damage while en route from Ireland to the Caribbean in 1976. In 1978, it was purposely sunk off Barbados’ west coast. The superstructure is penetrable, with lots to see at depths ranging from 85 feet to within just 30 feet of the surface. Encrusting sponges attract hungry turtles and barracuda, and mackerel make frequent appearances. divebarbadosblue.com

Eillon
A favorite wreck in the Carlisle Bay Marine Park, the Eillon is an erstwhile drug-running boat that was sunk in 1996. Divers can explore inside the 110-footlong boat with relative ease. There’s even an air pocket in the bow where you can surface underwater and swap a few words with your dive buddy at 25 feet down.

Tapas Barbados
For a lively group meal on the boardwalk in Bridgetown, order a little bit of everything at this tapas hangout. Fried calamari, ceviche, albondigas and chicken samosas go down perfectly with sea views and a rum drink or sangria. tapasbarbados.com

READ MORE: The Best Warm-Weather Dive Destinations

Maycocks Bay
One of the northernmost dive sites on the island, Maycocks Bay’s large stands of corals connected by corridors of white sand make for varied diving conditions in a spectacular bay. Barracuda lurk at depths of 60 to 80 feet while stingrays can be seen winging across the seafloor like flying carpets. divehightide.com

Hang 10
As the most easterly island in the Caribbean, Barbados is naturally positioned to harness the region’s best swell. Rent a board to paddle out or learn the basics with introductory and intermediate surf lessons at Dover Beach, on the island’s south coast. surfing-barbados.com

High tea at Sandy Lane
For a so-British afternoon, book in for a spot of tea under the shade of the mahogany trees at Sandy Lane, a west coast luxury resort. Scones with clotted cream and lemon curd might become your new favorite post-dive pick-me-up. sandylane.com

Shark Bank
Considered one of Barbados’ shallower barrier reefs, the coral wall at this popular dive site off the southwest coast starts at around 60 feet and drops to more than 140 feet. Spot unicornfish among the parrotfish hordes. Sea turtles are also commonly seen. ecodivebarbados.com

DIVERS GUIDE

Average water temp: Low 80s F

What to wear: Skin or shorty

Average viz: 50 to 100 feet

When to go: Year-round

More info: sportdiver.com/barbados