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Alongside Jamaica and Trinidad, Barbados is one of the Big Three
Caribbean cricketing nations, but while success in other
sports has diverted attention from the game in the other two
countries, Bajans remain largely focused on cricket. More perhaps
than anywhere else on earth, the game is the national
passion. If you get the chance, go and catch a day of international
cricket at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
The island also has a lively equestrian tradition, with races
every other Saturday (except during April) at the Garrison Savannah
racecourse , and at Sandy Lane in March. There are several
polo fields as well, the most famous at Holder's House.
For golfers, there are two eighteen-hole public golf courses
: at the Barbados Golf Club (phone 246/428-8463) and Sandy Lane
(phone 246/432-4563). Greens fees are around B$150. There is also a
decent nine-hole course at the Club Rockley resort (phone
246/435-7873) on the south coast.
Some of the best and most scenic hiking on Barbados is along
the beaches, particularly between Martin's Bay and Bath and between
Bathsheba and Cattlewash. Organized hikes are arranged by the
Barbados National Trust (phone 246/436-9033).
Water sports
With excellent diving opportunities, the island has plenty of
reputable dive operators, most of whom will provide transport
to and from your hotel. Prices can vary dramatically between dive
shops - but expect around B$100 for a single-tank dive, B$150 for a
two-tank dive and B$120 for a night dive, including use of
equipment. For full open-water certification , budget around
B$750. Serious divers should consider a package deal ; these
may simply cover three or five two-tank dives (roughly B$400 and
B$700 respectively), or may also include accommodation.
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There's good snorkeling, too, again especially off the west
coast, where there are plenty of good coral heads just offshore and
sea turtles in the turtle grass near the Lone Star. Several
of the dive operators also take snorkelers out on their dive trips
for around B$20-30, including equipment. Many top hotels provide
guests with free snorkeling gear.
There is no shortage of boat trips around Barbados, with the
emphasis normally on being part of a big crowd. Most of the
cruise boats charge a single price, which will depend on whether
the trip includes a meal and/or "free" drinks, and live or canned
music. The catamarans offer similar trips, though usually
with a smaller number of passengers and less in the way of
entertainment. All these boats sail out of Bridgetown's Shallow
Harbour, but most will pick up guests from any of the major resorts.
South Coast
Getting there and around
Eating and nightlife
South East
South Coast
Christ Church
Explore Christ Church
Hasting and Rockley
Oistins
Silver Sands and Long Beach
St. Lawrence Gap and Dover
Worthing
St. Philip:
St.
Philip
Foul Bay & Crane Beach
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Caribbean guide
Barbados Travel Guide
Barbados
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Money and costs
Getting around
Food and drink
Phones, post
Brief history
Best of Barbados
Information, maps
Festivals, holidays
Sports, outdoor activities
Tours
Explore Barbados
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Bridgetown
Eating, nightlife
Listings
Central Bridgetown
National Heroes Square
Old City
Central
Barbados
Explore Central Barbados
Flower Forest
Francia
Gun Hill
Harrison's Cave
Welchman Hall
Gully
East Coast |
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