General Info Boutique and Brilliant Hidden in the easternmost part of the Caribbean region, Barbados is a boutique and brilliant island framed by dramatic precipices and soft white beaches. Verdant hills fill the interior of Barbados and host the famous sites of the island’s long British history. Coastal towns are glazed in the intricacy of Victorian architecture and are dotted with the Caribbean’s most prestigious and charming resorts. Travelers will find the warm culture, exotic terrain and shimmering sands of Barbados to be fine excuses for staying just a little bit longer. Tours and Excursions Thriving landscapes and historic wonders have made Barbados a haven for every kind of tour and excursion. Discover the mysterious lakes that lie underneath the surface, or walk through the restored mills of Barbados’ sugar plantations. Exciting jeep safaris are often mingled with strolls through Georgian homes and stops at intriguing museums. Whether it’s exploring the island on horseback or roaming the land on an ATV, the heart of every adventurer finds a home in Barbados. Marine Life and More Just off the shore of Barbados is a teeming marine life of colorful coral and tropical fish. Divers flock to these reefs for the famous Hawksbill turtle and the some 200 ships that lie on the ocean floor. Those looking for sun-dried excitement will find the resort areas filled with every conceivable recreation. Championship golfing, rugged bicycling and challenging water sports invite active travelers to indulge. Weddings and Romance The florid landscape and world-renowned beaches of Barbados have become the premier attraction for romantics around the world. Walk down an aisle of tropical blossoms or embrace one another on a sunset cruise. The charms of Barbados span on and off shore for an endless array of wedding and honeymoon escapes. Resort packages and local planners have the experience and hospitality for your perfect Caribbean romance. ‘Discover. Dream. Enjoy.’ Known for its colonial flair and breathtaking terrain, Barbados is a genuinely unique destination among the Caribbean islands. Dramatic seascapes and rolling hills treat explorers to unyielding adventure. Crystalline sands are cooled by gentle trade winds and dip into the azul waters that aptly win Barbados its reputation for pristine beaches. Following in the official mantra of the island, Barbados is truly a place to discover, dream and enjoy. Destination information is subject to change without prior notice. Travelers are advised to use extreme caution and common sense when venturing out in any foreign destination. While luxury beach destinations can be quite alluring, remember to keep your guard up when approached by locals in any foreign area. We advise guests to attend the resort orientation upon arrival(if provided) and conduct plenty of research prior to arriving at your destination. The information provided on this site is not comprehensive and we advise travelers to utilize the official tourist board site for each resort area, the CDC, travel.state.gov and other official sources for up to date destination information. Available Resorts Getting There Entry Requirements Barbados currently requires a passport for all travelers from the United States.
We encourage you to begin the passport application process early to avoid unexpected delays. Travelers should allow a minimum of six weeks between their application submission and receipt of passport. Visas are not required for US Passport holders for stays less than three months but return tickets are required. Foreign residents of the United States and all other foreign visitors not holding a US Passport must contact the appropriate government authorities to determine the entry and visa requirements. Vaccinations Vaccinations are not required unless arriving from, or traveling through, a country with a formally declared health epidemic. Consult with your doctor for final recommendations and current health requirements in Barbados or visit www.cdc.gov for more information.
Departure Tax There is a departure tax of $12.50 for all travelers over the age of 12 and staying longer than 24 hours. (subject to change)
What to Wear Light shirts and shorts are best suited for the warm year-round weather. Some restaurants may require jackets for men and dresses for ladies. Resort restaurants typically require a collared shirt and long pants for men and island casual for ladies when dining in the evening.
Currency The Barbados dollar is fixed to the U.S. dollar at a rate of $1.00 (U.S.) to $1.98 (BDS). Major credit cards, traveler’s checks and US dollars are accepted in most places on the island. Customs The following items afford duty free allowances in Barbados: 1 liter of potable spirits or wine 200 cigarettes (one carton) or 100 cigars Driving While in Barbados, drive on the left side of the road. Driver’s licenses can be bought for $10 (BDS) upon presentation of a valid National or International License. Driving is better left to certified taxis and resort transportation.
Communications Barbados is secured in communications with more than 100,000 cable telephone lines, mobile phone service, radio broadcast stations and broadband Internet. Electricity Electricity in Barbados is 110 volts/50 cycles. Most hotels offer adaptors for hairdryers and other small appliances. Water Although the water in Barbados is generally safe to drink, it is advised that those with sensitive stomachs may want to restrict themselves to bottled water. Airports The Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is the main hub for incoming and outgoing flights in Barbados. Geography Barbados is a boutique island filled with dramatic seascapes, thriving tropics and serene white shores. Rolling green hills form an impressive collage of flora and fauna within the interior of the island. Striking cliffs made of sandstone rise suddenly from the ocean on Barbados’ Northern and Southern borders. Conversely, descending beaches and secluded bays are found on the East and West end of the island. Further off the shores and under the ocean waves is an elaborate marine world of colorful coral and tropical fish. From the in-land heights to the coastal depths, Barbados’ geography is consistently beautiful. Climate The average temperature of Barbados stays between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Constant trade winds from the northeast keep the beaches cooled and sunbathers refreshed. History From the peaceful Amerindians to the imperialist Europeans, Barbados’ history is as colorful as the island itself. Fascinating artifacts from the earliest inhabitants can be seen within the many museums that are dedicated to preserving Barbados’ early heritage. Abandoned sugar mills and large plantation houses tell the story of sugar and slavery during the colonial period. An impressive cannon collection that spans over centuries of international conflict is a fascinating monument to the island’s history. Barbados’ past is vividly seen in the Victorian structures and antiquated artifacts that sprinkle between every shores. Time Zone
Time Zone Barbados is in the Atlantic time zone which is Greenwich Mean Time minus 4 hours (GMT –4). The island does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Destination information is subject to change without prior notice. Attractions Beaches Barbados is a beautiful island bordered by some of the finest, white-sand beaches in the Caribbean. Warm waters mixed with blue and turquoise roll gently onto the shores and emit a sedating rhythm. The sandy edge is often joined with swaying palms while the cool trade winds offer a touch of refreshment. Those looking for a beach-centered destination will find it on the edge of Barbados. Dining Fresh seafood and a bold Caribbean sunset make dining in Barbados a celebrated event. Sample fine wines, dive into rich desserts or savor tasty entrees while overlooking the lapping blue ocean. Native cuisine is readily found among international flavors from both the East and the West. Head to a cultural market for a taste of the local produce or sit on an open verandah while enjoying fabulous a la carte. The diverse venues and endless flavors of Barbados make it a haven for culinary indulgence. Excursions Excursions in Barbados are filled with historic and natural treasures. Roam through the florid countryside on horseback or tour through colonial sites on a Jeep safari. Wildlife teems through every trail and along every countryside, promising deep exploration for serious nature lovers. History buffs will find inspiration among the abandoned mills and Georgian structures that stand as a snapshot of British influence. Abandoned mills and antique cannons are just some of the historic gems found in Barbados. Sports and Recreations Colorful coral and tropical fish lie just off shore and invite Scuba divers into a world of bustling marine life. PADI dive centers can assist and certify Scuba divers of every level and are often minutes from the resort areas. Just above the coral life is a variety of sea vessels and sailors that find a refuge along the secluded coves and sparkling ports of Barbados. Private charters and catamaran cruises are popular endeavors for romantics and those wanting to see more of the island. In-land voyagers will instantly notice the enticing fairways of Barbados’ championship golf courses. Fodor’s “Caribbean 2006” travel guide hailed Barbados as having “some of the best championship courses in the Caribbean.” Nightlife In Barbados, the warmth of the Caribbean sun is rivaled only by the luminous charms of the Caribbean moon. Nightlife makes its own rhythms through the shows, stars and thumping nightclubs found within the resort areas. Live reggae and calypso tunes permeate the dance floor and fill the evening with island fervor. Fresh seafood is a staple of native fare, and is often found among the dining venues that are just footsteps from the shore. The nightlife of Barbados is a festive affair of delicious food and island fun. Care should be taken when venturing out in any foreign destination. Destination information is subject to change without prior notice. Weddings and Honeymoons Barbados is an island seemingly crafted for surreal weddings and honeymoon getaways. Abandoned mills and colonial churches are mingled with charming British structures within the cities of Barbados. Just outside the resort areas is an untamed land that flourishes with tropical blossoms and diverse fauna. Panoramic vistas and sugar-soft beaches are on, and in between, every seascape. From the ceremony location to the type of flowers desired, Barbados has numerous resorts with wedding packages and special inclusions for a sizzling honeymoon escape. Check below for our list of popular wedding and honeymoon resorts in Barbados! Necessary Documents: Valid Passports or certified copies of birth certificates. If divorced, the original Decree Absolute or certified copy of the Final Judgment. If widow/widower, a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate of the deceased spouse. Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Restrictions: The applications for a marriage license must be made by both parties in person at the office of Ministry of Home Affairs. Fees: If neither party is a resident or citizen of Barbados, a $75 (U.S.) fee and $13 (U.S.) stamp is required. Wedding requirements are subject to change without notice. Please consult a Barbados wedding planner for full details regarding weddings in this area. Destination Wedding Resorts The following resorts are recommended for destination weddings: Honeymoon Resorts The following resorts are recommended for honeymoons: |
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