Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s most visited islands and for good reason. Barbados is the easternmost island of the Lesser Antilles islands and is in the Atlantic Ocean. As such the island benefits from continual trade winds that keep the tropical climate mild and enjoyable, but they are outside the traditional hurricane zones and so rarely are faced with serious weather conditions.

The island has more than 70 miles of coastline and the interior is mostly flat consisting of tropical mangroves and woodlands, though some parts of the island are given over to agriculture and sugarcane estates. Tourism accounts for more than half of the island’s economy therefore much attention has been paid to the traveler and his needs.

The capital and main city of Barbados is Bridgetown and here you will find a wide array of world-class restaurants, discos and bars, museums, duty-free shopping and more. Many hotels and resorts are located on the coast offering a variety of accommodations but there are also private villas, time share properties, bed and breakfasts and more if you’re looking for non-traditional accommodations.

The beaches in Barbados are of course a primary draw to the island. The fine, silky sands slope gently down to mild turquoise waters. Water sports of every description are available throughout the year though the island’s offshore coral reefs provide particularly excellent scuba and snorkeling opportunities. There are even festivals that celebrate the water and various water sports as well as internationally recognized water sport events held throughout the year.

From the natural limestone caves of Harrison Caves to the Animal Flower Caves, the caves of Barbados provide a stunning glimpse of nature. With rivers, rock formations, and waterfalls, these caves are simply stunning and are a popular tourist attraction. For other nature related activities consider spending time at one of the many botanical gardens on this island such as the Andromeda Botanical Gardens or Orchid World. Swimming with the turtles is another popular activity and is best enjoyed as part of a sailboat or snorkeling tour.

Everybody knows that rum is the islands most popular alcohol, but be sure to visit a rum distillery where you can see first hand the process of making rum from locally grown sugar cane. Rum distillery tours also include sampling and an opportunity to buy bottles of rum direct from the source.

Other popular tourist activities include: submarine tours, golf, festivals, wildlife reserves, helicopter rides and local festivals. There are also a variety of spas available from stand alone businesses to those services offered at larger hotels.

Barbados is a lively and beautiful island offering splendid honeymoons, family vacations and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach getaway or an action filled vacation, Barbados has it all. This cosmopolitan island combines tradition with modern services and facilities and the Bajan people are friendly, warm and ready to share their island with you.