Your Barbados travel experience will vary depending on where you are based. Barbados' south coast is most developed with resort accommodation and tourist amenities along with miles of white sand beaches. The west coast, known as the "Platinum Coast," boasts some luxury resorts, mansion houses and plush hotels. The Atlantic east coast with its rolling waves is a draw for surfers and has a more wild and windswept feel.
Accommodation choices range from boutique guest houses to self-catered apartments and villas to all-inclusive resorts for families or just adults. Many of Barbados' resorts are located on the south coast in a stretch from the capital, Bridgetown, to the airport. St. Lawrence Gap, or simply "The Gap," on the southern coast is one of the island's most lively tourist areas.
The east coast is a destination for surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing and paragliding. With the barrier reef two miles from shore, Barbados also attracts divers and snorkelers. A few of the popular diving destinations off the island include Bright Ledge, Tropicana, North Point Lighthouse, Maycock's Reef, Bonita Bar, Church Point, Great Ledge and Little Sandy Lane.
Barbados is a popular golf destination and provides facilities for players of all levels. Many of its clubs are located on the coast with uninterrupted sea views. Barbados Golf Club is a championship course, Rockley Golf Course is the oldest club in Barbados and Sandy Lane has three courses and a club house overlooking the ocean.
The gateway to Barbados is Grantley Adams International Airport on the southeast corner of the island about 10 miles from the capital. Air Canada flies to Barbados from Montreal and Toronto, American Airlines takes passengers from Miami and New York, Delta flies from Atlanta, and US Airways offers routes from Charlotte and Philadelphia. BMI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly to Barbados from the UK.
The weather in Barbados tends to be stable all year with an average temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 86 F in July. Northeast trade winds provide relief from the heat. February to May is the driest period and April sees only seven days of rain on average. September and October have the most humidity and also the highest risk of hurricanes; the season for hurricanes and tropical storms lasts from June to October.
