Frequently Ask Questions
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We have provided some general facts and information about Barbados, as well as some frequently asked questions about some of the services we offer at Barbados Blue. If your question is not listed here in the FAQs or covered on our webpage, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. The information outlined below is subject to change without notice. Please always check for the latest page update.
General FAQs on Barbados
Local Bajans will tell you that Barbados is 21 miles long and a ‘smile’ wide. Although the island is in fact somewhat wider, it is easy to see where the saying comes from. The population, some 270 000, always has a smile and a friendly greeting for visitors and neighbours alike. The island has a distinctly British influence about it which is reflected in structures like the defence force garrison buildings which oddly enough surround the island’s race course. The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown, a busy hub of activity where sports fishing boats and charter sailing vessels nestle alongside waterfront restaurants, and duty-free shops.
Average temperatures range from 75 ̊F to 85 ̊F (24 ̊C to 30 ̊C), made comfortable by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. The driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.
The Island currency is Barbados dollars, although United States dollars are accepted almost everywhere.
The electrical current on Barbados is 110v 50-60 Hz. Please make sure you use some form of surge protector for delicate electrical items, as the island is prone to power spikes
In Barbados, vehicles drive on the left. Small buses are an easy and inexpensive way to get around. Car hire is easily arranged locally, you will be required to produce a valid driving license.
Generally speaking, Barbadians are traditional with respect to shopping hours and personal attire. Shops are open Monday – Friday ~ 9-5, Saturdays closing early afternoon and closed Sundays. Beach wear is generally not worn in town, and taxis do not transport wet sandy passengers. Please note that camouflage print clothing and accessories cannot be worn in Barbados as these patterns are restricted for military use only.
Tap water is potable and rich in calcium as a result of its natural filtration through the limestone cap (ancient coral reef) that makes up %85 of Barbados. The geological history of Barbados and some great pictures of the reef that surrounds us on land and in the sea is presented in the recently released coffee table book ‘Barbados. A Coral Paradise” by Angélique Brathwaite, Hazel Oxenford and Ramon Roach
Scuba
Divers can begin their underwater adventure at just 8 years old in the swimming pool with PADI Bubblemaker Programme and at least 10 years old in the ocean. There is no upper age limit for diving however all divers should be in good physical health. If you have medical concerns, please contact your medical doctor and ask them about your status and diving.
Divers need to wait for a minimum of 12 hours after a single dive before flying. However, there is no limit, to coming off a plane into the sea. If you have questions about your schedule, please ask our friendly dive team.
Absolutely! Going with a friend or family member for your first breaths underwater or working toward a scuba diving certification together can make the experience even better. Also means you’ll have a dive buddy from day 1. If you would like to complete your dive study and theory before you travel, please contact us so we can tell you about the online eLearning process.
Being able to swim is certainly not a disadvantage; however, for the Discover Scuba Diving experience, there is no swimming component involved. The main focus is on you being safe and having fun. If you decide that you would like to take your diving to the next level and progress to a ‘PADI Scuba Diver’ or full ‘Open Water Diver’ course certification, there is a water fitness evaluation that includes a 200m swim and a 10-minute survival float test.
Snorkeling
Make sure that the skirt of the snorkeling mask (the plastic seal that fits your face) is flat with no hair stuck under the seal. If you are sporting a mustache you can either cut it off (yikes!) or put some Vaseline on your mustache to help provide a seal. Do not tighten your snorkeling mask too much as this flattens out the round shape of the skirt preventing a proper fit, and, keep the snorkeling mask strap in the middle of the back of your head with the strap above the ears. If you do get a small amount of water in your mask (lines on your face when you smile at the fish) blow out through your nose while applying pressure on the top of the mask frame.
Be sure that you are holding the snorkel mouthpiece in your mouth correctly by biting gently on the plastic notches in the mouthpiece. Let your lips fall around the outside of the snorkel mouthpiece completely. If you do get a small amount of water in your snorkel blow out and the water will shoot out either the top of the snorkel and/or depending on the snorkel style through the purge on the bottom.
No absolutely not. All snorkelers are given vests to wear and our Barbados water being salt water is very buoyant keeping swimmers and snorkelers effortlessly on the surface to enjoy the view.
On the calmer leeward side of Barbados and in the serene waters of the Carlisle Bay Marine Park, the chances of seeing a shark while snorkeling are next to none. So small in fact that one has never been reported. The fish and turtles are harmless on all counts; however, you may come close enough for that perfect selfie photo moment.
Yes you do! But no you can’t keep it ???? When you book a snorkeling tour with us, we’ll provide you with all the equipment necessary including a flotation vest, mask, snorkel, fins and if desired additional flotation aids (boogie board etc.)
In an effort to accommodate all experience levels we make it our job to get you comfortable in the water to appreciate the beautiful marine life underneath. Snorkeling is for all ages, including children of which we have had kids as young as 2 years in the water with us! When you come to Barbados and snorkel with us, we will provide you with a flotation vest, mask, snorkel, fins and if desired additional flotation aids (boogie board etc). Contact lenses can be worn underneath snorkeling masks however reading glasses or sunglasses cannot. Personal snorkeling equipment is welcome and we would be happy to help with suggestions for proper adjustment and use. We want your time snorkeling in the clear Barbados water to be relaxed and fun! For the more experienced snorkelers, Barbados Blue has some excellent free divers on staff that are always up for sharing experiences, giving tips or being challenged to a little competition.