Diving with Sandals
It’s 45 minute bus ride from sandals at the gap to where the boat is moored at Bridgetown. The boat is a good size, the staff are all very friendly and professional as you would expect from sandals.
The pictures below are the inside of an Atlantis submarine perhaps similar to the last view the poor people on Titanic expedition had.
The first days two tank dive was on the West Coast with the first one being at Dutton reef, then headed down the coast, a little bit and stopped at the cliff, which is a themed seafood restaurant, but we just dived in front of it.
Second day was again, a two tank dive, with the first dive being on a reef called pieces of eight. Local legend, has it at pieces of eight were found here from Spanish galleon, truth is probably more that it is named after the eight piece special bucket from the Kentucky fried chicken on the shore.
We then moved short distance to Acrra reef and ended up on a small wreck. Highlights of the two dives were probably a couple of rays and very hungry turtle.
Third day was just a single dive as it was classed as deep…. One of the premier wrecks of the Caribbean is the S.S. Stavronikita. S.S. Stavronikita is a Greek freighter that was deliberately sunk in 1978 to form an artificial reef. She is 112 meters (365ft) long and sits bolt upright in 40 meters (130ft) of water off the west coast. The dive can go from 25 to 43 meters with rather good visibility of 10-20 meters. Her propeller is very popular for taking photos among divers. Cabin, alleyways and the cargo holds beckon you to peek. The enormous masts which come to within 6 m of the surface are coated with sponges, corals and hundreds of fish.
Fourth day diving was again a two tank dive on Pamir & Clarks Bank Reef.
Pamir is a small wreck which has a tourist submarine sunk next to it. Clark’s Bank is closer to Bridgetown. Highlight of both dives was time spent with a turtle.
Best dive sites in Barbados
Staying at Sandals the diving is included in your stay but can get busy so its important to get booked quickly or even before you arrive……
There are so many dive sites to choose from.
1. Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay is great for wreck diving. There are at least five wrecks in this area which include the Berwyn, the Eilon, the Ce-Trek, the Bajan Queen party boat, and the Cornwallis. The latter dates to World War II and was a freighter that sank elsewhere that has since been relocated to the Carlisle Bay Marine Park. Carlisle Bay is quiet, calm and shallow with a myriad of sea life including golden spotted eels, seahorses, and many different types of reef fish among the wrecks.
Berwyn Wreck
The Berwyn was a World War I French tugboat. After the war, it was transitioned for use as an artificial reef in Carlisle Bay (1919). The Berwyn is just about 7-10 ft below the surface, and as history tells it, the ship was sunk by its own crew. On and around the Berwyn you’ll find lots of hard and soft coral, and a lively reef environment.
The Cetrek Wreck
The Cetrek was at one time busy chugging around on the Caribbean Sea, but today it lays at rest on the bottom of the sea floor. This 45 ft wreckwas added to the collection of wrecks in the Carlisle Bay area in 1986. You’ll need to go into the deep to see this wreck which is on the northern end of the Carlisle Bay Marine Park. It has adapted over the years to the natural environment serving its purpose as a safe space for marine life of all kinds.
The Eillon Wreck
The Eillon had quite an exciting life serving as a drug runner before finally meeting its ultimate end. The 110 ft boat with Colombian origins was tied up for 6 years in the Bridgetown Careenage before it was intentionally sunk on June 8, 1996. Today it’s a solid fixture at the Carlisle Bay Marine Park which can be explored by divers. There’s an air pocket in the bow that many undersea explorers make a point of visiting.
The Cornwallis Wreck
All the wrecks in the Carlisle Bay area have an interesting story to tell. In the case of the Cornwallis, it met its demise after being struck by a German U-Boat torpedo. This happened during World War II. The Canadian freighter was thereafter relocated from a high-traffic area to a quieter area of the bay in October 2003.
The Bajan Queen
Once named the “Pelican”, this was the first tugboat brought to the island of Barbados back when the Bridgetown Harbour was being built. This was back in the 1960s, and about 10 years after that, the allure of the Pelican faded when more modern boats were brought in. That was only the beginning of her life as the Bajan Queen, and from then on lots of parties ensued. After many years of successes, the old Bajan Queen was handed over to the Coastal Zone Management Unit. She was sunk in May 2002 and has since added a level of vibrancy and coral diversity to the marine environment.
The Barge
The Barge rounds things up in terms of wrecks at Carlisle Bay and interestingly, this barge has naval connections. It once served as a Navel Landing Barge, and since finding itself submerged in the Carlisle Bay area has appealed in a good way to creatures of the deep including porcupine fish which love shallow temperate and tropical seas.
2. Old Fort
Old Fort is another fantastic dive location in Barbados. This reef is off Needham’s Point and it is a great place for a drift dive. Once you dive in you can scope for things like cannon balls and antique bottles. There is also a good population of smaller fishes that can be spotted around this shallow barrier reef.
3. Lobster Reef
Thank goodness there’s a place with a high likelihood of seeing the sometimes elusive lobster while in Barbados. Drift dive at Lobster Reef and immerse yourself in a world rich with marine life – you may even spot the occasional stingray. This dive is off Drill Hall Beach, and the reef ranges from 30 ft at the shallow end to 80 ft.
4. Pieces of Eight
You can get to Piece of Eight by boat while in Barbados. It is the perfect dive site if you want to explore and take great photos. The reef depth ranges from 40ft – 60ft. There’s great visibility on most days and lots of reef fish. This dive site is accessible via Hastings Beach.
5. Accra
There are so many amazing dives to try in Barbados that for a newbie, it might be a little difficult to choose just one. Accra is a good place to start as this is a shallow reef dive and thus easier to navigate. The reef depth ranges from 20-60 ft, and sightings of schools of Bermuda Chubs are almost guaranteed. This reef can be found off the coast of Rockley Beach.
6. Boot
There is a small wreck of a coast guard boat that you can catch glimpses of as you drift dive in this area. With a depth of 40-80 ft, this dive site off Sandy Beach is ideal for beginners who will be impressed by the number of turtles that populate the area. Eagle rays also make frequent appearances.
7. Close Encounters
Dover Beach is a picturesque strand in Barbados and for divers it is made even more appealing because of the many dive sites it leads to, like Close Encounters. Off the coast of Dover, this inner reef measures 40 ft on the shallow end, extending to 80 ft. Here you can do things like feed the fishes, or even interact with the stingrays if you’ve got someone experienced with you that can guide you in that regard. All in all, a dive worth trying.
8. Bottle Ground
Drift divers will love the experience at Bottle Ground which was once an anchorage for wooden sailing vessels. Aside from an abundance of marine life, this spot serves as a museum of sorts for ancient bottles from the 18th and 19th century. If you find one worth picking up, it’s yours to keep. Aside from the bottles, you’ll see lots of interesting sea creatures swimming around. Bottle Ground can be accessed via Carlisle Bay and the depth of this reef ranges from 45-100 ft.
9. Clarkes Bank
Do you know what you want to see once you get underwater, or are you a diver who just loves to go with the flow? Whichever the case, consider giving Clarkes Bank a try. The reef here ranges from 30 ft in the shallows to 130 ft further out. The Atlantis Submarine dive usually scopes out this location with passengers, and you may spot it while diving here. Other sightings at this dive site off Brighton Beach include horse-eye jack, eels and barracudas.
10. Paynes Bay
Ranging from 30-50 ft, this shallow patch reef is perfect for divers just starting off. The dive here is straightforward with lots to see including various species of reef fish and large coral heads. If you’re trying it for the first time, advanced divers can do it in combination with sites like SS Stavronikita as dive number two.
11. East Coast
The seas are a bit tough on the Atlantic side of the island, particularly so on days when there’s bad weather. Luckily though, throughout the year you’ll be able to find sweet spots when the weather is good enough to dive on the east coast. The best time of year is during the summer, and you’re likely to see anything from turtles to sharks.
12. Dottins
Dottins is among the more popular dive sites in Barbados. Although it is best suited for newbies, many seasoned divers go to this site to dive among the beautiful coral. Dottins Reef can be accessed via Holetown and the reef ranges from 40-100 ft in depth. Bar jacks, yellowtails and turtles are commonly spotted here as well as barracuda.
13. The Deep
Go into The Deep for a drift dive you won’t soon forget. This is a good option if you want some variety or want to test your photography skills. The Deep is best suited for divers who’ve been around the block and are up for a challenge. This reef is a break off from the Castle Bank Reef on the south coast of Barbados.
14. Caribbee Reef
If you’re ready to graduate from beginner dives to something a little more challenging, you can try Caribbee Reef once you have the necessary certifications. This barrier reef dive is great if you want to be thrust into an underwater world with lots of variety. The depth of this reef ranges from 60 ft -120ft, and sightings include lionfish, trumpetfish and moray eels.
15. Castle Bank
Aspiring macro photographers specialising in underwater scenes will really enjoy diving in this area which is off Drill Hall Beach in Bridgetown, Barbados. This barrier reef has a slow drop off on both sides, which divers love. Oh, and you’re almost guaranteed to see barracuda which often reside near coral reefs.
16. Fork Reef
Don’t concentrate so much on not missing the bigger fish that you miss all the amazing smaller reef fish that are constantly present. Fork Reef is off the coast of Hastings and measures 60 ft on the shallow end. It goes as far down as 120 ft, and this barrier reef also has a drop off on both ends. Expect to see things like cavalli, snapper, barracuda, and more.
17. The Muff
You’ll have excellent photography opportunities during a dive here if you can even look away from all the captivating things you’ll see for long enough to remember that you have a camera. Off the coast of Worthing Beach Barbados in the Christ Church area, this reef is a good choice if you’re hoping to come across fish like horse-eye jacks, black jacks, and barracuda. The reef ranges in depth from 60-130 ft.
18. Mount Charlie
One of the things that stands out about diving in Barbados is that most underwater scenes around this island are extremely colourful with an outstanding variation of coral growth. Mount Charlie off Dover certainly lives up to this. This deep dive reef ranges from 70 ft to 120 ft. While diving here you may come across turtles, snapper, horse-eye jacks and barracuda. Photographers especially will love the vibrant underwater atmosphere of this outer barrier reef.
19. Highwire
Highwire Reef is smack in the middle of Mount Charlie and Close Encounters. It is one of those dives best suited for divers who already know the ropes and want to explore the best of the Barbados undersea. On a dive at Highwire you can expect to come across a myriad of tropical fishes as you navigate the reef from its most shallow point (70 ft) to depths of 120 ft. Highwire is accessible via Dover.
20. Victors Reef
Victors Reef is to the north of Fitts Village and it is often included in lists of top-rated dive sites in Barbados. Some consider it underrated as dive numbers can be low here, but year-round, chances are high that you’ll spot something amazing. Sightings here include soldier fish, butterfly fish, and seahorses. Victor’s Reef is 50 ft at the shallow end extending to 120 ft. You can also have a pretty awesome drift dive at this site on the outer side of the SS Stavronikita.
21. Sandy Lane
Add Sandy Lane to your list if you’re trying to rack up your dive numbers in Barbados. This site is an extension of Dottins Reef and common sightings include barracuda and lobster, though you’ll really have to investigate the crevices of the coral to spot the latter. You may also come across bar jacks, yellowtails and turtles on your dive at this reef which ranges from 70 ft in depth to 140 ft.
22. Johnsons
Try something new in Barbados by exploring this west coast reef where the corals seem to get more beautiful with every dive. This dive is off Paynes Bay, and ranges from 70-80 ft along the reef. Take your time and take in everything you see which can include a range of hard and soft coral, lots of tropical fishes including parrot fish, turtles and even barracuda. The dive conditions here are consistent, which is something that appeals to divers of all skill levels.
23. Arak Cement Factory Pier
Night diving is popular at this location which has a maximum depth of around 35 feet. This might sound scary but it’s really not, especially if you’re in the right company. A diver’s flashlight will be all you need to be able to see your way around under the pier. If you dare, switch off your flashlight once you get comfortable.
Give your eyes a moment to adjust and then move your arms around. Doing this is a magical experience as almost simultaneously, the millions of bioluminescent plankton around you come alive – only they were there the whole time and you didn’t see them! Other sightings include spiny lobsters, tarpons, sea urchins and fishes of all kinds.
24. SS Stavronikita Wreck
The SS Stavronikita Wreck is an all-in-one dive site with plenty to see and experience including a historic wreck. The Stavronikita is about 140 ft beneath the waves. It takes some skill to navigate this dive site even though divers can catch glimpses of the ship from about the 20 ft mark. This Greek freighter ship was sunk intentionally in 1978 after being badly damaged by a fire. Today, the Stavronikita shines in all its glory being a home for fishes and other sea life that are usually swarming in this coral rich area. The Stavronikita is just about 230 ft from shore