Reefs, Wrecks and Turtles!
Barbados has long been known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, friendly smiles and, of course, rum! One of its lesser-known, but by no means lesser quality attractions, is its beauty beneath the seas.
Most of the diving activity in Barbados occurs on the west and south coasts. Most of the year, the east and north coasts take the full fury of the Atlantic Ocean and the easterly trade winds, making for spectacular waves and breathtaking scenery. The south coast, being partially sheltered from these trade winds, lends itself to moderate seas and currents. The west coast, being totally sheltered, is generally like a pond. Whether you dive south or west, you’ll be in for a treat.
Dive Hightide Watersports is the official headquarters dive centre assisting with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project. Apart from our selection of reef and wreck dives we also do “turtle tagging” dives. Twice a week during the breeding season, on our morning two-tank dive we carry along two marine biologists from the Barbados Sea Turtle Project. During the dives, we catch Hawksbill turtles and bring them on board to be weighed, measured, tagged, and then released again.
This is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with them and learn a lot about this critically endangered species. Our Guests, Our Team and Marine Biologists help to ensure these Hawkbill Turtles will continue to thrive in our oceans.
Year round, turtles, especially Hawksbills, can be seen in the waters of Barbados. During the summer months, April through November, turtles can also be seen nesting on the beaches.
In the early evenings (around 8 to 10pm) they will crawl up onto the same beach where they themselves were hatched and lay their eggs. Sixty one days later the young turtles will dig themselves out of the sand and scurry down the beach until they reach the ocean.
