The world over, no beaches surpass the beauty of the sugar-white beaches in Barbados. Some Caribbean islands are volcanic, with dark, even black, sand. These boast their own beauty, of course, but when most of us dream about the Caribbean, our dreams are in Technicolor, with a sea of sparkling, vibrant blue water that's as clear as glass -- the beaches of Barbados.Naturally, when you visit Barbados, you will make a beeline for the pristine, uncrowded beaches. What you might not realize is that there's more to explore on the 14-by-21-mile paradise island than beaches.
A few ideas to get you going:
* An island adventure tour: A complimentary rum punch begins your day trip in a customized four-wheel-drive Land Rover through quaint villages, spectacular scenery, and wildlife of Barbados. One of the most popular day trips on the island, the guides are witty and fun, guaranteeing you a great time. Two companies to check out: Island Safari and Adventureland Tours, Inc.
* A catamaran cruise: A must-do if you want to snorkel with Barbados' magnificent, gentle giant sea turtles. Offering a mellow day with several stops along the magnificent coastline to swim and snorkel, the cat cruises serve up a fabulous Barbadian lunch and libations of every variety - all included in the price. Check out Tiami, Cool Runnings, and El Tigre catamaran cruises.
* The Concorde: From 1976 to 2003 the fleet of 20 Concordes flew at Mach II speed between London, Paris, New York, and Barbados. Today, you can visit the magnificent Concorde in Barbados and engage in a fun and educational light and sound exhibit. Want to sit where Mother Teresa, Muhammad Ali, and Mick Jagger all sat? Then fasten your seat belt in Seat 1A.
* Welchman Hall Gully: See how Barbados looked 300 years ago with its native and exotic tropical plants and frisky Green Monkeys. To guarantee yourself a good laugh, try to schedule your visit during the playful monkeys' feeding times at around 10am and 1:30pm.
* Harrison's Cave: A tram whisks explorers deep into the enchanting caves you can't believe exist on a coral island. Complete with dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and a crystal-clear lake, the cave makes a wonderful family outing.
* Mount Gay Rum Visitors Centre: It's thought that rum was invented in Barbados by the early English settlers; today, rum is a religion on the island. The Mount Gay tour shows you its rum-processing operation ... and offers free samples!
* Earthworks Pottery: Repeat visitors to Barbados return again and again to Earthworks to add pieces to their Earthworks dinner set. The beautiful colors of this hand-crafted pottery is a way to take a bit of beautiful Barbados home with you.
* Bridgetown Synagogue: A masterful restoration has breathed new life into one of Barbados' national treasures. The synagogue dates back over 365 years, making it purportedly the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
* George Washington House: The only country outside colonial America the first U.S. president of ever visited was Barbados, in 1751. Washington was fascinated by the well-fortified coastline of the British colony, possibly influencing his later military career. Details such as slave manacles and the means they kept foods cool without ice offer a fascinating glimpse into Barbados of 250 years past.
* Harbour Master Party Cruises: Join in a great party on this steamboat-look-alike. Good food, drink, and entertainment - along with sunbathing and snorkeling, even a slide into the water from the boat - offer a forget-your-cares good time.
* Arlington House: A sunny and prettily restored colonial home once owned by a merchant who sold shipping supplies, Arlington House is now a museum depicting Barbados history in the liveliest ways possible, through touching, watching, and interaction. Say "arrrr, matey" to a pirate that's so lifelike you'll catch your breath. Lots of fun for kids and adults alike.
If you're on your first holiday on the island, then get your fill of the beach. If you leave Barbados without witnessing monkeys playfully throwing coconuts at each other, you'll just have to return. It's very likely you will, in fact; Barbados has the most repeat visitors of any island in the Caribbean.
By Jane Shattuck
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