Barbados

The coral island of Barbados is situated east of the other Lesser Antilles islands.  From dramatic cliffs in the north, windswept Atlantic beaches in the east, and flat pastureland in the south to white sand beaches on the west coast, Barbados' varied terrain covers an area of 166 square miles.  The central part of the island has tropical vegetation, cane fields, and villages. Natural attractions in Barbados include the Welchman Hall Gully, Grenade Hall Forest, and the Barbados Wildlife Preserve, where you'll find Barbados green monkeys, red-footed Barbados tortoises, toucans, and parrots.  

For those who enjoy botany, the Flower Forest has tropical plants and flowers.  Casuarina trees and palms edge the sand beaches of the west coast Caribbean Sea. Barbados beaches are all public, drawing people from the large hotels and elsewhere.  The west coast white coral sand beaches are called the Platinum Coast, and landscaped hotels line this beach area.  Other beaches, such as Bathsheba, are treacherous for swimming, but are appreciated by experienced surfers.  Scuba divers can enjoy reefs and shipwrecks around the island.

Bottom Bay, Barbados

On the southeast coast of Barbados is the lovely and relaxing Bottom Bay. This gorgeous white sand beach is a fantastic spot for a day trip or a picnic. The sound of waves crashing along the shore makes the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing afternoon. The swaying coconut palms create just the right amount of shade over the soft sand. Visitors can try their hand at surfing, though swimming is discouraged at some times of the year due to the strength of the waves. This beach is best for a day trip, as the nearest accommodation and restaurants are a couple miles away. Also close by to the south is the beautiful Crane Beach, another fantastic destination.