Intriguing shipwrecks and coral reefs make this a popular beach for serious underwater exploring.
In 1976, the 111-metre Greek freight ship SS Stavronikita set sail from Ireland to the Caribbean. Nearly at its final destination, the ship caught fire and was eventually towed to Barbados. After cleaning and salvaging, the Barbados Parks and Beach Commission sunk the vessel to create a unique wreck for diving. Over 350 metres off the shore near Paradise Beach, the SS Stavronikita is a treasure trove for divers.In the years that followed the sinking of the Stavronikita, the underwater structures have slowly been assimilated into the massive coral reef that surrounds Barbados. Coral grows on the ship where cargo was once held small fish dart down corridors and through rooms formerly occupied by sailors.Paradise Beach and its neighbouring Batts Rock Beach, just a little over 5 kilometres north of Bridgetown, are both convenient to access and also boast some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in Barbados. Under the sea there are fathoms of ocean to explore. The stunning underwater world here is full of brightly-coloured coral, flamboyant tropical fish and enticing shipwrecks.As well as the huge SS Stavronikita, there are smaller wrecks perfect for new scuba divers. At the Lord Combermere and her sister ship Lord Willoughby, you’ll find sponges, corals and a myriad of fish which have all made these wrecks their new home. Head out to the Charles Bank to see a fantastic coral forest in the diamond-clear waters and all the sea life that it supports. You might find the finger-like stony Porites coral, Staghorn, Elkhorn and boulder star coral among many others. To let you reserve your undersea adventure for a time that perfectly suits you, many of the dive crews in Barbados offer flexible booking services.For a break from exploring, enjoy a picnic in the shaded area between Paradise and Batts Rock Beaches or visit the quaint fishing village at nearby Freshwater Bay.
