This is the second most unbelievable thing to happen this week.

[RICHinNC]

I gotta tell ya. This has been one heck of a week already.

Ok...so what happened. I have never been able to find, in writing, where one can
shore dive....if at all.....in Barbados.

So........I went on line....found their government's email address and wrote them a
letter at about 2 pm today. I JUST NOW GOT AN ANSWER !!!!!! NOT ONLY SAME
DANG DAY>>>>BUT THEY ANSWERED !!!!

I am flabbergasted. I got a very nice letter from the Barbados government indicating
just about anywhere is Ok to shore dive as long as smart precautions are taken and
care is given reference local boating.


Man. I thanked them profusely and told them I wish MY government was so responsive.

OH well......live and experience. This was soooooooooo kewl.
rich

 

[www.scubamazing.com]

Rich,

Glad to hear you had such a great experience. I'd be interested in seeing their full letter. Any chance you'd post it? Or just PM it to me?

Thanks

 

[Cacia]

Many of the islands with a history of "crown rule" have their acts together. When I lived down there (8 years) all the British islands had their acts together. Another surprise? Their schools are very good on the 3 R's and put American public schools and their big budgets to same. I bet their letter had impeccable grammar?

 

[tracker]

Wow! I wish everything worked out that way.

 

[Scuba Jerm]

That is a surprise, and with a possitive result for diving too.

 

[aedavidson]

I know that you are looking for shore diving, but if you want to do some boat dives check out www.ecodivebarbados.com Andrew is awesome. Small groups last time I went it was 3 of us. He is a native that moved to the states the went home to start a dive business. Funny thing was the first time I met him we got to talking and I found out that he worked about 2 blocks from where I worked outside of D.C. , what are the chances of that.

 

[RICHinNC]

I dont see any particular reason why I couldnt post their answer to my inquiry. It would be good info for other divers so why not......here it is.....(remember...I asked where is it ok to shore dive in Barbados)
======================================================================================

Dear Mr. ****:

One can swim, dive almost along any of the island's coasts.

We are unaware of any major restrictions on dive/swim access except those listed below.

Restricted areas : -

(a) areas under the control of the Barbados Defence Force (military/naval)

and

(b) those coastal areas which are considered dangerous.

NOTE:
One should always be alert and watchful for (other) watersports operators (speed boats, water skiers and jet skiers).

Diving is best along the south and west coasts (Caribbean Sea) - the east coast is NOT particularly recommended mostly as is is the raw Atlantic Ocean and some of the reef areas can be treacherous. The most popular site is Carlisle Bay (south-west) which has several wrecks.

It is suggested that although you can dive solo, for safety you use the services of one of the several Dive Operators.

BGIS

========================================================================================

I was just flabbergasted that I even got an answer. I wish MY OWN government was this cooperative.
rich

 

[laivindil]

Consider first the size of the Barbados government.
Now consider the size of our government.

Smaller orgs tend to work faster. But it is nice they took the time.