Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay is located south of the capital Bridgetown and features a lengthy stretch of fine white sand beaches for the ideal paradise experience. On bright days, the water is turquoise blue and appears to be one large lagoon, which is quite stunning! There are several beach bars and restaurants along the shore, some of which rent out beach beds and umbrellas, while others are more local in nature, with a reggae feel and picnic tables.

Carlisle Bay is a prime illustration of why Barbados offers some of the greatest wreck diving in the Caribbean in terms of diversity and accessibility. Carlisle, located on the island's southwest shore, is home to six sunken boats. The protected bay, which is a marine park, is a good area for novice divers to begin exploring Barbados' wreck diving sites.

Things to see: Aside from the ever-present turtles, divers come to Carlisle for the wrecks, the most well-known of which is the Bajan Queen. The Berwin is also worth a look; this French tug, which sank in 1919, is the bay's oldest wreck. She stands 7.6m/25ft tall.