There’s a growing array of water-based activities to have a go at in Barbados, from a dreamy drift along the shore to an adrenaline-fuelled race across the waves.

The larger, high-end all-inclusive hotels tend to have their own watersports operator, where use of equipment such as surf or body boards, snorkels, kayaks or stand-up-paddle (SUP) is usually free. Motorised sports such as jet-skiing, water-skiing or wakeboarding (pictured at the bottom), or cruising the reef in a glass-bottomed boat may cost extra. Although hotel guests get preference, some operators will rent out equipment to non-residents, especially in low season. There are also plenty of independent specialist or general operators who rent out gear and also offer trips along the coast.

Stand-Up-Paddle

The calm waters of Carlisle Bay and the more sheltered bays along the West Coast are particularly popular for SUP. Two specialist SUP operators offer lessons, guided paddles and gear rental. Paddle Barbados in Aquatic Gap, by the Cruising Club, on Carlisle Bay, is good and also has easy-to-use plastic kayaks for rent, which are perfect for kids. WhatSUP Barbados is a mobile unit working along the West Coast, and also offers guided paddles, surfing on a SUP board and SUP yoga.