Bridgetown

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Revision as of 14:23, 27 April 2016

Bridgetown/wiki/Bridgetown

Bridgetown 13°5.96′N, 59°37.82′W13.099333333333;-59.630333333333 destination

Satellite Image of Bridgetown

Bridgetown is the main port and the capital and largest city of Barbados. It has a populations of 96,578 (2006).

Weather

See Barbados.

Charts

See Barbados.

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

Approaching Carlisle Bay, the large bay south of the main harbor presents no problems.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Bridgetown is a port of entry to Barbados. You must clear in the Commercial Harbor.

For entering/exiting procedures see Barbados.

Berthing Options

The main harbor in Bridgetown is the Commercial Harbor where you will have to for clearing customs. The other harbor is the Fishing Harbor which is the only place where there is fuel. It is too small, however for a yacht. Yachts in Bridgetown go either to the protected Careenage or anchor off in Carlisle Bay.

Commercial Harbor

The Commercial Harbor in Bridgetown

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You have to come here when clearing into Barbados. Before you do so, call Bridgetown Harbor Control on the VHF channel 16. They will direct in the harbor. The harbor officials are friendly, one of them even speaks Greek! Clearing-in procedures are friendly. You can talk the officials into allowing to clear-out without bringing the yacht into the harbor. Clearing-out procedures are longer.

Warning: The harbor has a very bad swell, the quays are very high, and the bollards far apart. This is a harbor for cruise ships and not for yachts.

Careenage

The Careenage in Bridgetown

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The Careenage is a river inlet and the inner harbor of Bridgetown where all the large recreational fishing boats are berthed. It is maybe the most secure place for a yacht but it is noisy and crowded. You may not find a berth. I am not sure how much a berth costs.

Warning: Dinghy theft is endemic here. Lock your dinghy whenever you leave it unattended.

Fishing Harbor

The Fishing Harbor in Bridgetown

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This is a small, and dirty, harbor used by commercial fishing boats. It is too small for a yacht. It has, however, two fuel stations, an Esso and a Texaco. You can easily come here with the dingy and fill your jerry-cans. Also, this is good place to come and then go to the Customs, a 10 minute walk, for clearing-out procedures.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay

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Carlisle Bay is a large bay where most of the visiting yachts anchor. When we were there it was comfortable but one can see that with a strong swell it may not be so. It is, however, quiet and lovely. Anchor anywhere in 5 m depth over sand. Good holding.

In the middle of the bay is the Boatyard, a bar/restaurant. They maintain a private pier where you can tie the dinghy. They want $20 BBD ($1 USD = $2 BBD) per day for the use of their pier and their other facilities i.e. cold shower but they do give you a number of chips which you can use for drinks or food (not particularly very good).

Another option is to drive the dingy about 1 M to Careenage where you can tie it and be right in the middle of Bridgetown.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

None. Only fishing equipment at Bridgetown.

Repairs/Yards

None. Only fishing equipment at Bridgetown.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

There are two fuel stations in the Fishing Harbor, an Esso and a Texaco. You can easily go there with the dingy and fill your jerry-cans.

Water

At the Careenage or at the Boatyard in Carlisle Bay (fill cans)

Electricity

N/A (Not Available)

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Bridgetown is bustling place and it is fun to wander around its streets. The fish market, next to the Fishing Harbor is very interesting. The water in Carlisle Bay is clear and fun to swim and snorkel. You may even see a sea turtle.

Central Bridgetown

The Fish Market

Grocery & Supply Stores

Provision at supermarkets in Bridgetown. Make sure you purchase some of the famous Mount Gay Rum.

Eateries

Good food at Waterfront Café restaurant in the Careenage.

Internet/WiFi

N/A.

Laundry

In Bridgetown and at the the Boatyard in Carlisle Bay.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbors.

Transportation

There are flights to England and to the US.

Routes/Passages To/From

• Trans-Atlantic, Europe to Caribbean Passage
• Trans-Atlantic, Caribbean to Europe Passage

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Bridgetown at the Wikipedia
• Bridgetown

References & Publications

See Barbados.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Bridgetown and this page's details validated:

• February 2005 --Istioploos

Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos