Freights Bay

Best months: Jan–Apr

Protected Area

Graeme Hall Swamp

Why dive here

With 379+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, humpback whales, octopuses and orcas - Freights Bay offers some of South Coast's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeJan–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Octopuses and Orcas · 379+ species recorded

Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterReef dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Freights Bay on Barbados’ south coast? We love this spot, especially for a relaxed shore dive when the swells are mellow. You’re not looking for dramatic depths here, but rather a slow, deliberate exploration of the sandy bottom and the small rocky outcrops. It’s a macro playground, plain and simple. We’ve spent whole dives just watching the sandy patches, finding lizardfish perfectly camouflaged, waiting to ambush. Keep an eye out for the small-scaled spinycheek sleepers, they’re masters of disguise, and you’ll often see tiny blennies peeking out of crevices. Our favourite time to dive Freights is early morning, before the surfing lessons really kick off. The light penetration through the shallow water is beautiful then, illuminating the subtle colours of the sand and rocks. You’ll often find schools of false herring or redear herring shimmering just off the bottom. It’s also fantastic for spotting juvenile puffers and the occasional bridled burrfish bumping along. This site really suits divers who enjoy slowing down, looking closely, and appreciating the smaller inhabitants of the reef. It’s not about big pelagics; it’s about the intricate details.