Submitted by Caitlin Greeff on the 2024 Winter HDFS program in Barbados…
On January 3rd, I arrived in Barbados for the first time, unaware of what to expect. After spending the first few days exploring the island, it was clear that the water was the place to be. The crystal clear water and amazing activities that can be done are unlike anything I have experienced before. Our entire group knew we needed to try some for ourselves.
After getting in touch with a Barbados local, the 16 students on the HDFS 24W Barbados trip embarked on a glass-bottom boat excursion where we went snorkeling with sea turtles, various fish, and stingrays, and explored a shipwreck. Having this experience not only provided us with amazing views and pictures that will last a lifetime but also gave us the opportunity to interact with three locals on the boat who taught us about their experience living on the island. The captain told us funny stories about his favorite things to do on the island and showed us some of his favorite spots! There was an exhilarating feeling the moment we jumped off the top of the boat into beautiful, blue waters and were greeted by sea turtles who swam right up to us. The experience of going on a boat with locals from the island who were so welcoming and truly cared about making this a memorable day for us is one that I will never forget. (Submitted on January 7, 2024)