Barbados is the most easterly of all the Caribbean islands, located at 13 degrees North, 59.37 degrees West.

Comparatively speaking, this 166 square mile island – 21 miles long and 14 miles wide – is flat, the highest point being Mount Hillaby, which is 1,116 ft above sea level. It is divided into 11 parishes. The sea on the west coast (Caribbean Sea) is tranquil while to the east coast, the waves become rough (Atlantic Ocean). The south coast has small waves, but the south-east coast is home to many surfing events and practice sessions. Both areas are safe for swimming.

Barbados is made up largely of thick layers of limestone, sand clay, which are covered by a coral cap. The reefs surrounding the island contribute to its white, sandy beaches. The coral and limestone are extremely permeable, and allow rain water to filter through which is collected in catchments and then pumped to the taps by the various pumping stations around the island. This unique filtering system provides Barbados with the purest drinking water in the world.