Sustainable Travel in Barbados: Freediving, Lionfish Hunting & Beachside Ceviche
Looking for an unforgettable, eco-friendly adventure in Barbados? Picture this: freediving through crystal-clear waters, spearing invasive lionfish, and ending the day with freshly made ceviche and a cold Banks beer on the beach. That’s exactly what my friend Hannah offers through her “Freediving Fun Fridays”—a perfect mix of sustainability, marine conservation, and island vibes.
I couldn’t say no when Hannah—my childhood friend who recently moved back to Barbados from Australia—invited me to join her for one of these Friday sessions. She’s the powerhouse behind Trident Freedivers, a local freediving school that’s making waves for all the right reasons. In addition to teaching freediving techniques, Hannah hosts small group spearfishing tours that focus on hunting lionfish, an invasive species threatening marine ecosystems across the Caribbean.
Our dive site that day was a wreck off Batts Rock, a popular spot for freedivers and snorkelers on the west coast of Barbados. As we explored the wreck, those in our group with spears got to work. Watching the hunt was fascinating—lionfish might be slow, but targeting them requires focus, skill, and serious underwater control. These fish tend to hover around coral heads and wrecks, making them ideal for freediving spearfishers.
Lionfish have no natural predators in this region, which is why their population has exploded and caused significant damage to local reef fish. That’s why spearfishing them is one of the most sustainable ways to help protect Barbados’ marine biodiversity. In fact, lionfish are listed as one of the top sustainable seafood choices in Barbados according to the Slow Food Barbados Sustainable Seafood Guide.
Freshly speared lionfish on a line in the water in Barbados
Back on shore, Hannah demonstrated how to safely fillet the lionfish—carefully avoiding their venomous spines—and turned the fresh catch into a delicious lionfish ceviche. She mixed the chopped fillets with onions, sweet peppers, and fresh lime juice. After a quick soak, we scooped up the ceviche with crackers and washed it down with ice-cold Banks beers. It was the perfect end to an action-packed, purposeful day.
It’s moments like these that make me deeply appreciate living in the Caribbean. From the stunning seascapes to the shared sense of purpose in protecting them, sustainable travel in Barbados isn’t just possible—it’s joyful, delicious, and deeply rewarding.
What is “Freediving Fun Fridays”?
Hosted weekly by Trident Freedivers, these informal sessions bring together friends, ocean lovers, and conservationists for freediving at various locations around Barbados. Recently, they’ve evolved to include lionfish hunting, followed by homemade ceviche and sundowners by the sea. It’s a beautiful blend of community, conservation, and Caribbean lifestyle.
Why Hunt Lionfish in Barbados?
Lionfish are an invasive species across the Caribbean, known for their destructive impact on coral reef ecosystems. Spearing lionfish is not only sustainable but encouraged. By eating lionfish, we help restore balance in our reefs—while enjoying a surprisingly delicious local delicacy.
Eco-Friendly Experiences in Barbados
If you're visiting Barbados and want to engage in meaningful, sustainable travel experiences, consider a freediving or lionfish spearfishing tour with Trident Freedivers. You'll leave with unforgettable memories—and maybe even a new favorite fish.
Update: This post won an award at the Barbados Tourism Media Awards.
Filleting fresh lionfish
