Barbados: Catamaran Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise

Summary

Barbados west coast cruise with turtles shipwreck snorkeling and beach time

You’ll set sail along Barbados’ west coast for a relaxed day with sea turtles and colorful fish at two or three snorkeling spots (including a shipwreck). With a local guide leading the way, enjoy coconut bread for breakfast and unlimited drinks onboard — plus lunch if you pick the longer cruise. It’s easygoing from start to finish with hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t realize how much I needed the sea until we left Bridgetown’s marina that morning. The crew greeted us like old friends — one of them, Marcus, handed me coconut bread before I’d even found my spot in the shade. There was this salty breeze, kind of sticky but fresh, and I remember thinking it felt like the whole boat exhaled as we drifted away from shore. Someone started pouring rum punch (it was barely 10am — no one seemed to mind), and there was soca music playing softly somewhere behind us.

The first stop was all about the turtles. Our guide, Sandra, explained how they come right up if you’re patient — I wasn’t sure I believed her until suddenly there they were, just drifting around us like they owned the place. The water was so clear you could see every flick of their fins. I tried to keep up but mostly just floated, watching these greenish shapes glide by. When we got back on board, my hair was full of salt and Sandra laughed at my mask marks. She said everyone gets them their first time.

Next came the shipwreck — honestly, I thought it would feel eerie but it didn’t at all. Fish everywhere, darting through beams that looked older than anyone on our boat. At some point I lost track of time (and maybe how many rum punches I’d had). If you do the longer cruise like we did, there’s lunch on deck — grilled fish and something spicy that Marcus called “pepper sauce roulette.” He watched me try it and grinned when my eyes watered. Afterward we swam again or just lay in the sun; a few people wandered onto the beach nearby but most of us just stayed put, letting ourselves dry out slowly in the heat.

On the way back to Bridgetown nobody really talked much — not out of boredom but because everyone seemed content in that heavy-limbed way you get after swimming all day. Soca still playing somewhere behind us. Sometimes when I hear those songs now I can almost smell sunscreen and sea air again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise and snorkeling

• Hotel pickup and transfer to marina
• Board catamaran El Tigre
• Sail along west coast of Barbados
• Enjoy drinks and coconut bread onboard
• Snorkel 45 minutes with sea turtles
• Sail to shipwreck snorkeling spot
• Snorkel 45 minutes at shipwreck
• Choose 3-hour: end cruise at beach
• Choose 5-hour: sail to third stop
• Enjoy lunch onboard (5-hour option)
• Swim and stroll on nearby beach
• Relax with cocktail and soca music
• Return to marina and end cruise

Top questions

How long is the Barbados catamaran turtle & shipwreck snorkeling cruise?

You can choose between a 3-hour cruise (good for families) or a 5-hour option that includes lunch.

Are drinks included on this Barbados snorkeling tour?

Yes, unlimited beverages are provided including soda, beer, rum punch, juice, and coffee.

Is lunch included on the catamaran cruise?

Lunch is included only if you book the 5-hour option; both cruises include a light breakfast snack.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in both options.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Bridgetown marina after hotel pickup (for select hotels).

What should I bring for this Barbados catamaran tour?

You should bring your own towel and sunscreen; shoes must be removed when boarding.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, all fitness levels are welcome and there is a shorter cruise option ideal for families with small kids.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

The 3-hour cruise visits two spots; the 5-hour version adds a third location with beach time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels in Barbados, use of all snorkeling gear, guidance from friendly local crew members throughout each stop, unlimited drinks (from coffee to rum punch), breakfast snacks like coconut bread in the morning — plus lunch onboard if you opt for the longer 5-hour cruise before heading back to Bridgetown marina.