Barbados: Catamaran Turtle Snorkel with Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Swim with turtles, share rum punch and drift along Barbados coast

You’ll slip into clear Barbados waters to swim with gentle sea turtles near Carlisle Bay, then relax onboard with an open bar and hearty Bajan buffet lunch. Between snorkeling coral reefs and sharing stories under the sun, you’ll find yourself drifting into island time without even trying.

What’s the experience like?

“Turtles are like locals,” Captain Junior grinned as we boarded the red Stiletto catamaran at Carlisle Bay. “They come and go when they feel like it.” The sun was already high but not burning yet, and I could smell sunscreen mixing with the salty air. There were only a handful of us, so everyone found their own corner on deck — I ended up next to a couple from Manchester who kept asking about flying fish. Junior’s laugh carried over the water as he explained how Bajans make their rum punch (“not too sweet, not too weak”).

The first splash into the sea was colder than I expected — kind of wakes you up. Our guide, Lianna, handed me a mask and pointed out where the green turtles usually glide by. Sure enough, after a few minutes of awkward flipper kicks (I’m still terrible at those), there she was — slow and calm, just hovering in the blue. The water tasted faintly metallic from my snorkel. I tried to keep up but mostly just floated, watching her move through shafts of sunlight while tiny fish darted around my ankles. Someone shouted that they’d spotted a stingray but I missed it — got distracted by all the colors on the reef.

Back on board, towels everywhere and people comparing GoPro footage. Lunch was this big Bajan buffet: grilled chicken, macaroni pie, plantains — honestly, I went back for seconds even though I said I wouldn’t. The open bar meant rum punch kept appearing in my hand before I could finish the last one (dangerous). At some point someone started singing along to soca on the speakers; even Junior joined in between steering us along the west coast. The breeze felt warm against my skin and everything slowed down for a while — you know that feeling when you realize you’re exactly where you want to be? Still hits me thinking about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran sail and turtle snorkel

• Sail along Barbados west coast
• Enjoy drinks from open bar
• Snorkel with sea turtles
• Relax on deck with Bajan buffet

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Barbados catamaran turtle snorkel tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What wildlife can I see while snorkeling at Carlisle Bay?

You may see green turtles, hawksbill turtles, southern stingrays, and schools of tropical fish.

Is lunch provided during the catamaran cruise?

Yes, a buffet lunch featuring Bajan dishes is served onboard.

Are drinks included on this Barbados catamaran tour?

Yes, beverages from an open bar—including rum punch—are included throughout the trip.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your tour.

How many people are usually on board?

The tour sails with limited passenger numbers for an uncrowded experience.

Is this turtle snorkel tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; one adult may accompany more than one child.

Where does this Barbados catamaran tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Carlisle Bay along Barbados’ west coast.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all snorkeling gear for exploring coral reefs and shipwrecks near Carlisle Bay, a generous Bajan buffet lunch served fresh onboard Stiletto (the red catamaran), unlimited drinks from an open bar—including their favorite rum punch—and live commentary plus plenty of local laughter before returning relaxed in the afternoon.