Barbados: Clear Kayak Shipwreck Tour with Turtles & Rum

Summary

Paddle clear kayaks over shipwrecks & spot turtles in Carlisle Bay

You’ll paddle clear kayaks above three sunken shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay, spotting tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles along the way. Local guides share stories as you drift above history, then welcome you back with a cold rum punch on the beach. It’s both relaxing and quietly thrilling — something that lingers after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

We were already ankle-deep in the warm sand at Carlisle Bay when our guide, Marcus, handed us these see-through kayaks — honestly, I was a bit skeptical about how “clear” they’d really be. But once we pushed off and the hull slid over that turquoise water, it felt like floating on glass. There was this salty breeze and the sound of reggae drifting from somewhere up the beach. Marcus grinned and pointed out a turtle’s head bobbing up just ahead — green sea turtle, he said. I tried to snap a photo but mostly got my own feet (classic).

The main keyword here is “clear kayak shipwreck tour,” and I didn’t expect how close we’d get to the wrecks. The first one looked almost ghostly under us — you could see fish darting through old beams, flashes of yellow and blue against rusted metal. Marcus told us stories about how each wreck ended up here; his accent made everything sound more real somehow. At one point he laughed when I asked if pirates ever used these ships (nope, just regular folks). The sun kept shifting on the water so sometimes you’d catch a sudden glint off a fish scale or a bottle wedged in the sand below.

After drifting over three different shipwrecks (I lost count of all the fish), we circled back toward shore. My arms were starting to feel it — not gonna lie — but then there was this smell of grilled chicken from Harbour Lights mixing with salt air, and suddenly we were back on land. Someone handed me an ice-cold rum punch before I even got my lifejacket off. It tasted sweet and sharp at once; maybe it was just relief or maybe Barbados rum is actually magic.

I still think about that moment looking down through the kayak at all that silent history below us — kind of humbling, you know? If you’re curious about marine life or just want to see Carlisle Bay differently, this day trip is worth it for sure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Clear kayak tour over shipwrecks

• Start tour at Harbour Lights beach
• Spot green and Hawksbill turtles
• Paddle over three sunken shipwrecks
• View marine life through clear kayaks
• Learn history of the shipwrecks
• Return to shore
• Enjoy complimentary rum punch

Top questions

How many shipwrecks do you see on this tour?

You’ll paddle over three different sunken shipwrecks during the tour.

Are sea turtles guaranteed on the Carlisle Bay kayak tour?

Turtles are regularly spotted but sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Is there a weight limit for the clear kayaks?

The weight limit is 425 lbs per kayak and no more than 250 lbs per seat.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; tours start from Harbour Lights on Carlisle Bay beach.

What’s included in the clear kayak shipwreck tour?

You get a bottle of ice cold water, lifejackets, a waterproof phone case, and complimentary rum punch at the end.

Can pregnant travelers join this day trip?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical activity involved.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Harbour Lights on Carlisle Bay beach.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a completely clear kayak with lifejackets provided for safety, an ice-cold bottle of water to keep you cool while paddling over those shipwrecks, plus a waterproof phone case so your photos survive better than mine did — and finally, there’s complimentary rum punch waiting for you right on the beach when you finish paddling back in.