Barbados: Island Tour, Monkey Feeding & Swim with Turtles

Summary

Monkey feeding at the reserve, wild east coast views, turtles in Carlisle Bay

You’ll feed cheeky monkeys at Barbados Wildlife Reserve, take in breezy views from Cherry Tree Hill and Morgan Lewis Mill, eat real Barbadian lunch, then snorkel among turtles and shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay—all with pickup and a local guide who knows every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing about the monkeys before we even got out of the van—our guide, Keisha, warned us not to hold anything that looked remotely edible. Sure enough, as soon as we stepped into the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, the air smelled earthy and a bit sweet from all the fruit scattered around. The monkeys moved fast—one darted right past my shoes and made off with a banana chunk. I tried to snap a photo but mostly ended up with blurry tails. Keisha just grinned and said, “They’re professionals.”

After the monkeys had their fill (and honestly, so did we just watching them), we wound our way up to Cherry Tree Hill. The road is lined with old mahogany trees now—Keisha told us they replaced the cherry trees ages ago, which I didn’t know. At the top you can see green rolling down to the sea on one side and sugarcane fields on the other. It’s windy up there; I had to hold onto my hat. Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill was next—a big stone windmill that looks like it’s been waiting for centuries for someone to turn it back on. There was this faint smell of grass and old wood inside.

Lunch was in a small place that felt more like someone’s home than a restaurant. Flying fish, macaroni pie—I tried everything once (maybe twice). The cook came out to check if we liked it and laughed when I asked what went into her hot sauce. After that we stopped in Bathsheba for a quick look at the waves—locals call it Soup Bowl because of how wild the surf gets. Some surfers were out there already; I don’t know how they manage not to get tossed around.

The last stop was Carlisle Bay for our boat ride with Tranquility Cruises. The water was so clear you could see shadows of turtles before you even got in. Snorkeling over a shipwreck felt strange—quiet except for our own breathing—and then suddenly two turtles glided by like they owned the place. Someone shouted when a ray passed underneath but it all felt calm somehow. We ended by sliding off the boat’s waterslide into warm water (I hesitated but did it anyway). Still think about that moment sometimes—you know those little flashes that stick with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Barbados wildlife, scenic views, and snorkeling

• Visit Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• See monkeys at play
• View Cherry Tree Hill
• Pass by Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill
• Enjoy Barbadian lunch
• Stop at Bathsheba Beach
• Take Tranquility Cruises boat trip
• Swim with turtles and snorkel
• Slide into Carlisle Bay waters

Top questions

How long is the Barbados island tour?

The full day tour lasts several hours including stops at wildlife reserve, scenic viewpoints, lunch, Bathsheba Beach, and 1.5 hour boat trip at Carlisle Bay.

Is lunch included on this Barbados day trip?

Yes, a traditional Barbadian lunch is included during the tour.

Can I swim with turtles during this tour?

Yes, snorkeling with turtles is part of the boat trip in Carlisle Bay.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup along Barbados’ south and west coasts is included.

What should I bring for swimming with turtles?

Please bring towels and swimwear for snorkeling at Carlisle Bay.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available but infant meals are not included.

What’s special about Cherry Tree Hill?

Cherry Tree Hill offers panoramic views over Barbados’ east coast from 850 feet above sea level; its road is lined with mahogany trees.

How long do we spend at Carlisle Bay?

The boat trip for snorkeling and swimming with turtles lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup along coastal areas of Barbados’ south and west coasts (with options for private groups), entry to the Wildlife Reserve for monkey feeding time, scenic stops at Cherry Tree Hill and Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, a full Barbadian lunch, bottled water throughout, plus use of snorkeling equipment during your guided cruise in Carlisle Bay before drop-off back at your accommodation.