Barbados Shore Excursion: Monkeys, Surfing & Sea Turtles

East coast drive, green monkey feeding, swim with sea turtles at famous surf break shipwreck

This seven-hour shore excursion from Barbados cruise port combines wildlife viewing, coastal scenery and water activities in a single day. Start at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve to watch green monkeys during their mid-morning feeding, then drive to Cherry Tree Hill for panoramic views across the Scotland District. The route continues along the east coast to Bathsheba, a dramatic surfing village on the Atlantic, before heading to Carlisle Bay for an 80-minute cruise where you'll snorkel around a shipwreck, swim with sea turtles and ride the onboard waterslide. A licensed guide and air-conditioned vehicle handle the land portion. The cruise includes snorkel gear and life vests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Barbados Wildlife Reserve45m · entry included
2. Bathsheba Beach15m

Explore wildlife, coast, and cruise

• Visit Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• Watch green monkeys fed
• Enjoy views at Cherry Tree Hill
• Drive along east coast to Bathsheba
• Relax on Carlisle Bay beach
• Board Tranquility Cruises
• Snorkel and swim with turtles
• Ride waterslide into Carlisle Bay
• Return to cruise ship port

The experience

Your ship docks and you have a full day to spend on the island. This excursion picks you up from the cruise port and starts at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where you'll watch the reserve staff feed the playful green monkeys during their mid-morning snack: the animals swing through the mahogany trees while you observe from the historic red brick pathways that once belonged to Barbados' sugar industry. The reserve also has free-roaming tortoises, deer, peacocks, iguanas and parrots living in spacious grounds, so there's time to walk at your own pace before the group moves on.

From there, the air-conditioned vehicle climbs to Cherry Tree Hill, which rises about 850 feet above sea level and opens onto one of the island's most expansive views: the rolling hills and valleys of the Scotland District stretching out below, lined with West Indian mahogany trees that give way to swaying sugar cane fields. The scenic drive then follows the east coast to Bathsheba, a traditional fishing village famous for its dramatic coral rock formations and powerful Atlantic swells: surfers come here from around the world for the strong breaks. You'll have time to take in the rugged coastline and the colorful seaside cottages before heading to Carlisle Bay.

At Carlisle Bay, you'll have free time at Savvy on the Bay, a beachfront spot with a beach bar and food truck park where you can swim, relax on the sand or grab a bite before boarding Tranquility Cruises. The 80-minute cruise is the water portion: snorkel gear, masks and life vests are provided, and you'll explore a historic shipwreck, swim with sea turtles and see tropical fish in the marine park. The boat has a glass-bottom viewing area, onboard washrooms and a bar. Children can ride the waterslide into Carlisle Bay's clear water. After the cruise, the guide returns you to the cruise ship port.

What’s included

• Your tour includes entrance to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve and Tranquility Cruises.
• a friendly, licensed guide who speaks English.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• snorkeling equipment with mask and life vest.
• bottled water.
• and pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship port.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 93 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Beautiful (Barbados) Tours and Excursions Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a confident snorkeler: the 80-minute boat portion centers on a shipwreck dive and sea turtle encounter, so swimming ability and comfort underwater are what determine whether this day works for you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Barbados green monkeys like, and will I get to see them up close?

The Barbados green monkeys are playful residents of the wildlife reserve, and you'll watch them during their mid-morning feeding as the reserve staff feed them. You won't feed them yourself, but you'll have a clear view as they swing through the mahogany trees. The reserve also has tortoises, deer, peacocks, iguanas and parrots living in open grounds, so there's plenty to see while you walk at your own pace.

Is Bathsheba Beach a place to swim, or just to look at?

Bathsheba is on Barbados' rugged east coast and is famous for its powerful Atlantic waves and dramatic coral rock formations. It's a world-renowned surfing destination. The village itself is a scenic stop where you'll see the colorful seaside cottages and the striking coastline, but the main swimming happens later during the Tranquility Cruise in the calm waters of Carlisle Bay.

What exactly happens during the Tranquility Cruise, and how long is it?

The cruise lasts 80 minutes and departs from Carlisle Bay. You'll snorkel around a historic shipwreck and swim with sea turtles in the marine park. Snorkel gear, masks and life vests are all provided. The boat has a glass-bottom viewing area so you can see marine life without getting wet, a bar, onboard washrooms and seating to relax. Children can also ride the onboard waterslide into the water.

How much time do I have to eat or relax before the boat cruise?

Before boarding Tranquility Cruises, you'll have free time at Savvy on the Bay, a beachfront destination with a beach bar and food truck park. You can take a refreshing swim, relax on the beach, rent a beach chair, grab food from one of the trucks or sit back with a drink. The time is yours to enjoy however you choose.

What should I bring for this excursion?

Bring towels and swimwear for the water activities. Snorkel gear, masks and life vests are provided on the cruise. Bottled water is included throughout the day. The vehicle is air-conditioned for the land portion, and the cruise boat has a bar and washrooms onboard.