Barbados: Small-Group Catamaran Cruise & Snorkel with Lunch

Summary

Swim with turtles, explore shipwrecks, taste Barbados on the water

You’ll join a small group for five hours cruising Barbados’ coast by catamaran—swimming with turtles, snorkeling reefs or shipwrecks, sharing stories over fresh local lunch and open bar drinks. Expect music, laughter, and moments that linger long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the catamaran in Bridgetown was the way the morning sun bounced off the water—kind of blinding, but in a good way. Our guide, Marlon, handed me a coffee (strong and sweet) and pointed out how to stash my shoes in a basket. There were only about ten of us, so it felt more like joining friends than being packed in with strangers. Someone cracked a joke about sunscreen streaks—mine looked like war paint—and that set the mood.

I didn’t expect to hear reggae drifting from the speakers as we pulled away from shore, but it fit. The salt air smelled different here—almost floral? We stopped at the first snorkel spot after maybe half an hour. Marlon tossed bread into the water and suddenly there were turtles everywhere—gentle and curious. I fumbled with my mask (full face ones are trickier than they look), but one of the crew helped me adjust it without making me feel dumb. Floating above a shipwreck later was eerie; you could see old timbers tangled with coral, little fish darting through gaps. I caught myself just hanging there, forgetting to breathe through my snorkel for a second.

Lunch back on deck was this buffet with flying fish (tastes better than it sounds), rice and peas, something spicy I still can’t name. People went quiet for a bit—always happens when food’s good. The open bar got busier after that; rum punch goes down easy when you’re sprawled on warm nets watching clouds drift by. At some point someone started telling stories about growing up in Barbados—can’t remember if it was Marlon or one of his friends who’d joined as crew—but it made everything feel less like a tour and more like being let in on something local.

I keep thinking about that moment floating above the wreck—the silence underwater except for my own bubbles—and how different it felt from anything else I’ve done here. If you’re looking for a day trip from Bridgetown that isn’t just ticking boxes, this catamaran cruise is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 5-hour catamaran cruise with snorkeling

• Arrive at port 15 minutes early
• Board the catamaran at 9am
• Enjoy hotel or port pickup
• Snorkel at turtle spot
• Snorkel at reef or shipwreck
• Relax with premium bar onboard
• Eat tapas, desserts, and buffet
• Return to port and drop-off

Top questions

How long is the catamaran cruise from Bridgetown?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours including two snorkel stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this Barbados catamaran tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included if arranged in advance.

What meals are provided during the cruise?

You’ll get breakfast snacks like banana bread and croissants, an all-you-can-eat local buffet lunch, tapas before lunch, plus dessert.

Are alcoholic beverages included on board?

Yes, there’s a complimentary premium open bar throughout the cruise.

Will we swim with turtles on this day trip from Bridgetown?

Yes, one snorkel stop is dedicated to seeing turtles in their natural environment.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

All snorkeling gear—including masks (full face available), snorkels, fins, vests—is provided on board.

How many people are on each catamaran cruise?

The tour is limited to twelve guests per cruise for a personal experience.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?

No experience needed—a lesson is included if you’re new to snorkeling.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Bridgetown, all snorkeling equipment (with lessons if needed), breakfast snacks and fruit on board followed by tapas and an all-you-can-eat local buffet lunch with dessert. Drinks flow from a premium open bar while you relax between two guided snorkel stops—one at reefs or shipwrecks and another where you’ll swim alongside turtles—with friendly crew looking after every detail until you return to shore.