Barbados: Sunset Catamaran Cruise & Snorkel with Turtles

Summary

Small group sunset sailing in Bridgetown with turtles, reef snorkel and tapas

You’ll sail from Bridgetown on a small-group catamaran cruise with two snorkel stops—one for swimming with turtles, another at a reef or shipwreck—plus drinks and fresh tapas onboard. Hotel pickup is included so you don’t have to worry about transport. Expect laughter with locals and moments where all you hear is water lapping against the hull.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so calm out there — not at first. We left Bridgetown in the late afternoon, that sticky heat just starting to ease up. There were only a handful of us on the catamaran (twelve max, but it felt even smaller), and I remember the crew passing around banana bread right after we set off. Still warm somehow. It’s funny how something as simple as that can make you relax. Our guide, Marcus, kept pointing out little things about the coastline — he grew up here — but honestly I was mostly distracted by the light on the water.

The first stop was all about snorkeling with turtles. I’d never done it before and kind of fumbled with my mask (Marcus gave me a quick refresher — didn’t make me feel dumb). The water was cooler than I thought it’d be, but once I got used to it… seeing those turtles just gliding past? That’s one of those moments that sticks. There weren’t any crowds either; just us and this weird hush under the surface except for our own bubbles.

Afterwards we drifted to a reef or maybe it was a shipwreck — depends on the sea that day, apparently. I lost track of time picking out fish shapes in the blue. Back on board, someone handed me a little plate of fish cakes and mini sandwiches (I grabbed more than my share). There was this easy rhythm to everything: music low, drinks going around, people chatting or just staring at the horizon. At some point Li from Toronto tried to pronounce “flying fish” in Bajan dialect and Marcus nearly spit out his drink laughing.

Sunset crept up fast — not dramatic colors, more like gold smudging into purple. It got quiet for a bit; even the crew seemed to pause. Maybe everyone was thinking their own thing. Getting dropped back at my hotel later felt strange after that kind of quiet. I still think about how soft the air felt out there as we sailed back in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon catamaran sailing and snorkeling

• Hotel pickup about 1 hour before
• Board catamaran at 2:45pm
• Enjoy drinks and tapas onboard
• Snorkel at turtle spot
• Snorkel at reef or shipwreck
• Relax and enjoy sunset cruise
• Return to shore at 6:15pm
• Transport back to accommodation

Top questions

How many people are on this Barbados sunset catamaran cruise?

This tour is limited to 12 travelers maximum.

Does this cruise include hotel pickup in Bridgetown?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Are drinks provided during the sunset sailing tour?

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

What food is served on board?

You’ll get banana bread, mini croissants, fruit, tapas like fish cakes and sandwiches.

Do I need snorkeling experience for this trip?

No experience needed—guides offer lessons for beginners or refreshers if you want one.

What time does the afternoon catamaran tour start and end?

The tour starts at 2:45pm and returns at 6:15pm.

Are children allowed on this Barbados catamaran cruise?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring for this sunset sailing tour?

You should bring swimwear, towels, sun protection (biodegradable sunscreen), hat, sunglasses, long sleeve shirt if needed—and maybe a waterproof camera.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes round-trip hotel pickup from your accommodation in Bridgetown or nearby areas; all snorkeling equipment; two guided snorkel stops—one with turtles and one at either a reef or shipwreck depending on conditions; unlimited drinks from a premium bar; fresh banana bread and croissants when you board plus local tapas like fish cakes and sandwiches throughout; small group size for space to stretch out; plus help from friendly local guides whether you’re new to snorkeling or just want tips before diving in.