Barbados: Turtle Feeding, Shipwreck & Reef Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Swim with turtles snorkel shipwrecks and relax with rum punch in Barbados

You’ll swim alongside hawksbill turtles in clear Barbados waters, snorkel over a shipwreck teeming with fish at Folkstone Marine Reserve, and enjoy unlimited Bajan rum punch on deck. With small groups and plenty of time for laughter (or sliding into the sea), this tour leaves you salty-haired and smiling long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

Li grinned at me from behind her sunglasses as we shuffled barefoot across the dock in Holetown — “You ready to see some turtles?” she asked, already half-laughing because I’d just tried (and failed) to say “hawksbill” without mangling it. Our guide, Marcus, waved us over with that easy Bajan warmth. He handed out masks and joked about how the fish here “don’t mind an audience.” The boat itself had this low hum from the engine and the glass bottom made everything underneath look closer than it really was — almost dizzying for a second. There was a faint smell of sunscreen and salt water mixed with something sweet (maybe that first batch of rum punch?).

The first stop was all about the turtles. It’s one thing to see them in photos, but actually floating there — slow waves rocking you while these ancient-looking hawksbills glide by — it’s different. One of them came so close I could see the little flecks on its shell. Marcus tossed out some food and suddenly there were flashes of fins everywhere; I swallowed a bit of seawater from laughing when a turtle popped up right beside me. The sun was hot but not harsh, kind of softened by clouds drifting in from the east. Someone’s kid shrieked with joy going down the slide off the boat, which honestly looked fun even for adults.

After that we drifted over to Folkstone Marine Reserve for the shipwreck part of this day trip — I didn’t expect to feel so curious about an old sunken boat, but seeing fish swarm around it is wild. Hundreds of them darting through beams and rusted metal, all colors flickering in the light coming down through the water. The coral reef nearby felt alive too, waving gently with every current. I kept thinking how strange it is to be floating above history like that, sipping cold rum punch between swims (the crew kept topping us up). There was music playing somewhere on deck — not too loud, just enough to make you want to linger longer than you should.

I still think about that view through the glass bottom: sunlight rippling over sand and shadows moving below us. On our way back Marcus told stories about growing up here, pointing out beaches he used to sneak off to as a kid. We rinsed off saltwater in the changing room onboard before heading back ashore, feeling sun-warmed and slightly tipsy — or maybe just happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Turtle feeding and snorkeling tour

• Board glass bottom party boat
• Enjoy "bajan" rum punch onboard
• Feed and snorkel with hawksbill turtles
• Travel to Folkstone Marine Snorkeling Reserve
• Snorkel above shipwreck and feed fish
• Snorkel above coral reef
• Use slide and dive platform

Top questions

How long does the turtle feeding & snorkeling tour last?

The standard tour lasts about 2 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Barbados tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided onboard.

Are drinks included during the boat trip?

Unlimited Bajan rum punch, soft drinks, bottled water, vodka and whiskey mixes are included.

Can children join this turtle feeding & shipwreck snorkeling tour?

Yes, kids are welcome and there’s even a slide they love using from the boat.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

You’ll snorkel with turtles near Holetown then visit Folkstone Marine Reserve for shipwreck & reef snorkeling.

Is there a bathroom or changing room on board?

Yes, there are bathroom facilities and a changing room available on the boat.

Are private tours available for this experience?

Yes, private tours can be arranged for groups up to 35 people (or 40 for full capacity).

What else can you do onboard besides snorkeling?

You can use the slide or dive platform for extra fun between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes use of life jackets and all snorkeling equipment plus access to both decks of a modern glass-bottom boat with bathroom and changing room facilities onboard. Unlimited Bajan rum punch (plus soft drinks and spirits) is served throughout your trip; you’ll also have use of the slide and dive platform at each stop before returning comfortably ashore at Holetown.