Barbados by boat: turtles, snorkelling, fishing and water skiing
Four trips from Bridgetown on the Caribbean coast of the island.
You’re going to love Barbados
Barbados is an island in the eastern Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles. Its capital, Bridgetown, lies on Carlisle Bay on the south-west coast, and Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.
The west coast faces the Caribbean Sea and has calm, swimmable water, while the east coast faces the open Atlantic and is much rougher. That is why our sea trips start in Bridgetown and follow the calm side of the island: snorkelling with turtles, a private boat, light fishing and water skiing.
The 5 best reasons to visit Barbados
A UNESCO capitalHistoric Bridgetown and its Garrison, inscribed in 2011, keeps a collection of colonial warehouses and port buildings that tell the story of British trade and defence in the Caribbean.
Calm Caribbean waterThe west coast is the sheltered side of the island, with flat, swimmable water that suits snorkelling. The east coast is open to the Atlantic.
Sea turtlesHawksbill turtles nest on the west and south coasts from April to November, leatherbacks on the east and south coasts from February to July, and green turtles can be seen close to shore. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Protected reefsCarlisle Bay and Folkestone Marine Park in Holetown are protected marine areas, with fish, coral and, in Carlisle Bay, wrecks on the seabed.
Warm sea and sunDaytime highs in Bridgetown average between about 29 and 31 °C all year, with around eight hours of sun a day.
What to do in Barbados
- Snorkel with sea turtlesA shared boat trip with guided snorkelling at places such as Carlisle Bay and Holetown Marine Park. Masks, snorkels and flotation devices are provided.
- Hire a private boatA private boat for up to 7 guests, with scenic cruising, guided snorkelling and your own playlist, for a family or a group of friends.
- Go fishingA light fishing trip for families and beginners, with captain, crew, fishing gear and bait provided. What you catch depends on the day and the season.
- Try water skiingA 15-minute outing with water skiing, lessons or inflatable rides, with safety vests and equipment included. The minimum age is 8.
- Spend a Friday night in OistinsThe fishing village on the south coast is known for its Friday night Fish Fry, with a quieter edition on Saturday. Check the current programme before you go.
Boat trips and attractions in Barbados
Barbados is best enjoyed from the water, especially along the calm west and south-west coast. Our four trips are run by an independent operator, Princess Aurora Cruises, from a meeting point in Bridgetown: a shared snorkelling trip, a private boat with guided snorkelling for up to 7 guests, a light fishing trip, and a water skiing and inflatable rides outing. On the snorkelling and fishing trips drinks are included, with rum punch and beer for guests over 18 only; younger guests get juices, soft drinks and water.
For reference, Visit Barbados lists barracuda all year, sailfish and marlin from January to April, tuna from January to May, and mahi mahi and wahoo around the reefs. Our fishing trip is a light outing for families and beginners, not a big-game charter. At the end of this guide you will find our experiences in Barbados, with live availability and secure online payment.
Enjoy with peace of mind
Local operators
The trips are run by local operators who know these waters.
Live availability
Dates and times come straight from the operator’s calendar.
Clear prices online
The price you see is what you pay online; fees payable on site are listed on each trip page.
WhatsApp support
Message us and we will answer your questions before and after you book.
Ready to sail?
Pick your experience and book direct, or message us and we will help you choose.
