Barbados: Private Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling
About This Experience
A locally owned 30-foot race catamaran running three-hour snorkel trips for a deliberately small group. The operator pitches it in its own words as an alternative to the overcrowded commercial party boats, and the whole proposition is that you are not on one of them.
The guide leads you into the water over tropical fish, coral and the wrecks - and sometimes turtles, which the operator is careful not to over-promise. After the snorkel the boat sails down the coast to a secluded cove for light snacks and drinks on deck: juice, soda, water and a complimentary rum punch, with landmarks pointed out along the way.
You can bring your own food and drink aboard, which most boats on this coast do not allow. Trips run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Highlights
- A small, deliberately uncrowded group on a locally owned 30-foot race catamaran
- Pitched by its own operator as the alternative to the big commercial party boats
- A certified guide leads the snorkel rather than supervising from the boat
- Award-winning shipwrecks, coral and tropical fish, with turtles a frequent but honest maybe
- A sail down the coast to a secluded cove for snacks, drinks and a rum punch
- Three hours from a west coast beach, with free public parking at the meeting point
What's Included
- ✓ Three-hour sail on a 30-foot race catamaran
- ✓ Certified snorkel guide in the water with you
- ✓ High-quality snorkel gear
- ✓ Life jackets
- ✓ Light snacks and refreshments on deck
- ✓ Juice, soda, water and a complimentary rum punch
Not Included
- Hotel pickup - the crew can help arrange a taxi
- A full meal, though you are welcome to bring your own food and drink
- Gratuities
What to Bring
- Swimwear
- A towel
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Any personal medication
- Some cash
Good to Know & Caveats
- Trips run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only.
- The meeting point moves between Holetown and Carlisle Bay depending on conditions, so check in with the operator to confirm before the day.
- The operator asks guests not to touch marine life and to leave jewelry behind.
- Turtles are a regular sighting rather than a guaranteed one, and the listing says so plainly.
- You are welcome to bring your own food and drink aboard, which most boats do not allow.
- Cancel free up to 24 hours before for a full refund.
Not Suitable For
- People with pre-existing medical conditions
- Non-swimmers
- Babies under 1 year old
- People prone to seasickness
- People aged 70 and over
Meeting Point
You meet on the beach in front of Surfside Restaurant in Holetown, or occasionally at Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown depending on sea conditions - confirm with the operator before the day. There is free public parking at Holetown, and the crew can help arrange a taxi or a pickup from some hotels.
What Travelers Say
Rated 5.0/5 by 71 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
One of the best catamaran experiences we’ve had in over 20 years of coming to Barbados. From the time of booking the cruise through to the care and attention on the day, I found Che and his team professional, accommodating and customer focussed. On the day Captain Kamal and Keanu went out of their way to make sure every one of our family group of 8 got exactly what we wanted from the day. Excellent value, excellent experience. I would highly recommend Che and his team. We will definitely use them when we’re back again.
— Myrtle, August 23, 2026
Had a fabulous afternoon onboard with Kamal. He looked after us all, helped us feel confident in the water. We enjoyed a drink and some coconut bread. And we saw turtles, stingray, thousands of fish and the shipwreck. Really relaxed, enjoyable 3 hours. Highly recommend
— Michelle, August 26, 2026
This was a truly unforgettable experience. We spent three amazing hours with Che on his catamaran ending the trip with a fabulous Caribbean sunset. Che was a fantastic host with a genuine passion for making sure everyone had a wonderful time. The snorkelling stops were incredible, we swam with turtles, rays and an array of colourful fish. This was the highlight of our Barbados holiday and I would highly recommend Che's catamaran experience to anyone looking for a truly special and memorable time on the west coast of Barbados.
— Greer, July 30, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is this trip and what does it include?
From $90 per person for three hours, including a certified guide who snorkels with you, high-quality gear, life jackets, light snacks, and juice, soda, water and a complimentary rum punch on deck.
Are turtles guaranteed?
No, and the operator does not claim they are - the listing says 'sometimes turtles'. The certain part is the coral, the tropical fish and the shipwrecks. If a turtle sighting is the whole point of your trip, the Carlisle Bay boats stop at known feeding sites and see them more reliably.
How small is the group?
Small enough that the operator sells the trip on it. The boat is a 30-foot race catamaran and the pitch is a personal, laid-back alternative to the large commercial party boats working the same coast.
Which days does it run?
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Where does the boat leave from?
Normally the beach in front of Surfside Restaurant in Holetown, with free public parking nearby. In some sea conditions it moves to Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown, so confirm with the crew before the day.
Can we bring our own food and drink?
Yes. Light snacks, juice, soda, water and a rum punch are on board, and you are welcome to bring anything else you want - which most of the bigger boats do not allow.
Is it suitable for young children or nervous swimmers?
Life jackets and gear are provided and the guide is in the water, but the operator lists it as unsuitable for non-swimmers, for babies under one, and for anyone prone to seasickness.
Other Barbados Turtle Trips
Barbados: Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch
Bridgetown: Barbados Coastline Sunset Luxury Cruise
Shore Excursion Barbados Beach Day & Turtle Swim Experience
Barbados -Luxury Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar
Bridgetown: Carlisle Bay Turtle and Shipwreck Boat Cruise
