snorkelling tours in barbados let you swim with turtles
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11 Best Snorkelling Tours in Barbados

Searching for the best snorkelling tours in Barbados? You’ve come to the right place!

Barbados is known for its friendly turtle residents and snorkelling spots, and I swam with them in Barbados. Whether you’re a beginner or a strong swimmer, like me, boat tours offer the best opportunity to explore the marine life just off the coast in luxury.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The Best Barbados Snorkel Tour is Elegance Catamaran Cruises: Sailing, Lunch, Snorkel, and Swim Excursion, with a Five-Star Rating.

The 11 best snorkelling tours featured here are a mix of different experiences, including a full-day island tour and a snorkel and sunset cruise.

Regardless of the experience you’re after, there’s a snorkelling tour in Barbados for everyone. Let’s find the right one for you!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

barbados catamaran tour
Unsplash Photo by Patrick Lalonde

1. Elegance Catamaran Cruises: Sailing, Lunch, Snorkel, and Swim Excursion

5/5 (223 Reviews)

The Elegance Catamaran Cruises: Sailing, Lunch, Snorkel, and Swim Excursion is one of the best snorkelling tours in Barbados.

Explore some of the most breathtaking sights on Barbados’ calm water in this small-group tour.

Sail along the west coast to swim with turtles and above shipwrecks. With multiple snorkel spots and plenty of time at each, this luxury catamaran cruise promises an unforgettable adventure.

Enjoy a Bajan buffet lunch onboard, with vegetarian options. Drinks and snorkel gear are provided so all you need is your beach bag.

Duration: 5 Hours

Included: 

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Unlimited drinks (open bar)
  • Lunch
  • All activities
  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment
  • Snacks
  • Coffee and/or Tea

Size of Tour: 12 people max

“This was a fantastic trip. The staff were excellent and looked after us very well. We saw turtles stingrays and multitude of smaller fish over the ship wrecks Lunch and swim off beach were perfect” – Carolyn M (see more reviews)

BOOK Elegance Catamaran Cruises: Sailing, Lunch, Snorkel, and Swim Excursion

barbados island tour

2. Barbados Island Tour, Monkey Feeding & Swimming with the Turtles

5/5 (112 Reviews)

Get close to animals on the full-day Barbados Island Tour, Monkey Feeding & Swimming with the Turtles.

From swimming with turtles to feeding monkeys their mid-morning snack in the wildlife reserve, this tour has it all.

Enjoy a delicious Bajan lunch while taking in stunning views of Cherry Tree Hill and Morgan Lewis.

Your local guide will keep you having so much fun you won’t even notice adult beverages are not included. If you only have a day in Barbados, this tour will give you a good taste of the island.

Duration: 6 Hours

Included: 

  • Local guide 
  • Lunch 
  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off 
  • Boat Trip to Swim with the Turtles & Snorkel at a shipwreck 
  • Bottled water 
  • Air-conditioned vehicle 
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment 
  • Visit to Wildlife Reserve for the Monkey feeding 
  • Scenic views of the East Coast, Bathsheba, Cherry Tree Hill & Morgan Lewis

Size of Tour: 10 people max

“The monkeys were the highlight for me, but everyone enjoyed the turtles, sightseeing, and of course being on the water. The food was excellent as was the beverages:) We did have a few light showers, but we never felt we were inconvenienced. The tour director and the boat staff were great!!” – Coleen Y (see more reviews)

BOOK Barbados Island Tour, Monkey Feeding & Swimming with the Turtles

ready for a Barbados snorkelling adventure

3. Premium Catamaran Lunch Cruise with Personal Touch and Limited Numbers

5/5 (94 Reviews)

The Premium Catamaran Lunch Cruise with Personal Touch and Limited Numbers is a hassle-free way to explore the beautiful waters of western Barbados in a luxurious catamaran.

With select hotel pickup, snorkel gear, lunch buffet, open bar, sodas and alcoholic drinks included – all you need is towels and sunscreen!

No previous snorkelling experience is required as guides will help along the way.

Get ready to swim and snorkel among wild turtles and fish before the crowds arrive on this Barbados turtle snorkelling tour. 

Duration: 5 Hours

Included: 

  • Lunch
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment

Size of Tour: 20 people max

“This was such an attentive and incredible experience. The crew went out of their way to make sure that this was the most incredible bucket-list-ticked day. Being so up close with turtles has always been a dream and is a privilege.” – Kevin K (see more reviews)

BOOK Premium Catamaran Lunch Cruise with Personal Touch and Limited Numbers

barbados turtle tour
Unsplash Photo by Jeremy Bishop

4. Barbados Catamaran Turtle Snorkel with Lunch and Open Bar  

5/5 (528 Reviews)

The Barbados Catamaran Turtle Snorkel with Lunch and Open Bar is one of the top snorkelling tours in Barbados.

Get away from the crowds on this 5 hour small group tour. Perfect for families or small groups who want a more personal experience.

Sail along the Caribbean coastline, snorkel with turtles, and enjoy a delicious Bajan buffet lunch.

With hotel pickup, even from some Airbnbs, all you need to remember is to put sunscreen on your feet to avoid those awkward tan lines.

Duration: 5 Hours

Included: 

  • Beverages
  • Buffet lunch
  • Light refreshments
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Live commentary on board
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment

Size of Tour: 26 people max

“Extremely good tour. All the staff were friendly and attentive. Food and drink was included and you could happily have as much as you cared to enjoy. The stops for the snorkelling with the turtles and shipwrecks were great. We booked this company as others would not take a 3 year old, the staff were fantastic with the children and the catamaran was very ‘child friendly’. I would defiantly book again, all on our tour had a wonderful day.” – Colette H (see more reviews)

BOOK Barbados Catamaran Turtle Snorkel with Lunch and Open Bar 

colourful fish while snorkelling in barbados

5. Barbados: Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch

4.9/5 (28 Reviews)

Have an unforgettable day out at sea on the Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch tour.

Explore beneath the waves while you snorkel among turtles and shipwrecks on this 5 hour tour.

Sunbathe on the deck or take shelter in the shade. Shade is great, especially if you aren’t always friends with the sun, like me (talking about you sunburns).

Indulge in an open bar and buffet lunch while taking in beautiful views. This is sure to be an adventure that will make you want even more time on the water!

Duration: 5 Hours

Included: 

  • Unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
  • Breakfast refreshments
  • Buffet lunch
  • Sea Turtle snorkelling
  • Shipwreck snorkelling
  • Snorkelling and safety equipment
  • Pickup and drop-off

“I would highly recommend this trip, the guys on the boat couldn’t do enough for everyone, they were constantly going round getting drinks and checking we were ok. We went to 2 different locations and swam with turtles and over ship wrecks, it was more than I could imagine! The lunch on board was delicious, a lovely buffet of salad, fish and chicken. The music was infectious and from young to old we all had a great time! An excellent day out!” – Diane, Barbados (see more reviews)

BOOK Barbados: Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch

snorkelling tour in barbados to see turtles and shipwrecks

6. Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise

⭐ 5/5 (1114 Reviews)

The Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise is a great snorkel tour for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

On this Barbados catamaran snorkelling cruise, you will explore life under the sea at premier snorkelling spots.

Swim among tropical fish, vibrant corals, turtles, and other marine life while taking in breathtaking views of Bridgetown along the beautiful west coast of Barbados.

Drinks and breakfast are included, with lunch available for the 5 hour tour.

Duration: 3-5 Hours

Included: 

  • Local guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
  • Beverages
  • Breakfast snack
  • Lunch, if 5 hour tour selected
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment

Size of Tour: 36 people max

“Wonderful snorkeling experience with patient guide (Chris) who towed us to view wreck, fish, turtles, rays and coral reef. We were a bit apprehensive (not great swimmers) but greatly enjoyed the snorkeling with Chris’ assistance. Plentiful, delicious lunch buffet with variety of food and beverages. Great music too! A wonderful day in Barbados. Thank you again!” – Oliver T (see more reviews)

BOOK Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise 

sunset snorkel tour in barbados
Unsplash Photo by Chloe Christine

7. Snorkel Sunset Cruise In Barbados

4.5/5 (4 Reviews)

A combination of snorkelling, food, and sunsets, this Snorkel Sunset Cruise in Barbados is a great way to spend an evening on the island.

This 4-hour sunset-focused tour will take you on a journey of exploration and relaxation.

Explore some of the best snorkelling spots around while basking in the beauty of a Barbadian sunset. Along with searching for shipwrecks and sea turtles, visit a secluded cay to swim and stroll along its sandy beaches.

Enjoy dinner and drinks as you watch the sun set over this beautiful Caribbean island. With everything planned, all you need to decide is what to wear for dinner.

Duration: 4 Hours

Included: 

  • Sail along the coast of Barbados 
  • Snorkel a shallow shipwreck 
  • Take a refreshing swim in the warm sunshine of a secluded bay 
  • Enjoy a delicious buffet while watching the sunset 
  • Hotel drop-off (selected hotels only) 
  • Dinner

Size of Tour: 46 people max

“I can’t say enough about the Snorkel Sunset Catamaran Cruise we took, we loved every minute of it. The captain and mates were all so enthusiastic and young and they have been doing this for many many years, real pros, and they were all a nice friendly bunch of guys who know how to show their guests a great time. We all had so much FUN! and thoroughly enjoyed the great music! There was snorkeling for viewing dozens of turtles, then the shipwreck, then swimming and viewing all the colorful and gorgeous fish, then a delicious buffet dinner before the grand finally, a gorgeous and unforgettable sunset! We highly recommend this tour.” – TripAdvisor Traveller (see more reviews)

BOOK Snorkel Sunset Cruise in Barbados

barbados sunset

8. Barbados: Sunset, Turtle, & Shipwreck Cruise w/ Snacks

4.8/5 (4 Reviews)

Go for an adventure off the coast of this Caribbean paradise on a Barbados: Sunset, Turtle, & Shipwreck Cruise w/ Snacks tour.

Snorkel alongside sea turtles, drift over historical shipwrecks and enjoy onboard drinks and snacks. There is something for everyone on this amazing boat cruise.

Watch a stunning sunset over the Caribbean sea as you sail back to the dock. A perfect finish to your boat tour.

Duration: 3 Hours

Included: 

  • Unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
  • Snorkelling
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Hot and cold canapés
  • Pickup and drop-off to and from hotels/select villas/cruise ships (west and south coasts)

“I loved the views, the crew was very nice and excellent, the boat was better than I ever could imagine, It was simply magnificent.” – Natalia, Poland (see more reviews)

BOOK Barbados: Sunset, Turtle, & Shipwreck Cruise w/ Snacks

snorkel tour in barbados to see a sea turtle

9. Barbados Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure

5/5 (296 Reviews)

The Barbados Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure is one of the most exciting Barbados snorkelling tours.

This 1.5-hour tour offers plenty of opportunities to admire tropical marine wildlife underwater from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. Perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers.

Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, fish and rays all swimming together in turquoise waters. And then snorkel alongside them.

This short guided tour is great for those wanting to fit multiple tours into your Barbados itinerary and see more of the island in less time.

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Included: 

  • Access to washrooms and shower 
  • Glass Bottom Area for viewing 
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment 
  • Snorkel at a shipwreck 
  • Swim with the Turtles 
  • Use of waterslide 
  • Friendly & helpful boat crew who are great with children 
  • Complementary drink 
  • Transport (if option selected) 

Size of Tour: 60 people max, 2 adult minimum per booking

“First time to Barbados and decided to search for possible tours and Viator was there. HASSLE free – choose your tour, pay, go. No issues, I chose the pickup options which was seamless. This tour is a must. Knowledgeable, comical, attentive tour guides. Tour is definitely value for money. I will be confidently returning to Barbados” – Sophia R (see more reviews)

BOOK Barbados Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure

snorkel above a barbados shipwreck

10. Harbour Lights – Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkel Tour

5/5 (37 Reviews)

Swim at your own pace on the Harbour Lights – Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkel Tour.

Search for Barbados’s three types of turtles in their natural habitat while admiring vibrant coral and a shipwreck.

The caring staff goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great time. Including if you have limited mobility or swimming skills.

Multiple start times make it easy to fit this adventure into your schedule.

Duration: 1 Hour

Included: Use of snorkelling equipment

Size of Tour: 15 people max

“My husband and I were the only ones on the tour. The guides were awesome. We are not strong swimmers and they were very patient. They also gave us an impromptu swim lesson along with the tour. The guides made sure we stayed safe and had a great time. My husband stayed on the boat during the turtle portion of the tour and the guide lured the turtle over to the boat with some food so my husband could get a good look.” – Karisma T (see more reviews)

BOOK Harbour Lights – Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure

beach day in barbados

11. Barbados Excursion Snorkel Cruise and Beach Day on Carlisle Bay

4.5/5 (219 Reviews)

The Barbados Excursion Snorkel Cruise and Beach Day on Carlisle Bay tour is one of the best Barbados snorkel tours.

Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in Barbados’ crystal clear waters as you snorkel around coral reefs and explore vibrant marine life.

This full-day beach outing includes round-trip transportation from your cruise port to Carlisle Bay, the use of a beach lounger, umbrella, and a provided drink. And opt for only a beach day if you prefer not to go snorkelling. It’s one of the best ways to spend a day on the island.

Be sure to pack or buy snacks before you start so that you can enjoy them while lounging under the Caribbean sun on my favourite Barbados beach.

Duration: 5.5 Hours

Included: 

  • Port pickup and drop-off 
  • Complimentary drink 
  • Beach lounger and umbrella 
  • Access to washrooms and shower 
  • Boat trip to swim and snorkel at a shipwreck, see turtles in the wild 
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment 
  • Use of waterslide 
  • View through the boat’s glass bottom area 
  • Visit and swim in an area in Carlisle Bay where Turtles frequent 
  • Friendly & helpful boat crew who are great with children

Size of Tour: 60 people max, 2 adult minimum per booking

“This was an excellent tour. The snorkelling was well organized and we immediately spotted a few sea turtles. The ship wreaks were also very cool with loads of fish swimming everywhere.” – Daniel H (see more reviews)

BOOK Barbados Excursion Snorkel Cruise and Beach Day on Carlisle Bay

what to pack for a snorkel tour

What to Pack for Snorkelling in Barbados 

While the tours provide snorkel gear, these are the essentials to pack for your snorkel excursion:

  • Swimsuit
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Snorkel gear – if you have your own or the tour will provide it
  • Rashguard – to protect your back from the sun
  • Towel 
  • Sunglasses – to wear on the boat
  • Change of clothes – to wear during lunch or dinner

FAQs about Barbados Snorkelling

Does Barbados Have Good Snorkelling?

Barbados offers some of the best snorkelling in the Caribbean. Calm turquoise water, beautiful reefs, and frequent turtle spottings make it a world-class snorkel destination.

Compared to the islands I’ve snorkelled so far, snorkelling in Barbados was my favourite.

Where is the Best Snorkelling in Barbados?

The best snorkelling beaches in Barbados are the two marine parks on the island: Carlisle Bay Marine Park and Folkestone Marine Park. 

Carlisle Bay offers sightings of turtles and shipwrecks and Folkestone offers coral reefs with colourful fish and other marine life.

Final Thoughts: Best Barbados Snorkelling Tours

When planning out an itinerary to visit Barbados, you’ll want to include one of these amazing snorkelling tours!

Barbados snorkelling excursions are one of the most fun things to do on the island

A small-group snorkelling tour is the way to go because they know the best snorkelling spots to find the turtles and shipwrecks. Without it, you are swimming aimlessly. 


The best Barbados snorkelling tour is the one with the smallest group size – Elegance Catamaran Cruises: Sailing, Lunch, Snorkel, and Swim Excursion

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