Barbados Shore Excursion: Carlisle Bay Turtle & Shipwreck

Barbados’ stunning southwest coast beckons with an unforgettable excursion to Carlisle Bay. Travelers can snorkel among vibrant shipwrecks and swim alongside friendly sea turtles on this family-friendly tour. Lasting 45 minutes to 2 hours, the adventure includes complimentary drinks and all necessary gear. With an experienced crew ensuring a safe experience, it’s the perfect way to explore Barbados’ underwater beauty. But what secrets might these waters hold?

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Key Points

The Carlisle Bay Excursion offers a 45-minute to 2-hour tour along the southwest coast of Barbados.
Snorkeling around shipwrecks and swimming with sea turtles are the main activities, suitable for both adults and children.
Pricing starts at $45 per person with a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, and amenities include a complimentary drink and snorkeling equipment.
Pickup options are available from the Tranquility Cruises Dock or the Cruise Terminal in Bridgetown, with early arrival required for check-in.
The tour is a popular choice due to its friendly staff and good snorkeling experiences, but some issues have been reported with organization and proximity to shore.

Excursion Overview

The Carlisle Bay Excursion is a popular shore activity that offers visitors the chance to explore the southwest coast of Barbados.

Discover the southwest coast of Barbados on the popular Carlisle Bay Excursion.

This 45-minute to 2-hour excursion takes travelers to Carlisle Bay, where they can snorkel among shipwrecks and swim with sea turtles. Priced from $45 per person, the tour has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers.

Amenities include a complimentary drink, snorkeling equipment, and on-board facilities. Travelers can opt for pickup from the cruise terminal or meet at the Tranquility Cruises Dock.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for moderately fit adults and families.

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Tour Inclusions

Complementing the Carlisle Bay Excursion’s immersive experience, the tour includes a complimentary drink onboard, as well as access to snorkeling equipment, washrooms, and shower facilities. The boat features a glass bottom area, a waterslide, and a washroom, allowing for varied exploration and entertainment. Plus, the friendly crew is experienced with children, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. For convenience, an upgrade option for round-trip transport is available.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Complimentary Drink | Served onboard |

| Snorkeling Equipment | Provided for use |

| Boat Amenities | Glass bottom, waterslide, washroom |

| Crew Experience | Friendly and child-friendly |

| Transport Upgrade | Round-trip option available |

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers have two options for meeting and pickup for the Carlisle Bay Excursion. They can either meet directly at the Tranquility Cruises Dock in Bridgetown or be picked up from the Cruise Terminal in Bridgetown.

The latter option is restricted to cruise ship passengers only. Regardless of the meeting point, travelers must arrive 20 minutes early for check-in.

Cruise ship passengers must also confirm their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time to ensure a seamless experience.

Activity Details

The Carlisle Bay Excursion offers travelers the opportunity to engage in two captivating activities: snorkeling at a shipwreck and swimming with turtles. Snorkelers can marvel at the vibrant marine life and explore the wreckage of a sunken ship. The highlight, however, is the chance to swim alongside gentle sea turtles in their natural habitat. The excursion boat features amenities like a glass-bottom area, a water slide, and onboard washrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience. Plus, the crew is adept at guiding both adults and children, making this excursion suitable for families.

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Physical Requirements

While the Carlisle Bay Excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the marine life and shipwrecks, it’s important to consider the physical requirements for participants.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and moderate physical fitness is recommended. Snorkeling at the shipwreck and swimming with turtles require participants to be able to enter and exit the water quickly.

A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required, and the tour may feel rushed, so being prepared is key. Participants should be ready to enter the water shortly after arriving at the snorkeling site to make the most of the experience.

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Customer Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the friendly staff, good snorkeling experience with fish and turtles, and suitability for families.

The excursion offers a friendly staff, great snorkeling with marine life, and is suitable for families.

However, some travelers report issues with organization, delays, and snorkeling proximity to shore.

Common suggestions include arriving ready to snorkel, booking directly for better experiences, and being aware of potential transport delays.

While most enjoy the excursion, the feedback suggests the tour may feel rushed, so customers should prepare to enter the water quickly.

Booking Considerations

When booking the Carlisle Bay excursion, customers should consider a few key factors.

First, it’s essential to arrive 20 minutes early for check-in. Cruise ship passengers must also confirm their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.

The tour may feel rushed, so being prepared to enter the water quickly is recommended. Plus, while the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate level of physical fitness is expected.

Finally, customers should be aware of potential delays in transportation and consider booking directly for a better overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Underwater Photography Allowed During the Snorkeling Activity?

Yes, underwater photography is allowed during the snorkeling activity. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, so participants can bring their own waterproof cameras or rent one to capture photos and videos of the marine life.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Towel for the Excursion?

The excursion provides towels, so guests don’t need to bring their own. However, it’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes and a small bag to keep your personal items dry during the water activities.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear or Is It Provided?

The excursion provides snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own. However, you’re welcome to use your personal gear if you prefer. The provided equipment ensures a comfortable snorkeling experience for all participants.

Is the Water Temperature Comfortable for Snorkeling?

The water temperature in Carlisle Bay is typically comfortable for snorkeling, being in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24°C) year-round. This makes it an enjoyable experience for most visitors who don’t mind getting in the water.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Complimentary Drink?

The excursion does not mention any dietary restrictions for the complimentary drink. As it’s a general shore excursion, the drink is likely non-alcoholic and suitable for most dietary needs.

The Sum Up

This Barbados shore excursion offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the stunning Carlisle Bay. Snorkeling among vibrant shipwrecks and swimming with friendly sea turtles provide an unparalleled underwater adventure. With all necessary equipment included and an experienced crew, this family-friendly tour is perfect for travelers of all ages seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Barbados’ southwestern coast.