Are Turtles Guaranteed on a Barbados Catamaran Cruise?

No. Turtles are wild animals, so no catamaran cruise in Barbados can guarantee you will see one. What every one of our cruises does include is a stop to swim with turtles, followed by a snorkel stop and the rest of the day on the water.

The honest answer

Turtle sightings on Barbados cruises are common, but they are never guaranteed. We would rather tell you that plainly than promise something nobody can deliver. Each of our seven catamaran cruises includes a turtle swim stop, followed by a snorkel stop over a shipwreck or a coral reef.

What to expect at the turtle stop

  • The crew stops the catamaran and you get into the water to swim and snorkel.
  • Snorkel equipment is included on most of our cruises, so you can watch turtles from the surface. The details are on each cruise page.
  • Turtles come and go as they please, so how long you see them can vary.

How to give yourself the best chance

  • Follow your crew’s instructions when you get in the water.
  • Move slowly and stay calm, because sudden movements can scare wildlife.
  • Keep a respectful distance and never chase, touch or ride a turtle.
  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen if you can.
  • Bring a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case.

What if I do not see a turtle?

You still enjoy the rest of the cruise: the snorkel stop over a shipwreck or coral reef, food and drinks onboard, and time relaxing on the water.

Which cruise should you choose?

All eight cruises include the turtle swim, so the choice comes down to group size, atmosphere and where you are staying. Our guide to choosing a cruise lets you compare all our catamaran cruises side by side, or you can view all catamaran cruises.

Good to know

We arrange everything in one booking, including your cruise and transport, so there is no need to contact the boat operators yourself. Pay in full online to secure your date and we confirm within 24 hours. Dates depend on availability, and if we cannot accommodate your date your payment is refunded in full.

Common questions

Are turtles guaranteed on a Barbados catamaran cruise?

No. Turtles are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed on any cruise. Every one of our cruises includes a turtle swim stop.

Can I touch the turtles?

Please do not. Keep a respectful distance and never chase, touch or ride a turtle.

Which cruise is best for seeing turtles?

All eight cruises include a turtle swim, and none can guarantee a sighting, so choose by group size, atmosphere and pickup area instead.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Most of our cruises include snorkel equipment. Check the cruise page for details, or please contact us.

Looking for what to pack? Read our guide to what to wear and bring on a Barbados catamaran cruise.

Related guides: Which Barbados catamaran cruise is right for you? · Best sunset cruise in Barbados · Small group catamaran cruises in Barbados · Barbados party boat cruises

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