Barbados offers two classic ways to spend a day: out on the water on a catamaran cruise, or exploring the island by road on a tour. The right choice depends on what you want from the day, and you can always do both. This guide compares them.
Quick answer
- Choose a catamaran cruise if you want turtles, snorkeling, swimming and a relaxed day on the water. See the cruises.
- Choose an island tour if you want to see caves, gardens, the rugged east coast, wildlife and history. See the island tours.
- Choose a safari if you want an off-road 4×4 Jeep adventure in a small group of up to 10 guests. See the Discovery Safari or the Adventure Safari.
Compare them at a glance
| Catamaran cruise | Island tour | Safari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 5 hours | 4 to 8 hours, depending on the tour | 4 or 5 hours |
| Where | On the water | By road, with stops around the island | 4×4 Jeep, including off-road |
| Highlights | Turtle swim, snorkel stop, beach lunch stop | Harrison’s Cave, Bathsheba, Cherry Tree Hill, wildlife reserve, historic sites | Gun Hill, Hackleton’s Cliff, Bathsheba and the East Coast |
| Group size | Up to 12, 14, 25 or 45, depending on the cruise | 12 to 45, depending on the vehicle | Maximum of 10 |
| Pickup | Hotels and apartments on the west and south coasts | Hotels and apartments on the west and south coasts | Hotels and apartments on the west and south coasts |
Which suits you?
If you love the water
A catamaran cruise combines a turtle swim with a snorkel stop over a shipwreck or coral reef, plus food and drinks onboard. Our guide lets you compare all our catamaran cruises by group size, atmosphere and pickup area.
If you want to see the island
Island tours cover Barbados on land. The Island Adventure and the Natural Wonders tour both include Harrison’s Cave, lunch in Bathsheba and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The Beautiful Barbados tour goes right around the island in 7 hours.
If you want an adventure
The safaris take you off the beaten track in a 4×4 Jeep to Gun Hill, Hackleton’s Cliff and the East Coast, with a photo stop at Bathsheba. They are limited to a maximum of 10 guests.
Can you do both?
Yes. Many guests book a cruise for one day and an island tour for another. Island tours run on set days of the week, so check the days on the tour page when you plan.
Booking with Pelican Explore
We arrange everything in one booking, including your tour and transport, so there is no need to contact the 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.
Not sure what to choose? Please contact us with your group size and where you are staying.
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