The Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise provides visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From swimming alongside turtles to exploring the UNESCO-listed city of Bridgetown, this excursion offers an engaging and personalized experience. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a range of inclusions, the tour caters to travelers seeking to discover the essence of Barbados. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this excursion promises to leave you with lasting memories of your time on the island.

This experience made our list of the 21 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Barbados.

About Your Stay

  • Comprehensive tour of Barbados’ natural beauty and cultural heritage, including activities like swimming with turtles and visiting UNESCO-listed cities.
  • Scenic drive along Cherry Tree Hill and snorkeling experiences at Carlisle Bay and a shipwreck site to explore marine life.
  • Inclusion of air-conditioned vehicle, beverages, bottled water, and gratuities, with a maximum of 24 travelers for a personalized experience.
  • Opportunity to explore historic city centers with colonial architecture, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bridgetown.
  • Overall positive feedback on the snorkeling experience and island exploration, with some critiques regarding specific locations visited.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise - Tour Overview and Highlights

The Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Guests can swim with turtles, discover UNESCO-listed cities, and visit top attractions like St. John’s Church, Bathsheba Beach, and the "Soup Bowl."

The tour also includes a drive along Cherry Tree Hill, surrounded by mahogany trees.

Snorkeling experiences at Carlisle Bay and a shipwreck site provide opportunities to immerse in the island’s marine life.

Participants can learn about Barbados’ rich history at Morgan Lewis Mill and The Garrison Savannah, where historic cannons are on display.

Inclusions and Logistics

For the convenience of participants, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, beverages, bottled water, and gratuities.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 24 travelers, providing a more personalized experience. Cruise ship passengers are required to provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time to ensure seamless coordination.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for flexibility in planning.

  • Bring a bathing suit and towel to fully enjoy the snorkeling and swimming activities.

  • Shuttle bus to the terminal may be required, so arrive on time at the designated meeting point.

  • The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Pickup Information

Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise - Pickup Information

The tour departs from the Cruise Terminal in Bridgetown.

A shuttle bus may be required to reach the meeting point at Gate 1, where a representative from Beautiful Barbados Tours & Excursions will be holding a sign.

It’s crucial for passengers to arrive on time, as the tour has a fixed schedule.

Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship’s name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking the tour.

This ensures the tour can be coordinated with the cruise ship’s itinerary, allowing participants to rejoin their vessel without any issues.

Booking and Requirements

Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise - Booking and Requirements

Confirmation of the tour booking is received at the time of booking, unless the reservation is made within 2 days of the travel date.

For the tour, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, as it requires moderate physical fitness.

To book, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information:

  1. Ship name
  2. Docking time
  3. Disembarkation and re-boarding times

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Exploring UNESCO Listed Cities

One of the highlights of the Barbados Shore Excursion tour is the opportunity to explore the UNESCO listed cities.

Visitors will stroll through the historic city centers, marveling at the colonial architecture and learning about the islands’ rich history. The tour includes a visit to St. John’s Church, a stunning example of 17th-century religious architecture.

Guests will also get to wander through the charming streets of Bridgetown, the capital city, which is known for its well-preserved buildings and vibrant culture.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into Barbados’ past and showcases the island’s unique blend of British and Caribbean influences.

Immersive Snorkeling Experiences

Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise - Immersive Snorkeling Experiences

The Barbados Shore Excursion tour offers travelers immersive snorkeling experiences at two distinct locations. Guests can explore the vibrant underwater world of Carlisle Bay, home to a variety of marine life.

Plus, they’ll have the chance to snorkel around a captivating shipwreck site. The tour includes:

  1. Opportunities to swim alongside schools of tropical fish and possibly encounter sea turtles.
  2. Guidance from knowledgeable crew members to ensure a safe and memorable snorkeling adventure.
  3. All necessary snorkeling equipment provided for a seamless experience.

These snorkeling activities allow visitors to fully enjoy Barbados’ stunning coastal ecosystems and create lasting memories of their island exploration.

Discovering Barbados’ Rich History

Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise - Discovering Barbados Rich History

Intertwined throughout the Barbados Shore Excursion tour are opportunities to discover the island’s rich historical legacy.

Guests will visit the UNESCO-listed historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, home to well-preserved 17th-18th century British military architecture and the Barbados Museum.

At The Garrison Savannah, they’ll see historic cannons that once guarded the island.

The tour also includes a stop at the Morgan Lewis Mill, where visitors can learn about Barbados’ sugar production history.

Plus, the scenic drive past Mahogany trees at Cherry Tree Hill provides a glimpse into the island’s natural landscapes that have shaped its cultural identity over centuries.

Feedback and Ratings

Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise - Feedback and Ratings

According to the provided information, the Barbados Shore Excursion tour has garnered an overall rating of 4.5 from 7 reviews.

While the tour’s snorkeling experience and comprehensive island exploration have received positive comments, some travelers have critiqued specific locations visited, such as Cherry Tree Hill.

The tour crew members on the Tranquility Cruise, however, have been praised for their excellent service.

The feedback highlights the following:

  1. Positive comments on the snorkeling experience and island tour.
  2. Some critiques on specific locations visited, such as Cherry Tree Hill.
  3. Excellent service from the Tranquility Cruise crew members.

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Approximate Duration of the Tour?

The tour typically lasts around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the specific activities and locations visited. It provides a rundown of Barbados’ top attractions and allows time for swimming and snorkeling at multiple spots.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Price?

The tour price includes the air-conditioned vehicle, beverages, bottled water, and gratuities. There are no additional fees or costs beyond the tour price, making it a comprehensive package for a hassle-free experience.

Can the Tour Be Modified to Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?

The tour operator can accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice. Travelers should contact the tour company to discuss any specific dietary requirements, and the staff will work to provide suitable food options during the excursion.

Is There an Opportunity to Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs during the tour. The itinerary includes visits to local markets and shops where travelers can browse and buy unique Barbadian handicrafts, artwork, and other keepsakes to remember their island experience.

Can the Tour Be Booked as Part of a Larger Shore Excursion Package?

Yes, the tour can be booked as part of a larger shore excursion package. Many cruise lines offer bundled excursions that include the Barbados Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise along with other activities to provide a comprehensive Barbados experience.

Booking Your Stay

The Barbados Shore Excursion Island Tour and Snorkel Cruise offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, showcasing the island’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and UNESCO-listed sites. From swimming with turtles to exploring historic Bridgetown, this tour provides a personalized adventure for all. With an air-conditioned vehicle, knowledgeable guides, and a small group size, this excursion is an exceptional way to discover the wonders of Barbados.