Perhaps you are thinking of purchasing a winter escape in Barbados or relocating to the island permanently. Or you’re visiting Barbados on holiday for the first time. In any case, you will want to know the activities you can look forward to while on the island.
A visit to Barbados is arguably incomplete without a catamaran cruise along its Caribbean West coast. Sailing along crystal clear turquoise waters, soaking up the sun on the deck and swimming with turtles are what people dream of when fantasizing about the perfect Caribbean holiday.
Fortunately, this dream can come to life in Barbados, where boat trips and catamaran and pleasure cruises are popular relaxing activities for visitors and locals alike.
As with everything, catamarans have a rhythm and a schedule (however loose) they follow. Here’s a general overview of what to look forward to on a Bajan catamaran cruise.
What to expect
There are generally two types of catamaran cruises: a “lunch” cruise of around five hours and a “sunset” cruise that tends to be about four hours. A lunch cruise will usually start from around 10 a.m, and you will be expected to board before that time.
Lunch cruises usually include the following: a stop to swim and see the turtles, snorkelling to see shipwrecks at Carlisle Bay, a stop for a buffet lunch on the west coast, followed by swimming or lying in floaties with a drink in hand, then a return to port in the afternoon.
A sunset cruise is usually shorter and may include snorkelling and swimming with turtles. It’s generally a more leisurely cruise and may consist of a meal and drinks, but it’s all about taking in the incredible West Coast sunset.
There’s also a third type of cruise: a private charter. This will allow you to choose your itinerary and route to your liking, giving you more flexibility to plan your boat ride just the way you want to.
Leaving Bridgetown
Where to board?
Many catamaran cruises are boarded at the Shallow Draught on the Spring Garden Highway in the City of Bridgetown, while others may be boarded at the Careenage in Bridgetown. Therefore, it’s essential to verify with your cruise where it begins and ends so you can arrange transportation to and from the boarding point effectively.
What to wear on your catamaran cruise?
Although gentle Caribbean winds buffet the boat, catamarans can get hot, especially the lunch cruises. Therefore, casual clothing like resort wear will be your best choice on the boat. In addition to the swimwear you’ll need should you decide to swim or snorkel, a cover-up like a beach caftan or shorts in a light, airy material is a good idea. A cap or broad-brimmed hat will also keep the sun off your face. Most importantly: don’t forget your sunscreen!
What catamaran cruise company options are there?
There are several options for catamaran cruises. Popular cruises include Silver Moon, Tiami Catamaran Cruises, Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruise and El Tigre Cruises.
If you are looking for a smaller vessel with an exclusive atmosphere, Silver Moon and Captain Dwayne are excellent options. Here are the contact details of several good catamaran options below:
Carlisle Bay for swimming with turtles and discovering shipwrecks
Tiami Catamaran Cruises
Phone Number: +1-246-430-0900
Email: reservations@tiamicruises.com
Website:
Seaduced Luxury Charters
Phone Number: +1 246 432 8387
Email: chris@seaducedbarbados.com
Website: https://www.seaducedbarbados.com
Cool Runnings Catamaran Sailing Cruises
Phone Number: +1 246-436-0911
Email: info@coolrunningsbarbados.com
Website:
El Tigre Cruises
Phone Number: +1 246-417-7245
Email: info@eltigrecruises.com
Website:
Silver Moon Catamaran Cruises
Phone Number: +1 246-435-5285
Email: reservations@silvermoonbarbados.com
Website:
Stiletto Catamaran Cruises
Phone Number: +1 246-231-1234
Email: info@actioncharters.org
Website:
Captain Dwayne
Phone Number: +1 246-231-8163
Email: info@captaindwayne.com
Website: www.captaindwayne.com
From lively catamarans playing Caribbean music with buffet lunches of authentic Bajan cuisine to exclusive private charters with dinner, wine and a gloriously golden and pink-hued sunset, one of the best activities to experience while living in Barbados is undoubtedly a boat ride.
Thinking about moving to Barbados, a land awash with amazing beaches, vibrant culture and impressive offerings for long term ownership and rental opportunities? Then contact us at Residence Barbados. Simply fill in our registration form, and a member of our team will reach out to you. Or contact us via telephone or WhatsApp at (246) 230-4982.
