Last Updated on March 5, 2021
The beautiful island of Barbados is a great destination for those looking for the perfect tropical island with powder white sand and warm Caribbean waters. Besides the beach, there’s plenty to do and experience on the island. From Harrison’s Cove for adventure seekers, Oistins Fish Fry on Friday night for a local experience to some of the best restaurants for those looking for fine dining. None of that could compare though, to the absolute highlight of the trip for me: swimming with turtles in Barbados.
The warm waters of Barbados are home to 3 different types of turtles: Hawksbill, Leatherback and Green. Not many realize, that unfortunately, all 3 of them are endangered. A great organization Barbados Sea Turtle Project does amazing work protecting and restoring the turtle population. They monitor the turtles, educate and spread awareness in hopes, that these beautiful animals do not become extinct.
Where can you go swimming with turtles in Barbados ?
There are 2 marine parks on the west side of the island, and that’s where you can encounter most of the turtles. The water is clear, warm and calm, which makes for a perfect environment for spotting many of them. Barbados is one of the World’s top destinations to swim with turtles, and even though it’s never guaranteed with wildlife, you are very likely to encounter them.
If you happen to be in Barbados between May and October, you might have an opportunity to experience the nesting of hawksbill and green turtles, as this is their nesting season.
Swimming with turtles in Barbados is what attracts many people to the island and because of its popularity, there are many boat tours offering daily trips. Based on great reviews we decided on the 5 hour trip with Sail Calabaza and I could not recommend them enough. One of the main reasons we chose them over others, was that they limit the number passengers to 12 people, which means the boat is not overcrowded, and the entire experience very intimate. You get a very personalized service and attention, whether it’s in the water or on the boat.
From the moment we arrived, the staff took an amazing care of us, from serving delicious Bajan food to making sure we had a great time. Everything was top quality and you see why this is continuously the best rated catamaran cruise in Barbados.
The entire experience of swimming with the turtles was surreal. It appears, that they are accustomed to people, as they were not scared and seemed totally unfazed by our group swimming around them. I think it goes without saying, that you should not touch, chase or bother them. The turtles are extremely protected in Barbados, and you can get in a lot of trouble if you mistreat them. Just the way it should be!
There are also 9 shipwrecks in the waters of Barbados, and our second snorkeling stop was near one of them. That was a great spot to see plenty of colorful fish.
If you visit Barbados, and love being around animals and sea life in their natural environment, swimming with turtles is quite amazing and something not to be missed.
All the pictures you see here were taken by the staff of Sail Calabaza, which was included in the price. Such a great addition to the already amazing trip. The moments captured in the water as we were swimming with turtles are priceless.
This post in not sponsored, just my personal recommendation.
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