Barbados Island Tour, Monkey feeding & Swimming with the Turtles

Barbados Island Tour, Monkey feeding & Swimming with the Turtles offers an engaging day for travelers eager to see the island’s wildlife and scenic sights without feeling rushed. Priced at $147 per person, this approximately 7-hour experience combines wildlife interaction, cultural highlights, and aquatic adventure. You’ll visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve to feed monkeys, see stunning views from Cherry Tree Hill, explore the historic Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, relax at Bathsheba Beach, and enjoy an exciting boat trip to swim with sea turtles and snorkel at a shipwreck.

What we love most are two things: first, the personalized attention from guides, who many reviews say are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share their love of the island; second, the variety of experiences packed into one day—from wildlife and scenic views to snorkeling and local food. However, a possible downside is that some stops are quite brief, leaving little time to explore each site thoroughly.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and adventure, especially those who enjoy wildlife and water activities. Families, animal enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a taste of authentic Barbados without the hassle of planning multiple excursions will find this an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Feeding monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve offers a close-up experience with playful animals.
• Scenic Stops: Cherry Tree Hill and Morgan Lewis provide breathtaking views and cultural insights.
• Water-Based Adventure: Swimming with turtles and snorkeling at a shipwreck make for unforgettable memories.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Snorkel gear, lunch, and transportation are included, simplifying your day.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring more personal guidance and less crowding.
• Family Friendly: The tour is suitable for children, with plenty of engaging activities and a relaxed pace.

A Closer Look at the Barbados Island Tour

When considering a trip to Barbados, deciding how to fit in wildlife, scenery, and beach time can be overwhelming. This tour simplifies that choice by combining several highlights into a well-organized, seven-hour journey. Starting in the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or cruise port, whisked in an air-conditioned vehicle, and introduced to the island through the eyes of a knowledgeable guide.

Wildlife Reserve and Monkey Feeding

The day kicks off at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll get to see the island’s famous green monkeys during their mid-morning feeding. Many reviews say this is the highlight— “lots of monkeys” and a chance to get close to these playful creatures. For animal lovers, it’s a rare chance to see wildlife roaming freely and to participate in feeding, a memorable experience that feels both fun and genuine.

Scenic Views at Cherry Tree Hill and Morgan Lewis

Next, you’ll visit Cherry Tree Hill, perched 850 feet above sea level. From here, the views of the lush landscape and the coastline are spectacular—a perfect spot for photos and a moment of quiet reflection. The stop is brief, about 15 minutes, but many travelers appreciate the photo opportunities and the chance to stretch their legs.

Adjacent is the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, built in 1727. It’s one of the last functioning wind-powered sugar mills worldwide, offering a glimpse into Barbados’ sugar industry history. Although the mill itself is small, the significance is pretty meaningful for history buffs or those interested in local industry.

Relaxation at Bathsheba Beach

The next stop is Bathsheba Beach, famous for its rugged shoreline, coral formations, and dramatic surf. The legend about bathing in milk aside, this spot offers stunning ocean views and plenty of space to relax or take photos. The hour-long stop is enough for a quick walk or a dip if you’re feeling brave, but some reviews note that the time here is quite short.

The Highlight: Boat Trip at Carlisle Bay

The trip’s centerpiece is the 1.5-hour boat cruise from Carlisle Bay with Tranquility Cruises. Many reviewers say this is the highlight—swimming with turtles in their natural habitat, snorkelling at a shipwreck, and enjoying the sea breeze onboard. The guides aboard the boat are praised for their attentiveness and knowledge, making the experience both fun and safe.

Some guests mention that the snorkeling might be underwhelming if you don’t see many turtles or fish, but the thrill of being in the water with these gentle creatures makes it worthwhile. The inclusion of snorkel gear means you don’t have to bring your own, and the water is provided, making it a convenient highlight.

Lunch and Scenic Drives

A delicious local Bajan lunch rounds out the day—many reviews rave about the tasty dishes, with some recommending the fish at Dina near Bathsheba. The tour also includes scenic drives past Cherry Tree Hill, Morgan Lewis, and along parts of the rugged East Coast, offering insight into the island’s landscape and history.

What Those Who Travelled Say

Reviews reflect a generally positive experience with a 4.6 out of 5 rating. Many highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides—especially names like Kwame, Omar, Glyne, and Ryan—who make the day engaging and informative.

While most find the tour good value for the price, some note that stops are brief and not enough time at each site. For example, “Very short stops at the points of interest,” or “only one hour for the turtle boat,” are common comments. Still, many feel that with the variety of activities packed into one day, it’s a worthwhile adventure.

A few reviews mention bumpy roads and mild carsickness, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions. Also, some mention that the snorkeling might not always meet expectations, but overall, the boat cruise remains a popular part of the day.

Practical Details That Matter

This tour operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with a start time around 10:35 am. Pickup from your hotel or cruise port is included, but you’ll need to specify your location during booking to ensure seamless collection.

The group size is limited to 10 people, which makes for a more intimate experience—ideal if you prefer avoiding large tours. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and water activities are involved.

In terms of cost, $147 per person includes admission to wildlife, boat trip, snorkel gear, lunch, and transportation. When you consider the variety of activities—wildlife, scenic views, boat cruise, and lunch—many feel this offers good value, especially given the personalized guidance and small group size.

The Sum Up

This Barbados tour provides a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, cultural insights, and aquatic fun. It’s particularly appealing if you love animals and want to see a genuine side of the island without multiple bookings. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge help make the day educational as well as enjoyable.

While some may find the stops a bit brief or the snorkeling could be more rewarding, most agree that the trip is a memorable adventure with a good mix of activities. It’s ideal for families, animal lovers, or travelers who want a complete, relaxed, and engaging day exploring Barbados.

If you’re after a convenient, diverse, and authentic experience, this tour is a solid pick. Just be prepared for some bumpy roads and a busy schedule, and you’ll likely come away with a handful of stories—and hopefully, some turtle sightings!

FAQ

Is hotel or port pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel or cruise port, but you need to specify your exact location during booking to ensure timely collection.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat cruise lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, during which you’ll snorkel with turtles and explore a shipwreck.

Are snorkel gear and equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes use of snorkel gear, so you don’t need to bring your own.

What is the tour’s group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring for the tour?
Towels and swimwear are recommended, especially for the snorkeling and swimming parts. Also, consider motion sickness remedies if you’re prone to carsickness.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; the activities are generally family-friendly.

How much time is spent at each site?
Most stops are brief, around 15 minutes or less, so plan accordingly. The focus is on a quick but diverse overview.

What is the cost and what does it include?
The tour costs $147 per person, including wildlife reserve entry, lunch, boat trip, snorkel gear, and transportation. It’s a good value considering all activities packed into one day.

In essence, for those seeking an active, wildlife-filled day with stunning scenery and a touch of aquatic adventure, this tour hits the mark. It’s a great way to experience Barbados beyond its beaches, with guides who make the journey both informative and fun.