Barbados is home to three species of sea turtle — the Hawksbill, the Green and the great Leatherback. The good news is that you do not need to book a catamaran cruise to see them. Several spots along the west coast have resident turtles that you can swim with independently, for free, on any given morning.
This is one of the best things you can do in Barbados and it costs nothing. Perfect if you are travelling on a budget.
One important safety note before you get in the water: always wear a bright-coloured swim float or floaty vest when snorkelling off the beach. The west coast has jet skis and boat tours running throughout the day and you need to be visible in the water. A bright orange or yellow float is non-negotiable — you can pick one up at any sports shop or beach equipment rental on the island. We have had too many accidents involving swimmers who were not visible from boats.
The Barbados Sea Turtle Project
The Barbados Sea Turtle Project has been involved in the conservation of marine turtles here for over 25 years. They monitor nesting beaches during nesting season (June to September) and run a 24-hour hotline for turtle nestings and emergencies — 246-230-0142.
Barbados currently has over 500 nesting Hawksbill turtles per year. The Hawksbill nesting season runs from April to November along the west and south coasts. The Leatherback nesting season is February to July, mainly on the east and south coasts.
When you are swimming with turtles: observe from a distance, do not hang onto shells, do not feed them, do not chase them. They are wild animals. Watch them live their lives and you will have a much better experience than trying to get close.
If you spot a turtle nesting on a beach at night: do not use flash photography, observe from a distance and call the hotline.
Best Beaches to Swim with Turtles in Barbados
Alleyne's Bay (Lonestar)
This is the most reliable spot on the island. The turtles are located just off Lonestar Restaurant and the area is well known — many of the catamaran and glass-bottom boat tours come here and the crews sometimes throw food to attract them.
The best time to come here is early morning, before the boats start arriving. Once the catamarans anchor up it can get busy with people in the water. Get there before 9am and you will often have the turtles largely to yourself.
Bring your own snorkel mask and your bright float, wade in from the beach and wait. They will come to you.
Before the boats arrive at Lonestar
Paynes Bay
If you are staying on the west coast, Paynes Bay is the most convenient option. Walk across to Paynes Bay using the public access by One Sandy Lane, turn left and walk down the beach. This spot is quite busy so your bright float is particularly important here — there are boat operators in the area throughout the day.
The water is calm and the turtles are regularly spotted feeding on seagrass in the shallower areas just off the beach.
Carlisle Bay and Pebbles Beach
If you are spending the day at Pebbles Beach you can swim with turtles here. Continue north along the beach and swim carefully under the pier, passing the Barbados Yacht Club. The area around Carlisle Bay also has shipwrecks slightly further out — it is recommended to go with a group for the wreck section as the area can be busy with boat traffic.
Pebbles Beach — continue north for more turtles around Carlisle Bay
Freights Bay
On the south coast rather than the west. If you are taking a surfing lesson with Boosy's Surf School at Freights Bay, you can often tick off turtle spotting at the same time. There are a few resident turtles here. Paddle out on a boogie board and keep your eyes open — they pop up regularly.
Sea turtle spotting at Freights Bay
Free Download
Free Barbados Self-Drive Route Guide
The full island in one day — from a Bajan who actually lives here.
Booking a Catamaran Cruise
The catamaran cruise option gives you a guided turtle experience, lunch, drinks, snorkelling at a shipwreck and a full day on the water. Around $95 USD per person.
Operators worth knowing: Jammin', Cool Runnings and Silver Moon all make a stop at either Paynes Bay or Alleyne's Bay for turtle swimming and include a wreck snorkel stop. Cool Runnings and Jammin' are both around $95 USD per person including lunch and drinks all day.
The independent option (described above) is free and perfectly good for seeing the turtles. The catamaran cruise is a better choice if you want a full day on the water with everything taken care of.
Practical Tips
- Bring your own snorkel mask — rental gear works but your own kit is better
- Always wear a bright float — orange or yellow, visible from the water's surface
- Go early — before 9am at Alleyne's Bay for the quietest experience
- Do not wear sunscreen in the water — reef-safe sunscreen only if you must, but the reef and the turtles do not benefit from chemical sunscreens
- Observe, do not interfere — watching them quietly is far more rewarding than trying to touch them
For more on exploring the west coast, read the self-drive island tour guide which includes Alleyne's Bay as one of the stops. The south coast local guide covers Pebbles Beach and Carlisle Bay in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alleyne's Bay (near Lonestar Restaurant) is the most reliable spot — particularly early morning before the catamaran tours arrive. Paynes Bay is also excellent and easier to access from most south and west coast accommodation. Carlisle Bay near Pebbles Beach has turtles as well as shipwrecks to explore.
