best catamaran tour in barbados

Next Stop Barbados

8 Best Barbados Catamaran Cruises (That are Totally Worth it!)

Published: April 20, 2021

Updated: September 6, 2023

*This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read our disclosure.

Barbados is known for its beautiful, pristine beaches. So of course, there are many water activities available such as jet-skiing, surfing, boogie boarding, and paddleboarding. But what if you want to do something a little different? Luckily, Barbados also offers many different catamaran cruise options! Let’s take a look at some of the top Barbados catamaran cruises and tours.

Why Take a Barbados Catamaran Cruise?

Barbados has some of the best Catamaran cruises available. How could it not with its crystal clear waters and abundant sea life?

Taking a Barbados catamaran cruise is not only a great way to explore the area, get closer to nature, and see the island from a new perspective. Some Barbados catamaran cruises offer a luxurious experience that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and pampered. Some experiences focus on snorkeling and adventurous water activities.

Most cruises offer a meal of some sort and some even offer wine as you step aboard the boat. No matter what you choose, get ready to have a wonderful, memorable catamaran experience!

What to Look for in a Barbados Catamaran Cruise

When looking at Barbados catamaran trips, consider what activities you want to be included in your package. Some catamaran outings offer tours, some offer snorkeling, and some offer multi-course meals with bottomless drinks. 

Ensuring your expectations line up with the planned activities on the catamaran trip will make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Another tip is to check the catamaran departure and return time for your selected trip. Make sure it aligns with any other activities you have planned. For example, if you want to be back at your hotel by lunchtime, make sure the catamaran trip itinerary matches your desired timeline. 

Types of Barbados Catamaran Cruises

There are three main types of catamaran cruises in Barbados – private tours, sunset cruises, lunch and snorkel cruises.

• Private Catamaran Tours.  These are great for people who are seeking a more exclusive event. The catamaran is reserved just for the individual’s group, making this a perfect option for hosting a special event like a wedding, a date night (think proposal!), and even a honeymoon activity. Private tours are customized to your requested length of time and preferred activities.
• Sunset Cruises.  Sunset cruises are exactly what they sound like. These catamaran cruises typically begin in the later afternoon and continue into the evening. Unlike private tours, sunset tours have established start and end times as well as pre-planned activities and meals. Most sunset cruises will include activities like snorkeling and dinner. This option is perfect for travelers who want to experience a Barbados sunset on the open water.
• Lunch and Snorkel Cruises.  These catamaran snorkel cruises offer tasty lunches and snorkeling at some of the best spots around the island. Swim among sunken ships while admiring diverse marine life and even sea turtles! Cruise-goers will also enjoy sipping drinks and relaxing on the boat while sailing up the West Coast of the island. These cruises also have set start and end times and pre-determined activities. Perfect for travelers who want relaxation and those who want a bit of adventure.

Let’s take a look at the top catamaran cruises available in Barbados. All of the cruises listed below have great reviews on TripAdvisor and knowledgeable captains.

Top 8 Barbados Catamaran Cruises

• Calypso Cruises

Elegance Catamaran Cruises Barbados

Cool runnings catamaran.

• El Tigre Catamaran Cruise Barbados

Tiami Silver Cruises Barbados

Silver moon barbados, jammin catamaran cruises, seaduced luxury catamaran, calypso cruises with captain nick.

With over 500 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, Calypso Cruises has a lot to offer. Calypso Cruises provides all three types of cruises – private tours, sunset cruises, and lunchtime snorkel cruises. Captain Nick has wonderful reviews for being a fun, well-informed ship captain.

Calypso Cruises use a spacious sailing catamaran named Calypso Girl for their excursions. In addition to serving lunch, they offer hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and all-inclusive drinks throughout the day. Maxing out at 12 people per cruise, Calypso Cruises is best for small groups and intimate outings. Cruises last 3-5+ hours depending on which package you select.

I’ve gone on the Calypso snorkel cruise several times and it’s always one of the highlights. Captain Nick takes you to beautiful coral reefs around the island where you can see tropical fish and incredible shipwrecks in the crystal clear waters off the Barbados coastline. Plus, the food is amazing! The snorkel tour includes a premium bar (with some dangerously good signature cocktails) and a Bajan lunch buffet, complete with macaroni pie and other local favorites!

• Located in Bridgetown near Carlisle Bay
• Lunch cruises, sunset cruises, and private tours available
• Tours include snorkel gear and unlimited drinks
• One of the best catamaran cruises in Barbados with over 500 Excellent reviews on  TripAdvisor
• Check Captain Nick’s availability

  Elegance Catamaran Cruises Barbados also offers all three types of cruises – private tours, sunset cruises, and lunch and snorkel cruises. Lunch cruises start from Bridgetown and offer snorkeling stops, a delicious meal, and plenty of time for lounging on the way back. These trips have a maximum of 12 guests.

Sunset dinner cruises offer a unique opportunity to snorkel as the sun goes down and enjoy a delicious dinner with all-inclusive drinks. All Elegance cruises offer hotel transportation and have an open bar.

• Located in Bridgetown
• Luxury experience
• They offer a sunset dinner cruise, a lunchtime catamaran snorkeling cruise, and a private cruise option
• Food, drinks, hotel transportation, and snorkel gear included
• Book Elegance Catamaran Cruise

Cool Runnings Catamaran is another popular Barbados cruise option that offers great value. Snorkel and lunch cruises are offered daily while sunset cruises are only offered Wednesdays and Thursdays each week. Private tours are by appointment. 

All Cool Runnings tours include a buffet meal and all-inclusive drinks. Snorkeling equipment is provided and they also offer transportation to and from your hotel or cruise ship terminal.

• Over 2000 Excellent reviews on  TripAdvisor
• Hotel transportation, meal, and drinks included
• Book Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruise

El Tigre Catamaran Barbados

The El Tigre Catamaran Barbados has over 400 excellent reviews on Viator and offers memorable tours aboard their 60-foot catamaran. You’ll kick off your catamaran tour with a snorkel among the shipwrecks and ocean life, then you’ll return to El Tigre for unlimited drinks and good vibes.

El Tigre offers 3-hour cruises and 5-hour cruises. All tours come with snorkel gear and bottomless drinks. The 5-hour cruise option also includes lunch. They also offer a 3-hour sunset cruise.

• Accommodation pick up and drop off at select hotels
• Maximum 36 guests per cruise
• Discounted pricing for children under 12
• Book an El Tigre Catamaran Barbados Cruise

Tiami Silver Cruises Barbados offers eight different cruise ships to travel on and tours include delicious local dishes. Each cruise ship is custom-built and incredibly spacious. 

Tiami Catamaran Cruises offers private charters that go above and beyond with live music and catered food by request. The lunch cruises have three swimming and snorkeling stops as well as a delicious lunch buffet — perfect for anyone who wants to get to know the friendly sea turtles and see colorful marine life off the coast of Barbados. The sunset cruise has a full buffet dinner and gorgeous views.

• Luxury Packages
• 8 available cruise ships
• Round trip transfers
• Book Tiami Cruises Barbados

Silver Moon Barbados has been around since 2002 and is run by Nick and Nicky. Silver Moon Barbados has a fleet of three ships. Silver Moon Barbados offers two excursion options. You can book a lunch cruise that lasts about 5 hours and has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers per trip. You’ll enjoy an incredible Bajan meal, bottomless drinks, and transportation from your accommodation.

The second option is a private charter that can be booked for any time of day. Food is catered and private pickup is offered. The amount of time is by request.

• 4500+ Excellent Reviews on  TripAdvisor
• Lunch cruises and private charters
• Book your excursion with Silver Moon Catamarans

Jammin Catamaran Cruises offers fun-filled daytime and evening catamaran trips the whole family will love. All cruises include a delicious buffet meal, an open bar, hotel pickup, and even water slides!

The Sun Blast Cruise lasts about five and a half hours and there are plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. The Twilight Cruise promotes a 4-hour sunset cruise with entertainment. If you’re planning a special event, their private cruises can hold up to 85 people at a time. This is a great option for larger groups.

• Round Trip Hotel Transfers
• Great for families with kids
• Large group private catamaran option
• Book Jammin Catamaran Cruises

If you’re looking for luxury, Seaduced Luxury Catamaran Barbados won’t disappoint. Both private and semi-private charters are available. Private cruises last about 5 hours and are scheduled based on the requested time. Semi-private charters have a maximum of 14 people and include snorkeling, refreshments, and a chef-prepared lunch.

If spending the afternoon on a luxury yacht in the Caribbean sounds like your definition of paradise, take a look at Seaduced Catamarans.

• Luxury yacht experience
• Private Chef
• Book Seaduced Luxury Catamaran

FAQ: Taking a Catamaran Cruise in Barbados

How much is a catamaran cruise in barbados.

Catamaran cruises in Barbados typically cost between $75 and $150 USD per person for a half-day, non-private charter. Usually, this includes several hours of exploring, snorkel equipment, drinks, snacks, and a meal.

How long is a Barbados catamaran cruise?

Catamaran boat trips typically last anywhere from a few hours to a half day, depending on the offer you book. When you make your reservation, your captain will tell you when to meet the boat and what time you can expect to return.

What do you wear on a catamaran cruise in Barbados?

Most Barbados catamaran cruises are casual and involve lots of swimming, so I recommend wearing a bathing suit with an easy coverup or tee-shirt for when you want sun protection. A hat is nice to have for keeping the sun off your face, and you’ll definitely want to bring sun screen and sun glasses. It’s also a good idea to bring a quick-drying towel so you can dry off between snorkel sessions. On your feet, a pair of flip flops is fine since you’ll take off your shoes before you get on board.

Final Thoughts: Top Catamaran Trips in Barbados

Whether you are looking for a relaxing day trip or a bit of adventure among the impressive reefs, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect Barbados catamaran tour for you. Check out the catamaran experiences above for an unforgettable experience.

More Fun Things To Do In Barbados

• The Ultimate Barbados Travel Guide
• Fun Things To Do In Barbados
• Best Beaches in Barbados
• Visiting Animal Flower Cave Barbados
• Best Barbados Shore Excursions for Cruise Ship Travelers
• Best Sunset Spots in Barbados

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Barbados Catamaran Cruise on Calypso Girl

Top Ten on Trip Adviso r !   Come join us for an award-winning, relaxed fun day of sailing and snorkeling aboard a 43 foot catamaran boat tha t cruises along the coast of Barbados…

Don’t save this for your last day – you will want to do it again during your stay in Barbados!

www.tripadvisor.com

I live in Barbados and have always gone on the very big catamarans. No more. I am a convert to this particular boat. The staff were amazing. Due to the fact that it is not one of the very large boats my friends and I did not have to deal with loads of other people on the boat. It was heaven. It felt like a private charter even though it was not. I highly recommend this boat.

Nick, Luca and Akim made our day out w Calypso cruises the highlight of our vacation. Whether swimming w the turtles, seeing the shipwrecks or just relaxing on the boat the calypso crew attends to every detail. It is pure fun from start to finish. And of course the pick up and drop off by Sean makes the day even easier. It is a much smaller group than some of the other boats running at the same time and everyone is just so friendly. It’s Barbados at its finest.

www.facebook.com/calypsocruisesbarbados

Sarah Ellis | May 2018

As always Nick delivers the best catamaran cruise trip on the island. This is absolutely a must-do when you visit Barbados and Nick and his team on Calypso Cruises offer a magical day. Their attentive service, fabulous food and drink and stops to swim the majestic turtles and snorkle over reefs and wrecks will give you lif time memories.

Mel Early | Oct 2018

Had the best day with Nick and James. From start to finish it was all i wished for and more. Nothing was too much trouble and the knowledge and information given to us was second to none. We were lucky there was only myself and my husband and American couple on board so it felt more like a private charter. Weve been on catamarans all over the Caribbean and parts of Europe and i have to say this made the rest look like amateurs. Loved ever second of it. Thanks Nick and James for a truely memorable day xx

More Info…

We sail with limited numbers (max 14) to ensure a more personal and intimate experience. Our 5 hour tour includes pick up from your hotel/resort/ship, snorkeling with the turtles, ship wreck or reef and a leisurely lunch stop. We provide snorkeling gear, noodles and all your refreshments.

There is coffee, tea and light snacks to start the morning – including Bloody Caesars if you are so bold. Hors d’oeurves while we sail and a full Bajan buffet lunch of local fish, baked chicken, macaroni pie, pasta salad, potato salad, tossed salad and dinner rolls / garlic bread, followed by delicious desserts.

The crew operates an open bar throughout the cruise to keep you hydrated and relaxed. We serve a premium bar, wine, rum punch, coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks – we will bring you drinks to wherever you are on the boat!

• [email protected]
• +1-246-430-0900

View Package Details

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5 Star Lunch Cruise

Tiami at Sunset

Pan on the Sea

Private Charters

    Climb aboard any of our eight breathtaking catamarans and set sail on the crystal clear waters of Barbados. Believe that when you board Tiami Catamaran Cruises​ you will be greeted by an unbelievably friendly and experienced crew, experience local mouthwatering dishes prepared by our chef and you will also have a fully stocked bar opened all day to indulge at your leisure.

Find your adventurous side as we drop anchor where you can snorkel with a shoal of fish, swim with turtles or just admire the vibrant under-water sea life. In the warm sunshine, roam the beautiful beaches of Barbados or simply relax on our spacious decks.

The Shallow Draught, Barbados

Tiami Catamaran Cruises © All Rights Reserved 2022

• Sailing Excursions

Elegance sailing cruises in Barbados

Enjoy luxury, style & pure Elegance!

Explore our catamaran cruises

Lunch Cruise

Sail cross the azure Caribbean sea, absorbing the picturesque views, stopping along the way for swimming in the pristine waters, snorkeling at the shipwrecks alongside myriads of fish, and face to face interaction with the turtles – an amazing experience you won’t want to miss!

Private Cruise

Elegance is also available for private daily charter. This enables you to completely tailor your excursion to your own requirements. Whether you'd like to enjoy a champagne breakfast at a secret destination, exchange wedding vows on board, celebrate a special birthday or anniversary in style or just relax with your family and friends, Elegance caters to your every need.

Sunset Cruise

Relax in the luxury and comfort of Elegance while enjoying the magnificent view of the island. Feel the light, cool breeze on your skin and notice the Island awaken to its evening life as you watch the last rays of sun dip below the horizon.

From the moment we stepped aboard, we loved our day on the Elegance Catamaran. The boat itself is beautiful and spacious. The crew are phenomenaland the food is great and plentiful, as are the drinks! In short, do yourself a big favor and take this tour. You will love it!!

• Ask A Question

1-246-826-4048  

[email protected]

Discover Barbados Sailing with

Calabaza sailing a life time of happy memories come and make new friends  , come as a stranger.  leave as a friend.

Enjoy the trip of a lifetime, aboard Calabaza Barbados’s top-rated sailing cruise!

Our unforgettable Caribbean day cruise is an exclusive, private and personalized catamaran sailing experience, specializing in catering to small groups (up to twelve guests is the norm, sometimes due to odd numbers we end up with 13) 

Couples, families and small parties alike, are invited to enjoy a superb and authentic experience. Our sailing cruises include a traditional Bajan lunch, snacks, desserts and premium beverages are provided throughout your cruise, including our legendary rum punch! With the ease you look forward to on a vacation, we will transport you to and from your holiday accommodation, all included in the price of your cruise.

Our crew has years of experience and enjoy looking after you on this special trip,

truly making it  an adventure you will never forget.  

NEW GERMAN GUIDE TOURS

Lunch Cruise

Cruise on the Caribbean Sea aboard a catamaran for a 5-hour trip with a small group. 

Deutschsprachig Tour  auf Anfrage erhaeltlich

Sunset Cruise

 Enjoy the waters off Bridgetown, where you can sail and snorkel before watching the sunset

Deutschsprachig Tour  auf Anfrage erhaeltlich.

Calabaza Barbados' Top-Rated Sailing Cruise!

Don't take our word for it! See what other have to say about us.

Ready to Set Sail?

The boat is yours for the day with our Private Cruise!

You decide where we go and how

long we stay – meals and drinks are provided.

For our West Coast guests, we can pick you up right on the beach of your hotel, weather conditions permitting. 

Two Convenient Ways to Book

Bask in the warmth of the Caribbean sun….

Swim and snorkel with us in the crystal-clear blue ocean…. 

Get up close to the turtles and explore the reef or wreck… 

Book by Phone or Email

Pay when you board.

(Mastercard or Visa info required)

Book Online

Immediate Payment Required

(Booking Fees Apply)

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Some tours are physically demanding and are not suitable for the infirm, individuals with heart condition, women who are pregnant or the physically challenged. Tour times and dates may vary based on volume or availability. To the exclusion of tours identified at www.islandroutes.com as being owned by Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours, there exists no relationship of master and servant or of agency between the Operators of tours and either Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours, or the hotel. Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours, and the hotel, do not operate the tours, and for these purposes, the Operators of tours are independent contractors. The Operators of tours are solely responsible for their acts and omissions and Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours, and the hotel, assume no responsibility for such acts and omissions, or for any injury, loss, damage, sickness or accidents sustained on any of the tours offered for sale , including but not limited to any that occur on and/or during the tour, as well as before and after as part of and/or during transport to/from the tour ‐ again, to the exclusion of tours identified as being owned by Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours. Without any exclusion, however, Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours, and the hotel, shall not assume any responsibility for injury, loss or damage to any person that voluntarily participates in cliff diving at any location, including but not limited to Dunn's River Falls or Rick's Café, and/or to any person who voluntarily stops as part of and/or during transport to/from a tour at an unintended destination, meaning one that is separate and apart from the scheduled tour and/or destination. Individuals proceeding in such manner assume any and all responsibility and risk, as this is not a recommended activity. Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours, and the hotel, in addition shall not assume any responsibility for the loss or damage to money, jewelry, clothing or other valuables that have not been tendered to Management for safe keeping. Please note, for your safety, Guest will not be allowed to participate in helicopter tours and/or transfers if they have undertaken any diving exercise within 24hrs prior to departure of said tour/transfer.

LIMITATION OF DAMAGES

Guest HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES that Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours, and the hotel, their parent corporation, affiliates, subsidiaries, insurers, directors, officers, employees, successors, assigns, agents or representatives, SHALL NOT BE LIABLE to Guest for liabilities, claims, actions, damages, cost or expense in any circumstances, for: (A) ANY PERSONAL INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE ARISING OUT OF OR CAUSED BY ANY ACT OR OMISSION ON THE PART OF ANY Guest(s) and/or Operators of tours, excluding tours identified as being owned by Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours; (B) EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MENTAL SUFFERING, OR PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY OF ANY KIND; OR (C) ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. This specifically includes but is not limited to liabilities, claims, actions, damages, cost or expense ARISING OUT OF OR CAUSED BY food or drink consumed at third party facilities belonging to third party Operators of tours.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours cannot guarantee that it will satisfy special requests and we are not responsible if such requests are not met.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Persons with Disabilities: Sunisland Routes and/or Island Routes Tours cannot guarantee that transfer vehicles or tour sites are wheelchair accessible. However, if informed, we will endeavor to make the necessary arrangements. This may however come at an additional cost.

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Bolador Catamaran Cruises

Experience the fastest sailing catamaran in Barbados!

Imagine Catamaran Cruises

Enjoy a leisurely sail aboard Imagine

Experiences

Explore the once in a lifetime experiences we can offer

At Bolador Tours we aim to make your day with us the best day of your vacation.

Join us and experience the fastest sailing catamaran in the Island of Barbados.

Kick back, relax and enjoy a leisure cruise with unmatched comfort and relaxation.

Once in a lifetime experiences that will take your breath away. Together, with our carefully curated partners, these are truly once in a lifetime experiences!

No request too big and no question too small. If you have any questions or want to book with us, click here.

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"Perfect boat trip!!!"

"...We were looked after from being collected at our hotels until drop off. Captain Adrian and Trey were fantastic crew/hosts/barmen/lifeguards - all round great fun. Special thanks to Trey who got my sister into the water using a life jacket and float. A nervous swimmer she did something I never thought she would. He looked after her so well. Fantastic food- best I’ve ever had on a boat trip. The catamaran was clean, smooth, and well run. Only 7 of us on the catamaran which was perfect! ..."

"Fabulous snorkeling and sailing in the Caribbean"

"The tagline for Bolador Tours is, "for the best day of your holiday" and sailing on Imagine was certainly one of top highlights of our week in Barbados. Our 3-hour tour was booked by the concierge at Sugar Bay Resort and started with a prompt 9am pick-up at the resort by a driver accompanied by owner Sharon Coyle. Within 20 minutes, we were boarding Imagine where we met Sharon's husband and co-owner, Geoff Coyle, Captain Adrian, crew member Trey, and four other guests..."

"Never fails to provide an excellent day out!"

"This must be about our FIFTEENTH time on either Bolador or Imagine.....why go back you ask? Simply the best day out in Barbados! From pick up by Sharon to arriving at the boat where Adrian, Tre and Captain Geoff are, then setting sail to swim with turtles and snorkel over shipwrecks. A fabulous lunch (macaroni pie to die for) and drinks galore. Superb crew who encourage the most timid of swimmers, will point out the landmarks and look after you like your family. I won’t say any more.....except if you want a fabulous day out in a non crowded boat then this is a must!"

The El Tigre and El Tigre II schooner catamarans are built for performance, stability and comfort. With the ability to carry 50 people we limit our cruises to only 36 passengers for absolute comfort on board. Each of the catamarans offers daily lunch cruises that will delight you by taking you to swim and snorkel with the friendly sea turtles, and again over some shipwrecks. Explore how the shipwrecks have been transformed into a playground for many tropical fish! The El Tigre catamarans also host a sunset “Cocktails and Canapés” event. After snorkeling over the shipwrecks and with the sea turtles enjoy the vibrant colours of a sunset in paradise. Sparkling wine, cocktails & canapés are available as attentive and warm-hearted crew cater to your every need. This cruise is also ideal for working professionals seeking to unwind on the ocean and revitalize themselves. Private cruises can also be arranged for any occasion and tailored to your desires.

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Copyright © 2000 - 2018 All Rights Reserved. El Tigre Cruises Ltd. ® Barbados W.I.

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We accept credit cards.

You can now check availability for a Silver Moon Catamaran Cruise and book online  instantly.

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We take your security seriously.  Your credit card details are passed directly to our payment providers using banking-level encryption.   We never see or store your credit card details.

If you have any questions about your booking, or wish to book a private charter, you can call us directly on +1 (246) 435-5285.

You can also contact our  Reservations Manager  with your booking request, or for more information on private charters, weddings & special events on Silver Moon.

• +1 246 422 1900

27, Upper Mount Standfast - St. James, Barbados W.I.

Ken Watersports Inc.: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Caribbean Adventures

or Call us: +1 246 422 1900

At Good Times Catamaran Tours, we firmly believe that the foundation of a great experience is exceptional service. This belief has been the cornerstone of our operations since our inception in 2004. Our unwavering dedication to this principle has guided every aspect of our tours, ensuring that each guest receives personalized attention and care.

We understand that the memories made on our catamarans are not just fleeting moments, but treasures that enrich lives long after the journey ends. That’s why we go above and beyond to create experiences that are not only enjoyable but truly memorable. From the moment you step aboard, our skilled and friendly crew works tirelessly to ensure every detail is perfect, from the smoothness of the sail to the quality of your lunch on deck.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the catamarans themselves. We actively listen to our guests, constantly refining our tours based on your feedback to ensure we are always offering the best possible experience. It’s this dedication to guest satisfaction and continuous improvement that truly sets us apart in the world of luxury catamaran tours.

Join us at Good Times Catamaran Tours, where every trip is an opportunity to make new stories, form new friendships, and create memories that will become cherished parts of your life’s story.

Our pride lies in our fleet of French-built catamarans, designed not just for sailing but for living aboard in ultimate luxury and comfort – a standard unmatched on the island. Each catamaran, including our newest addition, ‘Good Times Too,’ built in 2016, is a testament to our commitment to quality. They feature four double cabins, fully equipped bathrooms, a cozy lounge with sofas, and a spacious deck area. ‘Good Times Too’ accommodates up to 25 guests and further boasts an upper deck, inviting you to unwind in the sunshine with a drink in hand. ‘Good Times,’ on the other hand, accommodates up to 16 guests and is perfect for intimate gatherings and classic sailing experiences. Our catamarans are equipped to provide the perfect setting, whether you want to bask in the sun or relax in the shade, offering a blend of comfort and luxury for a memorable experience.

Over 20 Years of Experience: With more than two decades of navigating the Caribbean, our seasoned crew ensures a safe and memorable journey.

Our catamarans, "Good Times" and "Good Times Too," are equipped with fuel-efficient diesel engines and solar panels for battery recharging. This design ensures that we are largely independent of external power sources, reducing our environmental impact and enhancing the sustainability of our tours.

Whether you choose to embark on our captivating Snorkel Lunch Cruise or design your own adventure with our versatile Private Cruise options, one thing remains constant: The creation of unforgettable memories. 

Bountiful Buffet & Attentive Service: Delight in a bountiful buffet of gourmet offerings and top-quality drinks while our attentive and courteous crew caters to your every need, ensuring a voyage that's truly special.

Recognized for Excellence: Our guests consistently celebrate their experiences with us, as reflected in our outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor. Join the ranks of satisfied adventurers who have made lifelong memories with our expertly crafted cruises. [ View Reviews ]

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The Best Catamaran Sunset & Dinner Cruise in Barbados

There’s nothing better than messing about on the water and, for me, it doesn’t get much better than when that water is under a hot sun and when you’re sailing on the Caribbean Sea. The warm, turquoise waters are calm and inviting and home to colourful fish and marvellous sea turtles. It really is a wonderful experience – even for ‘non sailors’. But if you are visiting, how do you choose from the seemingly endless options of cruises and catamaran available in Barbados?

We have tested the waters on this before (pun intended) and have experienced a number of catamaran cruises on recent trips to the island of Barbados.

How to choose a catamaran cruise in Barbados? 

The first thing to say is that catamaran cruises are not all the same and that’s a good thing as long as you choose carefully. There are party boats aimed at younger visitors which sail around the island with music turned up loud, there are more laid-back catamaran cruises that offer a more gentle experience and there’s the more expensive option of a private charter with exclusive use of the boat for the day.

Depending on your preferences and budget, you then need to find a good operator. 

A quick Google search for catamaran cruises in Barbados will generate many results and many opinions but our most recent experience, earlier this year, was hugely successful and well worth recommending. For a change, we decided to arrange an evening sunset cruise which sounded perfect.

One of the best things you can experience whilst on the island is watching one of the magnificent west coast sunsets with a piña colada or rum punch in hand, so what better than to do this from the deck of a catamaran?

The Best Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Barbados

Silvermoon Catamaran cruises was our choice and we weren’t disappointed. A 4-hour evening cruise included swimming and snorkelling with the turtles, dinner on board and an endless supply of drinks. Most importantly, for us, the numbers were limited to only 12 passengers and booking was easy and efficient. 

We were collected from our villa after lunch and whisked down to Bridgetown where our catamaran awaited and we set sail just after 3pm. Our first port of call was Carlisle Bay to swim with the turtles and what a magical experience awaited us all. If you have swum with these beautiful creatures before, you will understand why it never ceases to delight young and old alike. And if snorkelling isn’t your thing, don’t worry; just swimming with the turtles is wonderful enough as they swim very near the surface and brush past you so you really feel part of their world. 

We then set sail again and headed for Paynes Bay where we stayed over for dinner on board; a tasty buffet of local specialities and fortunately, plenty to go around, as everyone seemed to have worked up a good appetite. As the sun started to set, we sat with a drink in hand and took the compulsory photographs while the kids enjoyed a last swim in the sea.

We slowly sailed back to Bridgetown as the light started to fade. The views along the coast were just as good at this time of day and it was easy to pick out landmarks such as The Cliff restaurant with its torches burning brightly. With a last sun downer in hand we were offered home-made chocolate brownies as we sat on the trapeze with the waters rushing below and the stars beginning to shine in a clear sky above. 

We all reached agreement pretty quickly that this had been magical afternoon and that we would carry some truly happy memories with us for a very long time.

• Catamaran cruises in Barbados
• Evening cruise
• Swimming with Turtles
• Silvermoon Catamarans
• Sunset cruise
• Carlisle Bay
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Mark and Lisa Hammerton

We are Mark and Lisa Hammerton and we are lucky enough to spend our time organising villa and apartment holidays to the wonderful Caribbean island of Barbados.

We have been involved with the travel industry for most of our working lives but fell in love with Barbados after many visits and ended up buying a second home there.

We would love to talk to you about the island and our selection of wonderful properties and, as our priority is matching the right property to your requirements, we will always be open and honest in what we have to say.

Mark & Lisa

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Taking the kids: To Barbados

Different strokes for different folks.

That certainly applies to the Caribbean Island of Barbados , which we explored recently. It’s famous for its African/British heritage and history (it gained independence from Britain in 1966), white sand beaches, food, and adventures from caving to surfing.

I wish we could stay longer,” said Olu Solanke, here with his sister, parents, and grandfather from Philadelphia to celebrate his grandfather’s 80th birthday.

New Yorker Yasmin Naaman celebrated her 31 st birthday with her boyfriend in Barbados, one of her best ever, she said, on a Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruis e. Our captain, Hosea Harte, notes that the 36-passenger sailboat can easily accommodate those with disabilities. “We can get anyone in the water,” he said. That includes me, still recovering from multiple knee surgeries. The crew gave me a needed extra arm getting into the water (heaven!) and on and off the boat.

“A catamaran cruise is always the favorite of our trip,” said Deb Holt, here with her husband Sonny from Vermont. The couple honeymooned here 37 years ago and have been back a half- dozen times since. She added that the couple have been getting around by public transportation and feel completely safe. Others reported how friendly locals seem.

The half-day cruise comes complete with two snorkeling stops, one to gawk at sea turtles, the other to see tropical fish on a shipwreck. It also comes with a traditional Barbados lunch (chicken, snapper, macaroni pie, rice and peas, potato salad) and all the rum punch and Banks beer you want to consume.

A little history: Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum. Englishmen claimed Barbados for King James in 1627, making it the first island to cultivate sugar, thanks to the back- breaking labor of slaves. They discovered that molasses, what was left after sugar cane was boiled, could be used to make rum. You can visit the Mount Gay Visitor Centre , where besides rum tasting, you will learn that the first rum distillery was established in 1703, making it the oldest commercial rum distillery in the world and throughout the 18th century, Barbados dominated the rum trade.

We enjoyed learning rum history and a tasting at Mount Gay Rum History Museum, located at the Eco-Adventure Park at Harrison’s Cave , one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island in the central uplands, besides touring the stream cave system. It’s nearly 1.5 miles long and the Great Hall is nearly 50 feet tall. As you ride a tram through the cave, you can’t help but gape at the giant stalactites and stalagmites that continue to grow. Adventurous visitors can opt for an early explorer’s tour where you creep and crawl through hidden passages. Afterward, take a dip in the Green Monkey Pool. There’s also a bird aviary and a zipline.

Another popular attraction is St. Nicholas Abbey where the great house dates back to the 17 th century, there is a historic rum distillery, and the property boasts a popular steam train that is currently being expanded.

While Americans, like the Solankes, often come for a long weekend (a four- hour flight from NYC), many of those from Britain arrive for two to three weeks at all-inclusive resorts like Sea Breeze Hotel and its sister resort O2 Beach Club and Spa nearby. There are condo units as well as rooms, good eats, and plenty of activities. Sea Breeze boasts a kids club and water sports (take out a Hobie cat maybe or a boogie board) while O2 has a great spa, and the resort offers unique Bajan experiences – if you can tear yourself away from the gorgeous beach or pool. ( Loved hearing the surf break from our balcony.) You could, for example, learn to play dominoes, Bajan style on Mondays, blow a conch shell on Tuesdays, make Bajan fishcakes on Thursdays or a classic Bajan cocktail on Fridays.

“Many guests don’t leave at all,” one smiling staffer told me. That would be a shame as there is so much to see and do like the swimming horses. That’s a not-so- secret opportunity, as long as you are willing to get to Pebbles Beach along the southwest coast of Barbados at 6 a.m. when the trainers exercise the racehorses from a nearby track by letting them swim in the warm tropical seawater.

We did see the spectacular Bathsheba Beach on the east coast, popular with locals who come to surf or fish. The current is too strong for swimming but just watching the crashing waves is mesmerizing. A good place for a picnic, suggests our driver and guide, Kevin Ward. Nearby is the tiny Green Globe certified ECO Lifestyle & Lodge owned by former New Yorkers.

The newest hotel on the island, The all-inclusive Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort , just opened in late 2023 with 422 rooms, a big spa, tennis, pickleball, a kids’ club, 15,000 square feet of outdoor and indoor meeting space and beautiful pools. The one drawback, guests say, is the ocean is very rough and there are no water sports here. That’s why there are complimentary shuttles to the calmer Carlisle Bay.

Samuel Hall Lord, who built the ruined castle on the property, was one of the most famous Barbados buccaneers who made his money by plundering ships he lured onto the coral reef with lights in the trees. Passing ships thought the lights were from the port city of Bridgetown, only to get wrecked, their riches stolen by Lord.

It’s always great to find restaurants as popular with locals, as well as tourists, like the Friday night Oistin’s Fish Fry in a major fishing community and Champers Restaurant in Bridgetown overlooking the ocean. If you are conjuring an image of a romantic Caribbean restaurant, this is it. There is no better place to watch the sunset than from the terrace. Come for lunch if you can’t get a dinner reservation.

Check out the art gallery upstairs featuring regional artists. And the food is delicious – you’ve got to try the restaurant’s signature coconut shrimp (yummy). We also feasted on seared ahi tuna, snapper (the catch of the day).

Bread pudding or coconut cream pie for dessert?

(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The fourth edition of The Kid’s Guide to New York City and the third edition of The Kid’s Guide to Washington D.C. are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)

©2024 Eileen Ogintz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.