small group catamaran barbados

Next Stop Barbados

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

Published: April 20, 2021

Updated: September 6, 2023

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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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• +1 246 422 1900

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

Discover the Best of Barbados with Good Times Catamaran Cruises

Embark on a journey of luxury, adventure and unforgettable memories.

or Call us: +1 246 422 1900

Lunch Snorkel Cruise: Discover Underwater Wonders and Savor Coastal Flavors

Private Charter: Exclusive Voyages Tailored Just for You

Embark on a personalized sea adventure with Good Times Catamaran Cruises, where your Private Cruise is crafted to your desires. From selecting your ideal route to indulging in gourmet cuisine and premium beverages, every detail is tailored to your preferences. Perfect for celebrating special occasions, enjoying romantic escapes, or simply savoring a day of opulence, our Private Cruise offers not just exclusivity but also culinary excellence. Relish in the privacy of your catamaran, complemented by exquisite meals and drinks, as we turn your dream sea journey into a reality.

Private Sunset Cruise: An Exclusive Twilight Voyage

  An Exclusive Evening on the Sea – Embark on a private and enchanting Sunset Cruise with Good Times Catamaran Cruises, where the serene Caribbean Sea meets the vibrant colors of the evening sky. Experience the tranquility and beauty of the sunset from the privacy of your catamaran, gliding over calm waters as the day transitions into night. Perfect for romantic moments, peaceful reflections or intimate gatherings, our Sunset Cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience Barbados’s coastal splendor.

Special Events: Intimate Celebrations at Sea

Celebrate your special occasions with an intimate cruise. Perfect for weddings, birthdays or gatherings, our catamarans offer a unique, customizable experience for up to 25 guests. Enjoy special menus, water activities, and the beauty of Barbados in a private setting.

Watersports Adventures: Dive, Fish, and Play in Barbados

Experience the thrill of the sea with our exclusive watersport activities. Dive into Barbados’s best sites with our PADI Dive Master, fish for the big catch with our experienced captain, or enjoy exhilarating water thrills like banana rides, water skiing, and wakeboarding. Our private tours ensure a personalized adventure, with options for all skill levels and preferences. Join us for unforgettable water experiences!

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 ]

Our Passion

The Lunch and Snorkel Tour is priced at $140 per adult and $90 for children aged 12 years and younger. Toddlers under 4 years can join for free. The Private Catamaran Experience on the 'Good Times' is priced at $300 per hour. For the 'Good Times Too,' the rate is $425 per hour, with additional charges of $20 per guest for drinks and $30 per guest for food.

Cavans Lane, Bridgetown, BARBADOS

+ 1 (246) 421 6419

• Mon - Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm AST
• Follow Us On Instagram
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Small Cats Catamaran Sailing Cruises Barbados

• 5-Hour Cruises
• 3-Hour Cruises
• Private Charter Cruises
• Reservations

PRIVATE CHARTER CRUISES

Charter this authentic sailing catamaran for your exclusive group experience. Our private charter cruises can be customized so you have the perfect family day, a friends-only cruise, that romantic time with your loved one, a work retreat, or to celebrate another special moment. A private charter cruise tailored just for you and yours is truly the best way to experience Barbados from the water.

You set the agenda. However, we do recommend you consider this classic itinerary we have developed

• Transport from your hotel/ villa/ cruise ship  (if selected)
• Set sail from the Careenage in Bridgetown at 10:00 am
• Watch the crew in action as they handle this authentic sailing catamaran
• Enjoy 2 swim & snorkel stops: one with amazing sea turtles, and one to see historical shipwrecks as well as beautiful tropical fish
• Anchor in a tranquil bay for a delicious traditional Bajan buffet lunch served onboard, and for desert enjoy a tasty banana bread
• Sit back, relax, sway to the music as you sip a rum punch
• Return to the Careenage at 3:00 pm
• Return transport to your hotel/ villa/ cruise ship  (if selected)
• Unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) (if selected)
• Snorkel & safety gear
• Delicious traditional Bajan buffet lunch (if selected)
• Tasty banana bread (if selected)
• On board marine toilet
• Deck space, for working on your tan
• Shade, for when you want it
• Transportation to and from hotels/ select villas/ cruise ships on the West and South coasts (if selected)

WHAT TO BRING

• Swimwear (under your clothing, for easy changing)
• Beach towels
• Anything else you would take to the beach!
• Private 3 hour cruises starting from $600 USD ($1,200 BBD).
• Private 5 hour cruise Starting from $900 USD ($1,800 BBD).
• Contact us for accurate pricing and availability (maximum of 12 people)
• We take a maximum of 12 people for your absolute comfort and safety on board
• Sea turtles are wild animals and as such we are unable to guarantee you will meet them during your cruise (although it is very likely you will!)
• Have more than 12 people? See our larger catamarans El Tigre here .
• Gratuity is not included in the cruise rates

Send us a reservation request

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!

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Small Cats Catamaran Sailing Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Introducing Seaduced I & Seaduced II

Seaduced II

Measurements & info.

Length: 47 | Beam: 24.1 | Number of Guests: 2 to 20

Cabins: 4 | Total Crew: 3 to 4 | Built: 2008 & refurbished annually

Engines: Two Yanmar 55HP | Air Con: Throughout on request

Cruising Speed: 8 knts

The best crew on the island

Private Chef, Professional Captain, Superb First Mate

Spacious aft deck with table seating for up to 16

Luxuriously appointed throughout

We have bean bags for lounging

Water Sports

1 x Kayaks (on request) | 1 x Stand-up paddleboard 

Snorkel equipment | Dingy with 15HP | Floating noodles

Inflatable tyre  (Insurance permission required)

Rendezvous jet skis, skiing, wake boarding & diving available on request

Entertainment

DVD & TV in Salon | Board Games

Excellent Stereo system with IPOD/IPAD connection

WiFi available on onboard

Length: 62 | Beam: 30.5 | Number of Guests: 2 to 20

Cabins: 4 | Total Crew: 3 to 6 | Built: 2009 & refurbished 2015

Engines: Two Yanmar 110HP | Air Con: Throughout on request

Is Your Party More Than 20? Please get in touch.

Luxurious & spacious aft deck with table seating for up to 16

Spacious and stylish fly bridge with additional seating & sun beds

Spacious decks & trampoline for lounging

Snorkel equipment for all sizes | Floating noodles

Jet rib with Inflatable tyre | Wake board | Skis | Kneeboard (Insurance permission required)

Rendezvous jet skis & diving available on request

Chris — Yesterday was absolutely perfect from start to finish. We were all very impressed with Seaduced II, you have a fantastic crew and as we know from yacht charters the crew are everything! They were extremely attentive at all times and very entertaining too. We can't speak highly enough of our experiences of Seaduced and crew and would recommend it 100%! We'll continue to follow you on Facebook and dream we were back!

Wow! What a great day! This was AMAZING! The boat was 5 star and the staff were great, friendly, curious, professional but most of all they were very attentive to our requests. I highly recommend this!!

Bliss! My husband and I, along with my sister-in-law and her husband spent the day on the Seaduced in April. It was sublime. The crew is top notch; the food and beverages delicious; the boat roomy and spotless. We have been on several other catamaran charters in Barbados and no one compares... I can't recommend them more highly. It was a complete pleasure from beginning to end.

I booked a private charter on Seaduced for my husband's 65th birthday following a personal recommendation. Charter company, crew & boat itself made the day a complete success! The birthday treat was organised to perfection, with very little effort on my part. The whole experience was a wonderful way to soften the blow of a landmark birthday. I can't wait to think of another excuse to get back on board.