Want to find out how you can swim with sea turtles, access unlimited Wi-Fi, and jump around on an ocean trampoline and more for just $8 USD? If your answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place!
The Boatyard Barbados is located on the white sand beach and crystal-clear waters of Carlisle Bay. It is a fulfilled beach club of sorts, boasting many of the water activities you can think of for a low low price!
How does it work?
The Boatyard uses a day pass system via a wristband, which gives guests access to all of its facilities. Day passes can be purchased at the front desk, located at the main entrance of the Boatyard.
Guests are required to keep their wristband on at all times as proof of payment. Tampering with, or removing the wristband will result in the termination of your day pass and you will be required to purchase a new one should you wish to stay.
Food and drinks from outside are not allowed inside, though they did not seem to search guest belongings before entry.
Facilities
The Boatyard facilities include:
- lounge chair and umbrella access;
- trampoline in the ocean;
- ocean slide;
- dive platform;
- rope swing;
- basketball nets,
- beach volleyball
- showers, restrooms and changing rooms;
- pool table;
- Wi-Fi;
- beach-side restaurant, bar;
- island music and vibes; and
- last but not least, the Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Tour.
Price
There are 3 price options for accessing the Boatyard, all of which allow you to use all the facilities:
- Cruise Passengers – $25USD.
This price includes use of all onsite amenities listed below, 1 free welcome drink, and transport back to the cruise terminal. Proof of your cruise ship purchase is required. - Cruise Ship Crew – $20USD.
Crew are required to speak with the check in desk at the Boatyard for details of their benefits. I.D of proof of employee status is required. - Locals and tourists – $30USD
This price includes the use of all onsite amenities listed below and roughly $22 USD or $45 Barbados dollars is put into a bar/restaurant credit which guests can use to purchase food and drinks, including alcohol.
Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Tour
Okay so what about the Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Tour?
When you check in and purchase your wristband, they will ask you if you are interested in this tour and let you know when the next boat will be leaving. In case they forget to mention it, you can ask them and they will give you the information.
If you’re interested, they will write your name down and tell you when your boat leaves. You’re free to roam around the area or relax under a beach chair until your boat is leaving.
The Boatyard uses a PA system to notify guests when it is time for their snorkel tour. Guest names will be announced 10-15 minutes before the tour leaves to allow you enough time for your debrief and to put on your snorkel gear lifejackets. Snorkel gear and a life jacket are included, but you are welcome to bring your own!
The Boatyard provides storage space for your belongings while you’re out on the boat.
The Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Tour runs roughly once every hour and lasts about 45 minutes (don’t quote me on that. I was having too much fun to time it!).
The first stop on the boat are the sea turtles. This stop is only 5 minutes away from shore and you will have about 15 minutes to swim with the turtles. The guides will use bait to bring the turtles to shore and keep them there, but typically the turtles are already around.
After this it’s another 5-minute boat ride a little further in the ocean, and you’re at the shipwreck. Here you’ll have another 15 minutes to snorkel and explore the shipwreck. The shipwreck is typically surrounded with beautiful fish of all colours and sizes.
When the tour is finished, the boat will drop you back at the Boatyard where you can continue your fun-filled beach day.
Restaurant and Sharky’s Bar
If you want to take advantage of your credit (if that is included in your price), you can eat at the restaurant or order a drink from Sharky’s bar. Both offer sit down options, or you can opt to enjoy your meal on the beach.
If you choose to eat at the beach, the servers will take your orders while you relax comfortably under your umbrella and bring you food to you.
The Restaurant and Bar open at 11am and last call is at 9pm.
Tips:
- Arrive early!
I cannot stress this enough! If you’re hopping beach chair and umbrella access, arrive early! If you want to snorkel, arrive early! If you want pictures that aren’t overly congested with people in the back drop, arrive early! - Call ahead to find out if snorkelling is available.
Snorkelling is weather dependent, so if this is your main reason for going it’s not a bad idea to call ahead to ensure it is available for that day. - Bring extra cash.
Yes, the price includes a food credit depending on the option you used, but the food is very good and $20 goes by fast. So if you can, bring a little extra cash in case you need to top it up.
Location and Hours of Operation
The Boatyard is open Monday – Sunday, all year round.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. *Hours may differ due to COVID Restrictions
Address: Bay Street, Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados
Phone Number: +1 246-826-4448
For more pictures from my time in Barbados, follow me on instagram!
MilesWithMoonshyyne 
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