Snorkeling Around Bridgetown

Make sure to pack your snorkeling equipment for your trip to Bridgetown.  Underneath the surface of the seas of Barbados is a whole world to be explored, from coral reef systems to shipwrecks.  Don't have your own equipment?  Not a problem.  There are many ways to get a snorkeling kit when you arrive.  

Some hotels offer equipment as a bonus to guests who stay with them, free of charge.  There are also kiosks at some of the most popular beaches renting them out.  You will have the best luck on this front if you go to a scuba diving or watersports equipment shop.  Rentals generally cost less than $30(USD) per kit.  Meanwhile, it is between $40 and $100(USD) per person for a guided snorkeling boat tour, and that includes the cost of the equipment.  This is a great way to get to know the marine world of Bridgetown, especially if you are new to snorkeling, but still recommended if you've never gone snorkeling in this town before.  

Snorkeling Sites

If you're ready to explore what's down below you might enjoy visiting Carlisle Bay. This very popular snorkeling site is populated with just as many artifacts as fish. Snorkelers will be able to explore the waters and spot anchors, canons, and shipwrecks that have slowly become part of the underwater environment. This snorkeling site is located within downtown Bridgetown.

Brighton Beach is another place you might enjoy. One of the prime snorkeling spots around the island, this beach is home to natural pools, coral reefs, and is also a nesting site for sea turtles. Depending on the time of the year, you should have no problem seeing a plethora of tropical fish, juvenile sea turtles, and sea urchins along the floor. Experienced swimmers can even go a little further out about 100 feet past the reef and explore parts of a wreck.

A third place to consider is Drill Hall Beach. The rougher waters off Drill Hall beach hide a shallow reef that can be a great snorkeling adventure for snorkels with a little experience.

A fourth location where you can go snorkeling is Batts Rock Beach. With areas of calm and rough water, Batts Rock Beach is a good spot for a diverse skill level. However, while you will surely catch a glimpse of some native fish while snorkeling, the beach is more popular for other activities. If you want to experience it for yourself, this site is located in northern Bridgetown.

Paynes Bay Beach is a fifth site to consider. One of the many options at this popular spot is snorkeling thanks to its many tropical fish, as well as the fact that it is one of the best spots to sight a sea turtle.

Some basic details about 8 of the best places to experience snorkeling in this area are listed in the following table.

Snorkeling Boat Trips

For some people, the most enjoyable snorkeling is experienced away from the shore.

If you're ready to snorkel during a boat trip, you can check with El Tigre Cruises. Spend a day out on the water exploring the coastal world of the Barbados. On board one of the boats owned by El Tigre, you can do just that while relaxing and letting a crew do all the work.

Another option to consider is Small Cats Catamaran Sailing Cruises. Go on a personalized day trip out into the ocean on board a small, but stable, catamaran with Small Cats Sailing Cruises. The experienced crew will make sure that all your needs are taken care of and that you you have a good time. They're located within downtown Bridgetown.

A third option is Cool Runnings. There are two main cruise packages offered at Cool Runnings. The first is the Daily Snorkel Lunch Cruise.

Check this table for details on boat operators that offer snorkeling opportunities.

Snorkeling Services

If you're looking for a business that offers snorkeling excursions, rentals, or other services, you might want to check with Barbados Blue Snorkeling. More than just a dive shop, the team here is all medically trained and also well versed in local ecology. They care about the environment and want to show you the beauty of the underwater world without damaging it. They are located in downtown Bridgetown.

Another company that offers snorkeling related services is Roger's Watersports Centre. If you've got a fried or relative who plans on doing some scuba diving, sign up with this dive operation that is happy to let friends tag along to do some snorkeling.

A third company worth contacting is Hazell's Water World. Why bring bulky snorkeling equipment along with you when you can buy it at low prices on the island? This shop has everything you need to get snorkeling, and they are happy to help their customers find the perfect set of equipment for them. They're located in the heart of Bridgetown.

Some details with regard to 4 places that provide snorkeling services are summarized here:

To learn more about snorkeling, including tips and suggestions for beginners and "pros" read this comprehensive discussion of snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Whether you're looking for a reef view, a wreck site, or you'd like to experience a little bit of both, there are so many options in and near the waters of Bridgetown that planning for a day or more of snorkeling is a must.