Heading to the Caribbean and looking for the best Barbados shore excursions for cruise passengers? You’ve come to the right place! My family and I just got back from this beautiful tropical island and I can tell you all the best tours for cruise passengers in Barbados.
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Looking For The Best Barbados Shore Excursions?
You are in luck! I just came back from another amazing trip to the Caribbean with my husband and kids. We’re big fans of adventure and exploring, so I have handpicked the best Barbados shore excursions you can and should take while you’re here.
Every one of the following tours is a fantastic Barbados excursion for cruise passengers. How do I know they’re the best? Because I’ve taken the time, done the research, and gone on the best Barbados shore excursions!
Not only are all these Barbados tours amazing, but I’ve also highlighted other user reviews so you get another recent opinion as well.
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Don’t have time to read this whole article? Book this Catamaran, Turtles, and Shipwreck tour now. It has a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
IMPORTANT NOTE: In some Caribbean nations it is illegal to wear any form of camouflage. This includes clothing and even accessories like hats, bags, or shoes and also applies to children. Barbados is one of these places. Do not wear or bring any type of camouflage with you to Barbados. You may be fined and/or detained.
Are Barbados Shore Excursions Worth It?
Yes, shore excursions in Barbados are totally worth it! Barbados is a gorgeous island, and there are so many ways to explore it and experience all it has to offer.
You can take boat rides and explore the waters around the island, snorkel with all types of tropical marine life, and even explore a sunken ship!
There are nature trails, food tours, animal interactions, rum tastings, and so many more things to do. There’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy on cruise excursions in Barbados!
My Top 3 Picks: Best Barbados Shore Excursions
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Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise
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Original Bajan Walking Food Tour
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Private Customized Island Tour of Barbados
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The Best Barbados Excursions
#1. Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise
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Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 3 or 5 hours | Check Rates And Availability
Easily my number 1 pick for the best Barbados shore excursion is this catamaran and snorkeling tour. You get to experience a wonderful catamaran ride along the coast of Barbados, which is a treat in of itself.
But then you also get up close and personal with all sorts of tropical marine life when you stop for snorkeling. There are tons of colorful fish, turtles, maybe even an octopus or a stingray. Plus, my favorite part, you explore an actual real life sunken ship!
This was a fantastic trip! Pick up and drop off from cruise terminal was seamless, crew was extremely helpful and made sure we all had a great trip. The snorkeling was the perfect amount of time and lunch was delicious. This was our favorite tour of our trip!
Kristina (see more reviews)
This catamaran cruise plus snorkeling tour is seriously the best shore excursion in Barbados. They provide round trip transport, and even include a delicious lunch and drinks. You won’t go wrong by booking this tour.
#2. Original Bajan Walking Food Tour
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Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates And Availability
If you’ve been around my blog for any length of time you know how much I love food. That’s why this Bajan walking food tour is wicked high on my list of the best Barbados shore excursions.
You get to try delicious foods in the heart of Barbados, and believe me it’s not just tiny little bite sized pieces. You visit lots of the locals’ favorite spots while your guide tells you all about the interesting history of the area.
Paulette was fantastic in making this not just a food tour but also adding history and sightseeing throughout. Portions were huge (as promised), enough for leftovers, and I eat a lot. Well worth the time and effort, especially early in a visit.
Ben (see more reviews)
Food lovers, this Bajan walking food tour is for you. They pick you up right from the port too, making it even more convenient. The tour guides are awesome, the food is outstanding, and you’re sure to have a good time on this Barbados excursion.
#3. Private Customized Island Tour of Barbados
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Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 4 hours | Check Rates And Availability
If you want to really see the best parts of Barbados but don’t want to deal with strangers in your group, then this private tour of Barbados is definitely for you. You get to see all the best parts of Barbados, and learn tons of interesting and cool tidbits of its history.
You can either specify exactly what you’d like to see, or your expert guide can tailor your trip for you. Either way, you’re in for a treat, with a local guide who truly loves Barbados and wants to make sure that you do too.
Great tour with lovely Yvette and Trevor. A truly customised tour of this beautiful island. Knowledgeable, patient and kind. Safe driving and fun chat all the way. Highly recommended.
Matthew (see more reviews)
I’m a big fan of Barbados, and this private island tour is absolutely one of the best Barbados shore excursions you can take. It even includes round trip transport, making it even better.
#4. Barbados Catamaran Turtle Snorkel with Lunch and Open Bar
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Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 5 hours | Check Rates And Availability
Another of my top picks for Barbados shore excursions is this small-group catamaran snorkeling tour. The crew takes a small amount of people out to gorgeous locations that are perfect for snorkeling.
You get to see all sorts of aquatic life, and even swim alongside sea turtles! A delicious Caribbean lunch is included, and there’s even an open bar. You can’t go wrong with this tour!
Such an amazing day with the friendliest staff and crew. Drinks were flowing all day. Food was delicious. Music and vibes were on point. Snorkeling spots were beautiful. It was the perfect tour for part of my birthday celebration.
Renalia (see more reviews)
This catamaran and snorkeling excursion in Barbados is perfect for anyone who wants to spend a few hours on the water but not be in a huge crowd. They provide all the snorkeling equipment you need, include round-trip transportation, and the food and drinks are fantastic too.
#5. Electric Bike Bajan Sightseeing Experience
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Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 2 hours | Check Rates And Availability
If you want a short Barbados excursion, this 2-hour E-bike sightseeing tour is perfect for you! You take a leisurely ride around Barbados to see the top spots in the island.
You join a small group and visit the most popular sites in Barbados, like St. John’s Church. Some of the best views of the area are seen with this tour too, like from Hackleton’s Cliff. The guides are fantastic and give you tons of interesting information about the local history and folklore.
These was my favorite excursion of my trip. Electric bikes are awesome. The guides were great and you got to see a lot of good scenery. Would highly recommend!
STephanie (see more reviews)
Anyone looking to see Barbados’s highlights, learn some interesting facts, and get a little exercise, this Bajan e-bike sightseeing tour is what you should take. They even pick you up right from the port, making it even easier for you.
#6. Mount Gay Signature Rum Tasting Experience
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Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 1 hour | Check Rates And Availability
Adults, if you like rum you have got to take this Mount Gay rum tasting tour! You get to explore the Mount Gay factory, learning all about how the rum is made, with a local guide who loves rum as much as Jack Sparrow.
Between the rum punch, the various rum tastings, and the rum cocktails, I’m not sure what your favorite part will be. You learn all about the various rums as you taste them, and have the opportunity to purchase bottles that can only be found in Barbados.
Great experience. The tour guide provided rich history and was very engaging. She did all the taste testing with us. 10/10 experience!
Coach (see more reviews)
Make sure you come on this Mount Gay rum tasting tour with food in your belly! You can easily grab a taxi from the port for the short drive to the Mount Gay Visitor Centre.
#7. Atlantis Submarine Day Tour
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Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars | Tour Length: 2 hours | Check Rates And Availability
The Atlantis Submarine Expedition is one of the coolest shore excursions in Barbados, giving you a unique chance to explore the underwater world without even getting wet. You board a literal submarine, and your captain takes you on an adventure under the sea.
You dive to depths more than 100 ft. down, seeing coral, tons of fish and other marine life, and even a shipwreck. The whole time, you learn all sorts of interesting facts about everything you’re seeing.
What a unique experience! I would highly recommend it to any one, as I guess there are not many places in the world you could go on a submarine! The staff is so lovely and knowledgeable. It is a must do in Barbados!
Codruta (see more reviews)
Being one of the most popular Barbados shore excursions, you know this Atlantis submarine tour is going to be a good time. It’s a unique and super interesting way to explore below the surface without needing any diving equipment or even having to get in the water yourself.
#8. Small-Group Catamaran Cruise With Lunch
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Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 5 hours | Check Rates And Availability
In a place like Barbados where the sea is beautiful, there are lots of vendors that can take you out to enjoy it. Another of the best Barbados shore excursions is this small group catamaran cruise.
The crew on this tour is outstanding. They make you feel extremely at ease in the water, even if you can’t swim. You get to see turtles, fish, coral reefs, even a shipwreck. It’s a fantastic way to spend your time on the island.
Fantastic. I would definitely recommend to others. The crew were top notch. Plenty of food and drinks. The snorkeling was wonderful. Totally worth it. Best part of our trip so far.
Greta (see more reviews)
This catamaran cruise of Barbados includes round trip transport, food, open bar, and all the equipment you need. It’s seriously one of the best Barbados excursions available. And the whole thing is limited to just 12 passengers, making it cozy and personal.
#9. Private Half-Day Barbados Excursion
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Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 4 hours | Check Rates And Availability
Like I had mentioned earlier, one of my favorite ways of exploring a new place is via a private tour. This private half-day Barbados excursion is perfect for cruise passengers, and anyone really, who wants a personalized tour of the best spots of the island.
You can choose what sites to stop at or your expert guide can tailor your trip for you. Either way, you can see the best beaches in Barbados, historical locations, natural beauty, and more.
Stephen was an exceptional tour guide!!! Absolutely outstanding!! Such a blast seeing the island and loved the St Nicholas Abbey!! Absolutely beautiful!!!
Stephanie (see more reviews)
Taking this private half-day tour of Barbados is sure to be a highlight of your trip. It includes round-trip transportation, and you get personalized attention from local guides who really love Barbados.
#10. Barbados Island Tour with Lunch and Wildlife Sanctuary
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Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars | Tour Length: 5 hours | Check Rates And Availability
Last but certainly not least on my list of the best Barbados shore excursions is this island tour with lunch. You get to stop at multiple popular locations, and have an incredible Bajan lunch to top it all off.
On your tour you visit a pottery production company, you see the beautiful St. John’s Church, and you’ll walk through the Flower Forest Garden. You take a lovely scenic drive, have a fantastic Caribbean lunch, and even stop at the Wildlife Reserve to see monkeys.
A perfect way to see the sights of Barbados. We really enjoyed all the stops and would highly recommend. Our tour guide Cindy was very knowledgeable and made the day great!!
Lynn (see more reviews)
This Barbados island tour is truly a fantastic way to see as much as possible in your short time on the island. Pick up and drop off is included, as is lunch and drinks. You can’t go wrong with this tour!
Final Thoughts On Barbados Shore Excursions
Stopping in Barbados on a cruise ship is a wonderful experience in of itself, but adding an Barbados shore excursion to your itinerary makes it that much better.
I featured the best Barbados excursions for cruise passengers in this article, but if you still can’t decide, let me help you make that choice!
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Still can’t decide?
I suggest this Catamaran snorkeling & shipwreck tour. It has a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
Barbados is an absolutely gorgeous Caribbean island, and there are so many ways to enjoy all it has to offer. You can choose a private tour, a small group tour, or even a larger group tour. You can go snorkeling, boating, visit historical places, explore shipwrecks, and so much more!
I especially love tours given by local guides. There’s no better way to experience a new place than by being shown around by the people who call it home.
Any one of the tours I mentioned above is sure to give you a great time while you’re stopped in Barbados. There’s something for everyone here, and a guided tour will only enhance your experience.
Other Helpful Caribbean Information and Resources
My husband and I absolutely LOVE the Caribbean. It’s our go-to vacation location, whether with or without the kids. We visit via cruise ship, we stay in all-inclusive resorts, and go back time and time again.
Here are some of my other articles about various Caribbean locations that you may find helpful and informative.
- Why You Need To Visit Nelson’s Dockyard Antigua
- The Ultimate All Inclusive Packing List + FREE Printable Checklist
- The Best Stingray City Grand Cayman Tours
- Dunn’s River Falls Jamaica – What You Need To Know
- 10 Best Cruise Excursions In Grand Cayman
- 37 Cruise Travel Essentials To Make Your Next Vacation Perfect
- The Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List
- What NOT To Pack For A Caribbean Cruise
- Expert Advice and Tips For First Time Cruisers
- How To Pick A Cruise – Everything You Need To Know
- The Complete Review of Finest Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort
- The Complete Review of Coconut Bay Resort In St. Lucia
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- Sulphur Springs St. Lucia – How To Visit The World’s Only Drive In Volcano
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