4 to 5 hours ashore
Carlisle Bay
- Taxi a few minutes to Carlisle Bay.
- Swim and snorkel over the shallow shipwrecks.
Rather book it? A turtle and shipwreck snorkel trip.
Barbados shore excursions
A lively island known for catamaran trips to swim with sea turtles, calm west-coast beaches, rum, and the underground streams of Harrison's Cave.
Getting ashoreShips dock at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal in the Deep Water Harbour, about a mile from the center of Bridgetown. Carlisle Bay, the closest major beach, is a short taxi ride away.
Barbados port day essentials
read this before you book
Which pier you're at
Bridgetown Cruise TerminalIn the Deep Water Harbour, about a mile west of downtown Bridgetown. The walk along the boardwalk takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Carlisle Bay, the closest major beach, is a short taxi ride away.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful at the terminal. Agree on the fare, and confirm whether it is in US or Barbados dollars, before you leave.
On busy days, the wait for a taxi into town can stretch to half an hour.
Money
Barbados dollars, fixed at 2 to 1 with the US dollar. US dollars are commonly accepted.
Language
English.
Back on board
All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay.
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Plan your day in Barbados
pick by your time ashore
6 to 8 hours ashore
Harrison's Cave and the west coast
- Drive about 30 minutes to Harrison's Cave.
- Afternoon on a west coast beach near Holetown.
Rather book it? A Harrison's Cave tour.
9 hours or more
Around the island
- Drive to the wild east coast at Bathsheba.
- Stop at a historic plantation house on the way back.
Rather book it? An island tour.
Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.
Compare Barbados tours
Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.
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Barbados tours from GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide's own search results for Barbados, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.
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Barbados tours from Shore Excursions Group
Shore Excursions Group sells tours built around cruise ship schedules, backed by their guarantee to get you back to the ship. Their tours aren't listed on this page; browse them on their site.
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Scout's notes on Barbados
Short port days
Carlisle Bay is close to the port and has calm water and shipwrecks shallow enough to snorkel. Catamaran trips along the west coast with a stop to swim with turtles are the most popular half-day option.
Long port days
Harrison's Cave, explored by tram through limestone caverns, is in the center of the island. Island tours often combine it with gardens, plantation houses, or the dramatic Atlantic coast at Bathsheba. Rum distillery tours are another favorite.
Getting back on time
Traffic around Bridgetown can be heavy, especially at rush hour. Allow extra time for the drive back from the east coast or the middle of the island.
From fellow cruisers
Tips from people who've been, read by us before they go up.
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