Turtle and Shipwreck Swim

Come out to see where some our favorite local Barbadians, wild sea turtles, live. This family-friendly turtle and shipwreck swim in Bridgetown is packed with fun as we cruise out to meet our green sea turtle friends (no touching!), swim around shipwrecks, and simply enjoy life for two hours of the day. At Therapy Charters, we know how the best ways to avoid other tours that go to these spots in large numbers. Expect an attentive captain and crew who are there to help you get the most out of your time in Carlisle Bay. Bonus: Ages 12 and under are free!

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Highlights     

  • Take a short 7-minute ride from the Bridgetown dock and start swimming
  • Feed native sea turtles with the help of your expert crew
  • Enjoy provided equipment such as snorkel gear and floats
  • Explore a shipwreck in Carlisle Bay with provided snorkel gear
  • Skip the crowds: our staff knows how to get you away from other groups
  • Enjoy light snacks and refreshments on board
  • Hear fun stories from your local crew—and try to guess what's fact or fiction
  • Let us take care of you: we welcome people with mobility issues and mothers with infants, among others with special requests, so everyone gets a chance to swim with sea turtles

Book your charter today

We can accommodate up to 8 people per-trip, and children 12 and under are free. Simply select the number of people in your party below, and we'll show you available dates. Don't see what you'd like? Request a custom charter.

2-Hour private charter - $75 USD per person

Overview

At Therapy Charters, we are a Barbados family-owned and -operated business that understands the needs of our guests. On all our swim with turtles in Barbados charters, we welcome you and your private group not as customers but as friends. Our captain and crew are attentive from start to finish, making sure you get the most out of your day meeting our local wildlife, exploring shipwrecks, and simply enjoying a swim in beautiful Carlisle Bay.


2-hour charter to see sea turtles and shipwrecks

Within seven minutes of leaving our Bridgetown dock, you'll be out in the bay, greeting our native sea turtles.


When you arrive, your crew will get you ready to experience the sea turtles up close. Expect instructions on how to feed them (hint: open-handed), and the do's and don'ts of getting this close to endangered wildlife (another hint: don't touch them). One thing is certain: Be patient! We are very familiar with how to interact with our neighbors of the sea, and that can mean it takes time for them to approach you. We're there to help ensure both you and the turtles have a pleasant meeting.


We provide the floats and snorkel gear that you need to be sure you get the most of this special experience. For more information on our Covid health and safety best practices regarding equipment, scroll to the "Important Information" section.


Depending on the time of the day you visit, we may go to the shipwreck before or after the turtle swim. Over at the shipwreck, explore at your leisure, or participate in fun competitions such as who can touch the shipwreck first. Our crew will show off their swimming skills by assisting anyone who needs special attention in the water; meanwhile other crew members can stay on the boat to care for infants and children so Mom or Dad can have a swim.


Local tip: Choose the 8am departure for serene, quiet time with the turtles before tourist groups head out later in the morning on a turtle swim in Carlisle Bay.


Expert local captain and crew

Half the fun of going out in a private charter is just sitting back and enjoying the day. Safety on the boats is top of mind for us at Therapy Charters. Our team is made up of real fishermen who grew up on the island, which means they know it well. Your captain will be engaged throughout your experience, finding you the best and safest spots to swim and interact with turtles in Carlisle Bay.


Flexible availability that makes life easier

Many travelers to Bridgetown arrive via a cruise ship, which makes scheduling and timing even more important. Our dock is a 20-minute walk from the port of Bridgetown, and we offer round-trip transportation options (additional fee) from hotels and the port. We always tell folks that there is nothing to worry about if you only have a day: we never lose sight of the cruise ships when we are out on the water!

On every swim with turtles charter you can expect:
  • Safety and experience from our Barbados born-and-raised captain and crew
  • We cater for non-swimmers, special needs, mothers with infants, and more
  • A private restroom onboard
  • Refreshments for your entire charter
  • All necessary equipment included
  • Your private charter all to yourself—we don't do shared charters

Book your charter today

We can accommodate up to 8 people per-trip, and children 12 and under are free. Simply select the number of people in your party below, and we'll show you available dates. Don't see what you'd like? Request a custom charter.

Important Info
  • About Our Boats

    We offer two different types of charters to fit your private group's needs. We call them our Therapy Charters and you'll quickly see why when the stress melts away as you head out with your reel. 


    Dad's Therapy

    Laid out for comfort while on board. Though small in size, it is large on delivering a great time at sea, all the amenities of the bigger boats are included. It includes private head, changing areas and much more. There are also on board insulated fish boxes for storing your catch. 


    Capacity: 8 persons

    Length: 26′

    Beam: 8′

    Year Built: 2002

    Haul: Pro-line Walk with Cuddy Cabin

    Powered By: Evinrude G2 225 outboard


    Mom's Therapy

    Great for deep-sea fishing, tournament fishing, couples, families or groups of friends. Plenty of storage area for fishing, Air-Conditioning (Optional), and incredibly roomy for fishing and fun. 


    It's also laid out for families and friends that are just looking for fun on the water. She has a proven emissions control exhaust system that significantly reduces fumes in the cockpit thus decreasing the chances of seasickness due to exhaust fumes. Captain and crew are always together with the guest at all times, no separations.


    Capacity: 16 persons 

    Length: 33′

    Beam: 12′ 6″

    Year Built: 2004

    Haul: Pro-line Express

    Powered By: Twin 315 Yanmars

  • Cancellation Policy

    If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled fishing or turtle charter, you will receive a full refund. 


    In case of force majeure or cancellation due to inclement weather, it may be rescheduled for another time or day according to availability.

  • Covid Safety Measures

    We always recommend visiting the official CDC guidelines for the most up-to-date information regarding travel and public safety during Covid. 


    On our fishing and turtle charters, we always take the following precautions and measures to protect our crew and our guests:

    • Temperature checks before boarding the boat
    • Constant cleaning and sanitation of boat railings, equipment, and other exposed surfaces
    • Individually prewrapped or prepackaged refreshments such as water bottles
    • A personal cooler for you to store your own food and drink that is not touched by the captain or the crew

    Download the official Ministry of Health's BIMSafe app for all alerts and updates regarding Covid in Barbados.


Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the best time of year to see the sea turtles in Barbados?

    Anytime of year is a great time. Leatherback turtles nest from February to July, while in between May and October you will see green and hawksbill turtles.

  • Do you do shared charters?

    We do not do shared charters. Our private charters are designed for families and friends looking to enjoy a day out fishing, swimming, and relaxing.


  • Can I see shipwrecks on a snorkel tour in Barbados?

    Fishing and swimming charters (to see turtles and shipwrecks) are popular things to do in Bridgetown, Barbados. On our private charters, we avoid the crowds that typically come in from cruise ships. These tours typically limit the time you have at each location. On our tours, we customize it to get the most out of the experience and what you want to do. 

  • What are the age limits for taking a charter in Barbados?

    No age limits once accompanied by an adult. We have hosted guests on board from 2 months old to 90 years old. 

  • What is Carlisle Bay like?

    Historically Carlisle Bay was known as a major point of discharging and receiving cargo for the island, in times like World War I. Carlisle Bay is located on the southwestern side of the island and has calm waters year round. It's fun to watch  the ships leave the cruise terminal, and it’s also a beautiful place to see a sunset.

  • Is it safe to swim with sea turtles?

    Yes they are very tame. We do not allow you to touch them but do provide chum to feed on the trip. Any amount of pictures are allowed.