7 turtley awesome ways to swim with turtles in Barbados

Life is short. And sometimes you just want to see something rare, awe-inspiring and wild, without really having to try.

Never has that been more true than when you’re on holiday.

So it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of Bajan companies ready and waiting to take you straight to the heart of the swimming with turtles in Barbados action in style.

Rum cocktails? Mandatory. Snorkelling a shipwreck? Optional.

Before you’ve even slipped into the arrestingly blue ocean to come face-to-face with some Barbados turtles, you’ll wonder why you’ve not travelled everywhere by catamaran before.

Thrillingly fast once the sails are up, yet still plenty of space for sophisticated lunches and rum-based beverages.

Even the best bars in Barbados can’t rival a cocktail or two at sea.

Best of all, most catamaran cruises include all snorkel gear, and keep the drinks flowing too.

You’ll come away with marine life facts, local anecdotes and a memorable moment with a turtle or two.

Orbzii tip: save the rum cocktails for the sail home, as you’ll want to be completely in the moment when you are swimming with turtles in Barbados.

Honeymooners, indulgent travellers and romantics, this has you written all over it.

Chartering your own yacht, boat or catamaran – complete with captain, means your turtles in Barbados encounter will come with a side-order of champagne and exclusivity.

This option is all about luxury and possibly even a smidgen of Instabragging.

Some luxury catamarans come with WiFi and onboard air-conditioning – though sadly neither of those improve your chances of swimming with turtles in Barbados.

Don’t worry though, you don’t need to dive to great depths to see a turtle, you might even catch sight of one from the boat deck.

A favourite among those reluctant to get their feet wet, glass-bottomed boats take advantage of the clear, clear waters on the west coast.

Although this option doesn’t quite hit the luxury mark, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Orbzii tip: most operators run trips lasting just over an hour.

Perfect if you’re short on time or just want to get those sea legs established for a longer excursion.

Let’s not waste time pretending this is anything other than a gimmick.

That said, Atlantis Submarines are a hit with young families and it’s not every day you get to board a submarine and dive to depths of 150ft.

You’ll tick off shipwrecks, tropical fish and possibly a turtle.

Educational facts will be geared towards the little ones, but that doesn’t stop you from grilling the staff for turtle trivia.

Although this park isn’t the quietest spot in Barbados, it has every diver’s dream combo, reefs, wrecks and turtles.

Six shipwrecks at the last count – all providing an eerie home to some of the region’s most colourful marine life.

Apparently, children as young as two have mastered the waters here, so newbies really have no excuse.

Rumour has it there are seahorses too. If that doesn’t get your flippers on, nothing will.

Swimming isn’t the only way to see turtles in Barbados.

Viable options include paddle boards, boogie boards and surfboards.

The local surf school in Freights Bay can set you up with a board and some surf lessons.

Though your time may be better spent looking for turtles, you won’t regret trying to conquer the waves while you’re here.

If you’ve checked out a few catamaran tours, you’ll be familiar with Alleyne’s Bay.

Yes, the waters are clear and the turtles are used to being fed, but we’re trying to avoid crowds.

That’s why if you’re going alone, it’s best to pop by early doors before the boats arrive.

Orbzii tip: turtles seen? Take advantage of the cool morning temperatures and walk to nearby Folkestone, where fish on the inshore reef are plentiful and boat traffic is minimal.

Calm waters, shallow reefs and soft sand equals snorkelling heaven.

The turtles seem to like it too, making Paynes Bay a mecca for catamaran cruises.

Now, we’re only labelling this beach a ‘must do-it-alone visit’ because here, you barely have to get your feet wet to spot a turtle.

Take a stroll along the sands and you may just see a turtle popping up to breathe.

Dive in and a sighting is almost guaranteed.

Orbzii tip: an early start is a must, but the endorphin high of a turtle encounter beats a lie in, any day of the week.

You’ll want to pitch up in Barbados in the ‘off-season’.

Why? Clue: it’s not for the sweet, sweet deals and low tourist numbers on the beach.

That’s just your reward for saving lives. No friends, it’s the best time to see baby turtles in Barbados.

From mid-July to mid-October tiny, fragile hatchlings emerge from the sands. And that’s where you come in…