Barbados (Bridgetown)
Trip Summary
Barbados was one of the stops we made over the summer on the Carnival Victory via their Sourthern Caribbean route, and even now, years later, my husband and I still talk about our visit, because we went on one of the best excursions ever at this port! We would even go back to this port just to take the same excursion again, and that says a lot because we very rarely do repeats of anything, so let this be your recommendation to book the same excursion that we did!
When we first arrived in Bridgetown, the sun was just starting to come up, and we watched the port come into view with anticipation. Having booked an interior room, we were always out on the top deck when our ship sailed into port, because that is where you could get the best views…and what views they were!
Being one of the first people off the ship, we wandered around the dock and took pictures next to the welcome sign and the shore. It had just rained, so the ground was wet and steamy, the clouds brewing as they threatened another storm, but even so, the day was perfect as the rain kept at bay while we were out enjoying the port.
Soon enough, it was time to meet the crew of the sailing catamaran we booked! We booked the lunch cruise with Sail Calabaza, and what a cruise it was! As we boarded the catamaran, we were immediately greeted with drinks and snacks as we met the crew and the rest of our sailing group. One of the reasons I booked with this company (other than their fantastic reviews) is that their sailing groups are small (only 12 people!), so I knew that the trip would be one where we could relax and enjoy the day for a great price.
We had an awesome group and as we sailed to our first snorkeling spot, we snacked on fish cakes and sipped on drinks (they have a full bar available and will make you whatever drink you fancy–though, the captain’s specialty was a drink called the “gunpowder”). Rum punch was freely available, too, and despite the early time, we were amused to see most of the passengers happily take a drink in each hand and sit on the deck to enjoy the sun–it was time to party after all!
After enjoying a relaxing sail to our first stop, we arrived at one of the most memorable spots we’ve experienced in the Caribbean–the place where sea turtles would swarm around you, and you could see them in abundance…and actually touch them in the wild! One of the crew members got into the water with all the swimmers/snorkelers while another took pictures, and it was just mesmerizing watching all the turtles come up to the group and swim right next to you like it was the most normal thing in the world.
The sky seemed to brighten at this time, too, so the lighting was perfect for pictures as the turtles effortlessly swam up, circled around, and swam up to us again. Their shells felt slippery as their impressive bodies swam past, faces occasionally darting out to grab the floating food the crew put out.
It was an impressive stop, and our next snorkeling stop was just as beautiful–a place where we would see abundant fish, sea life, and coral.
While passengers got on and off the boat, drinks and food still flowed, and the crew offered an impressive buffet lunch with an entire assortment of entrees, side dishes, and desserts. Everything was absolutely delicious, and as we sailed slowly back to port, we listened to music, took pictures, and talked with our fellow boat passengers. The storms on the island stayed just out of reach, and the sail back was so relaxing as we skirted the clouds and stayed in the sun.
When we got back to port, we were sad to have to leave such an amazing day behind, but imagine our delight when the memories kept going even after we got off the catamaran! In our email were all the pictures they took during the day (and they were amazing pictures, too!) along with the recipes of all the amazing food and drinks they had served on the ship! And they didn’t even charge extra for this stuff! It was all included in the most amazing day we could have ever ask for in Barbados.
For its reasonable prices, fantastic crew, delicious food and drinks, gorgeous pictures, and all-around wonderful day, this excursion gets a perfect score. Even now, years later, my husband and I still talk about this amazing day with a smile–it was without a doubt one of the best excursions we have ever booked anywhere. Hats off to Sail Calabaza!
Sail Calabaza Lunch Cruise: A+
So if you are ever in Barbados, look them up! Their sailings sell out quickly (and for good reason)! We booked our trip months in advance, and I am so glad that we did–I think this was the best thing we did during our entire cruise to the Southern Caribbean!
Favorite Experiences
The sea turtle stop was definitely the highlight of the day. I wasn’t expecting such a close encounter with the turtles, so not only did the experience surpass my expectations, but the day just kept getting better and better with excellent weather, a great group of passengers, wonderful food, and then bonus pictures and recipes afterwards! I am not kidding when I say that this was one of the best excursions we ever took in the Caribbean, so definitely look Sail Calabaza up if you are in Barbados!
What I Wish I Knew
With this being the absolute best way we could have spent the day, there is not anything I would do differently in terms of picking an excursion. However, knowing how good the food and drinks were, I wish I wasn’t as strict with my diet on this day. I only ate non-carby food and didn’t drink very much, and I have regretted it since because the food I did have was so good, and my husband still tells me how delicious the rest of the food was!
Granted, I was way skinnier then and that was because I was younger and much stricter about what I ate and drank, but looking back, I wish I could have told myself that it was just one day, so take the day off from the diet! If you go, keep that advice in mind, too, because the food and drink are ones you can only find on this lovely boat with this wonderful crew. It is a day to remember, so enjoy it to its fullest!
If you need more ideas for your stay in Barbados, there is a helpful forum here. The island is gorgeous, and the marine life plentiful and beautiful, so definitely add it to your itinerary. It is a wonderful spot!
I also post reels and TikToks regularly of all the places I’ve reviewed on here, so if you want to see some videos of what to expect, check out my social media here:
TikTok: @touristyteacher
Instagram: @touristyteacher
Facebook: @touristyteacher
Happy travels!
