Floatin' Along on a Catamaran (photo essay)

The one thing we always do with every visitor who comes to see us on the island is to take that lucky soul on a catamaran cruise.  Our children look forward to it and so do we.  It's the best value and the best way to really experience the beautiful Caribbean sea.

The day cruise starts at 10am and boards at 9:30.  After you pay, you are treated to orange juice or a mimosa (orange juice and champagne) before you board.  The boat features an open bar with juices, soft drinks and alcohol.  Rums, of course, are the specialty.  The Tiami catamarans are large and luxurious. 

After stowing our gear under one of the seats inside the boat, we always head out to sit in the net at the front of the boat. It's very breezy and it's the best way to enjoy the view. 

The first stop is at a bay on the west coast where you are encouraged to snorkel and swim with the sea turtles.  Everyone must wear a life jacket for easy identification and safety.  If you have a child 6 and under, you are encouraged to bring your own floatation device and I recommend bringing their own goggles since they might not have face masks small enough or your child might not like the way the mask feels. My oldest (9) just started using the mask and snorkel.

The local green turtles have been trained by the many catamaran crews who feed them, and they cluster around--sometimes as many as 8 turtles--for the enjoyment of the tourists.  You are never allowed to touch or chase turtles who will occassionally leave the crowd in order to catch a breath.

The second stop is a little further north up the west coast off of Folkstone Marine Reserve.  There are three wrecks in a very small area as well as a nice reef.  There are amazing numbers of fish who live inside the wrecks and when the crew throws out rolls, the ensuing feeding frenzy is stunning.

The boat anchors very near one of the wrecks but those who like can also swim a short way to the reef with one of the guides.  There you are apt to see many different sorts of fish ranging from common ones to more exotic species such as lion fish and puffers.

When you come in from your snorkeling adventure, you are greeted with a generous and delicious buffet lunch featuring such local delicacies as flying fish and macaroni pie.  After dinner one last short cruise takes you to a beautiful beach where you can swim or just lie on the sand.  The adventurous are invited to leap into the turquoise water from the side of the catamaran.

When the fun is over and we prepare to weigh anchor, dessert is served with coffee or tea if you like.  It is usually a choice of the local rum cake (YUM!) or the more sedate chocolate cake.  Both are very tasty. At any point, there is always time to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.  Just ask my 6 year old daughter.

At last you head back to the harbor but the crew usually takes care to cruise close by some of the cruise ships to give the passengers on both vessels a bit of fun. 

It's one of the most relaxing and enjoyable adventures available on the island of Barbados.  I recommend that you come to the island  some day and enjoy it for yourself.