Beach vs. Turtle swim-Help!!

[sunlover2]

So much to do and never enough time. Really thought we wanted to swim with the turtles but keep reading about all these beautiful beaches in Barbados!! Is swimming with the turtles worth it or is it hokey? We swam with the sting rays in Grand Cayman and thought it was a cool experience. Please help me decide so confused

[thecruisers723]

Originally Posted by sunlover2

So much to do and never enough time. Really thought we wanted to swim with the turtles but keep reading about all these beautiful beaches in Barbados!! Is swimming with the turtles worth it or is it hokey? We swam with the sting rays in Grand Cayman and thought it was a cool experience. Please help me decide so confused

My husband and I are planning to do both. A 3 hr. snorkel tour with the turtles from 10:00-1:00 and then get dropped off at the boatyard to go to the beach there or to Lobster Alive beach next door for some food, drinks & beach time.

[Scrappytraveller]

Well, I don't regret doing a turtle excursion (used Silver Moon) but unfortunately for us the water was very murky our day (about 2 weeks ago). So it's not the same experience as the Stingrays, which were everywhere and so easy to see. In the murky water, you couldn't see the turtles until they were right in front of you, and they were not as plentiful. So I'd say go, but go with lower expectations. It's amazing to see them and touch them, for sure. And I've seen some gorgeous photos where the water was crystal clear, so it seems to be luck of the draw. The weather was beautiful our day so I have no idea why the water was like that. Silver Moon doesn't dock close to the beach but other operators do. Our dinner companions did the Celebrity version of the same excursion and it was on a Tiami vessel. They went right to the beach and were very happy with their day.

[vancouvergirl2010]

LOVED the turtles! We took a catamaran excursion that was amazing. Swam with the turtles for a bit, then they took us to a beach. It was one of our favorite days on our 2 week cruise. The water was very clear for us.
Others from our cruise took a taxi to the beach where the turtles are, Hung out at the Beach, then swam out (or rented ski do's as it is a bit of a swim) to see the turtles.

[vancouvergirl2010]

If you go on your own, you'll probably want to see the turtles when the excursions are there, as they have the food that brings the turtles.