Calabaza or the Boatyard?

[TravelbyCarr]

Hi! We will be in Barbados (for the first time) on our 20th wedding anniversary in October! Trying to decide if we should book a catamaran Calabaza tour or just spend the day on the beach at the Boatyard? Have seen great reviews on both and I’m conflicted! Thinking we will do a catamaran snorkeling tour in St Lucia also on this trip, so another reason I’m conflicted! Does anyone have a preference for snorkeling in Barbados vs St Lucia??

Thanks so very much!!

[JT1962]

I have not been to the Boatyard, but highly recommend Calabaza. We went with them a few years ago and are booked again in December. The snorkeling is good, but the sailing and service are what makes the trip. They limit each sailing to 12 people and you are taken care of from the time you get on the boat until you return to the dock.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Vehorn]

Do not miss an opportunity to sail on Calabaza. Great experience and wonderful hosts. My favorite of all excursions.

 

[JohninDC]

Those are two very different opportunities.  Calabaza, Silver Moon and others get great reviews, but if you are doing a catamaran/snorkel trip in another port then maybe you'd prefer a cheaper, relaxed beach day?

[jagoffee]

10 hours ago, JohninDC said:

Those are two very different opportunities.  Calabaza, Silver Moon and others get great reviews, but if you are doing a catamaran/snorkel trip in another port then maybe you'd prefer a cheaper, relaxed beach day?

Are you suggesting that the Boatyard is a relaxing beach?

[JohninDC]

Yes! We had a relaxing and enjoyable day there.  Good value, good facilities, comfortable loungers, enough shade, white sand, clear water, water toys if you wanted to play, and a trip to snorkel and swim with the turtles.  Some music in the background, but it was not blasting, and the "free" Shark bite drink included in your admission was tasty.  We would go back.

[jagoffee]

JohinDC,

Thank  you for the feedback.  I have never been to the Boatyard and I was under the impression that it was crowded, loud, and more of a party atmosphere.

I will have to reconsider.

[JohninDC]

It is bigger and noisier than two other beach clubs just down the shore - check out Harbor Lights or Lobster Alive if you want a quieter, more relaxing experience and are not interested in water toys, etc.

[ccndfw]

How does the Silver Moon swimming with turtles and shipwreck differ from the short excursion to do the same thing from Harbor Lights or Boatyard?

[JohninDC]

Silver Moon offers an uncrowded boat (usually only 10-12 passengers), and includes lunch and drinks during your sailing tour which lasts 3-4 hours.  Other catamaran tours offer similar experiences - check out the trip advisor reviews and their web sites for details.

 

The short boat trip out from the beach clubs is just that - 15 or so minutes snorkeling over the ship wreck, another short period with the turtles, and usually one plastic cup of rum punch.

 

What do you want to do and  how much are you willing to spend?   It's your call!

[Outta My Work Clothes]

Was looking at going to Boatyard... researched and found to be crowded... then found Calabaza.. went on trip last week and it was best cat we ever have been on... if you are looking to make a big splash for your 20th... i highly recommend taking this excursion... the pampering is non-stop and they are taking constant pictures, the pictures beat us back home... many more pictures that I remember them taking of wife and I.

[Keksie]

Just finished an excursion with Calabaza.  It was wonderful.  Super attentive crew with non-stop food. The run punch is just right.