Best Time of Year to Swim with Turtles in Barbados

Swimming with sea turtles is the moment most visitors remember from a trip to Barbados. The good news is that you don't need to plan your holiday around it. Turtles live off the island's calm west coast all year round, so whenever you visit there's a good chance of meeting one.

Some times of year are still better than others, though. Here's what to expect month by month, and how to make the most of your swim.

Turtles are here all year

Two species are commonly seen off Barbados: the hawksbill turtle, with its pointed beak and patterned shell, and the green turtle, which grazes on seagrass close to shore. Both feed along the west coast, also called the Platinum Coast, where the Caribbean Sea is sheltered and clear.

Because the turtles live and feed here rather than just passing through, sightings don't depend on a season. On our trips, guests see turtles on most outings, though they are wild animals, so a sighting is never guaranteed.

The calmest months: December to May

Barbados' dry season runs from roughly December to May. You can expect:

• lots of sunshine and little rain;
• steady trade winds that keep the heat comfortable;
• generally good visibility in the water.

This is peak tourist season, so if you're set on particular dates, book early. Our boat, Livity, takes one private group at a time, so popular weekends fill up.

The warmest water: June to November

From June to November the sea is at its warmest, often around 28-29°C (82-84°F). This is the wet season, but that usually means short tropical showers rather than days of rain. Mornings are often bright and calm.

These months are also the Atlantic hurricane season. Barbados sits east of the main storm track and rarely takes a direct hit, but it's worth keeping an eye on the forecast. If the weather isn't safe, we'll work with you to reschedule. See our FAQ for how weather changes are handled.

Nesting season: a bonus for summer visitors

Hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest on Barbados' beaches mainly between May and November, and hatchlings make their dash to the sea a couple of months later. Nesting happens on the beach, usually at night, so you won't see it from the boat. Still, it's a special time to be on the island, and many visitors time their trip for it.

If you do find a nest or hatchlings on the beach, keep your distance, don't use a flash or torch, and let the local turtle conservation team do their work.

Best time of day

Mornings tend to bring the calmest water and the best light for photos. Seas often get a little choppier in the afternoon as the wind picks up. Our charters run on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and an earlier start is a good choice if turtles are your priority.

How to swim with turtles responsibly

Turtles are wild animals and a protected species. Following a few simple rules keeps them healthy and keeps them coming back:

• Don't touch, chase or ride them. Let them come to you; they often will.
• Give them room to surface. Turtles need to breathe, so never block them from coming up.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen. Mineral-based sunscreens are kinder to the reef and the seagrass the turtles depend on.
• Keep your fins down. Kicking up sand clouds the water and disturbs the seabed.

Life vests and snorkel gear are provided for every guest, so you don't need to bring your own. Confident swimmers can snorkel freely, and anyone less sure of themselves can float comfortably in a vest and watch from the surface.

Make it your own trip

On a private charter with Captain Dwayne Cruises, the boat is yours. Spend as long as you like with the turtles, add a stop to snorkel with tropical fish, or round off the day with water sports or a slow cruise past the west coast's villas and resorts.

Charters run from $250/hr USD for up to 8 guests, with the captain, crew, a soft bar and our Livity Punch included.

Ready to meet the turtles? Request your booking, or see everything we offer.