Wildlife· Barbados· Windward Islands
Payne's Bay Turtle Snorkel
13° 9.7′ N · 59° 38.4′ W · approximate
A sheltered west-coast bay where green turtles graze close to swimmers. It is a regular stop for the catamaran cruises, so you can watch them glide under your mask in clear, calm water.
Practical
Position is a point in the water about 250 m off Payne's Bay beach, derived from OpenStreetMap (approx). Visit Barbados: turtles can be found by swimming out at Payne's Bay, which is a longer swim than Alleyne's Beach further north, and several cruises stop here. Green turtles are also seen close to shore at Mount Standfast, near the Lone Star restaurant (a fisherfolk initiative). The Barbados Sea Turtle Project monitors the impact. Do not touch, chase or feed turtles. Snorkel when few boats are around, because catamarans and jet skis are busy here. Anchor in sand in settled weather only, as the bay is open to the west. Turtle hotline (Barbados Sea Turtle Project): 230-0142.
Best for
Swimming with green turtles
Season
Year-round