Explore And Discover Barbados Island

Spectaular Countryside and Knowledgeable Guide
February 03, 2016
This is a great option for seeing all of the island nation, and getting a full sampling of the country. The Glory Tours guides were very clear and easy to spot at our cruise ship pier just outside the gate. Our tour had 14 people on it, traveling by mini-motorcoach. Our guide Christopher has 30 years experiences, and is very knowledgeable and proud of his home country. He drove us around the whole island, which is varied and beautiful (about 3 hours). We pulled off the road every few miles to see a point of interest or overlook, and Chris was great about getting a good spot that wasn't in the middle of the tourist traps but instead a clear and private view. He readily answered questions and gave a full tour of the history, people, and geography. The second half brought us to a popular beach and we had wristbands for use of the beach chairs, facilities, and changing room at the restaurant. We chose the option to snorkel and used our beach time to buy lunch (about an hour). Other Glory Tour options also ended at this beach site. Chris returned to us after lunch to bring us to the snorkel boat, which pulled right up on the beach (you will need to walk into the water a few steps). The snorkeling with turtles is just off shore, but unlike the other packed boats we only had four people (about 40 minutes). The snorkel gear was adequate, including clean mask and life vest, but did not include flippers. The guides were respectful of the turtles and discouraged anyone from touching or harassing them. Afterwards were were offered free rum punch or juice and brought back for beach time (about 1 hour). Chris then drove our group back to the ship by 2:30pm for our 4:30pm return. We were pleased with the excursion. It was a good mix of sitting and activity. Traveled on Royal Caribbean Jewel of Sea.
Reviewer: MA
4 Stars
Tour part great, turtle snorkeling not so
February 02, 2016
Tour of the island was great. The west side of the island is sooo different from the cruise side. Really experienced the culture. Tour went downhill from there. After the bus tour, we were dropped off at a beach and told where to walk out to the boat for snorkeling and what time we would be picked up. It was quite an unorganized and unprofessional manner. We were left to find lunch for ourselves before snorkeling. Then walked out just off shore to a pontoon. Guides on boat gave us snorkeling equipment and said, here put it on and snorkel. I had never snorkeled before. They were not helpful. We saw one turtle, who quickly swam away. After snorkeling, we had maybe 30 minutes on beach before pick-up time.
Reviewer: Don't like winter
4 Stars
Wonderful Experience
September 21, 2013
This was my first time visiting Barbados, I went there as part of a Carnival Cruise Tour. I booked this adventure as a separate tour excursion. I originally booked this tour, and though there weren't enough people who signed up for the tour, I found out that they upgraded my tour for free. I ended up going to the Wildlife Sanctuary, Harrison's Cave, Snorkeled with turtles and had an amazing lunch instead. My day was completely packed full of surprises that day. It was so amazing and the tour guide was so helpful and pleasant. I went by myself on this tour, and had no problems at all.
Reviewer: Green123
5 Stars