Turtles in Barbados

[Dassie]

Has anyone actually swam with the turtles in Barbados without going on an organised snorkel boat trip? Can you just swim out from the beach independently or are they too far out to sea for a not particularly strong swimmer?

[Annabella72]

Hi Dassie, went there in 2000 went on an organised swim and got really close to them (watch your fingers, they bite!) came back to hotel beach and saw three swimming pass but possibly as we didn't have food around us, didn't get that close. Nice to see them in their natural habitat though.

[Dassie]

Thanks. How far out were they from the beach when you went on the organised swim?

[orlieborlie]

Swam with them in the day and then we were witness to a turtle laying her eggs on Dover Beach in St Laurences Gap. We were having dinner at a beachfront hotel and she made her way up the beach. The "Turtle Watch" people were there in minutes and she was given space to do her thing! That night they put flags around the area so that people would avoid the area when they lay in the sun the following day. It was incredible. That was June a few years ago so am unsure if they lay eggs all year 'round.

[ukbod]

Done the organised trip 3 times - they were about 60 yards offshore each time - as long as you watch rather than touch there should be no problem. Maybe taking a slightly inflated lifejacket like the boats do might be a good idea.

Have a great time its a wonderful place.