We just wanted "A Day at the Beach" this time in Barbados so The Boatyard met our needs perfectly!
It's a $3 pp taxi ride. Admission was $15 pp which included one free drink ... comfortable beach chairs (an umbrella was $2 extra) ... and a return shuttle to the cruise terminal (starting at 1:00 PM, every 15 minutes).
The USE of the following was also included: * Water Trampolines * Rock Climbing Float * Rope Swing (like on Jolly Roger except off pier) * Rest/Changing Rooms (decent for a beach bar).
The beach was clean and sandy. The water was a pretty blue color with small to medium waves. It certainly was an easy and enjoyable beach to swim around and play!
Pesty vendors were NO problem! Other than a couple of older men who had some shells, etc. on a beach towel for sale (didn't walk around hawking) there were none. The beach was WELL patrolled by the "Barbados Finest" plus uniformed private security guards. Safety was not a factor.
Drinks and food could be purchashed at the LARGE Beach Bar (full service - had everything) with music playing and friendly, happy bartenders. At night there was a live band. Their local draft beer was good and very cold. The "Pain Killers" were also quite tasty! Our FlyingFishSandwich was wonderful!
If you enjoy ACTIVE beaches and FUN beach bars, you'll love The Boatyard!
Looked to see whata Fordors had to say about snorkeling at Boatyard Beach, but didn't find an entry on it.
However, did find this, about a beach on the west side of the island:
Paynes Bay. The stretch of beach just south of Sandy Lane is lined with luxury hotels. It's a very pretty area, with plenty of beach to go around and good snorkeling. Parking areas and public access are available near the Coach House. Grab a bite to eat and liquid refreshments at Bomba's Beach Bar. Hwy. 1, Paynes Bay, St. James, Barbados
BOATYARD is a very fun beach BUT it is NOT for snorkeling.
At their dock there was a boat offering snorkel trips for I think $35 pp but I don't know anything about it.....
localady (Sher) .... You would love one of the 5-Hour Catamarans. That's what we'd have done if we had wanted to go snorkeling that day!
LuLu ... Visit SOUTH CAROLINA!
1/09 B2B (20 days) Emerald Princess
OVER 40 (started young) Princess, Celebrity, RCCL, HAL, NCL, Costa, Disney, Carnival, Sitmar (Princess bought), and (a very long time ago) SS Bahama Star
CM .... It's like where you live ... except the water is bluer and the waves more gentle. Think of it as a beach-beach -- for playing and sunning!
Best to do something else for those who wish to snorkel....
Whatever, we like going there IF we just want a "Day at the Beach" in Barbados!
LuLu ... Visit SOUTH CAROLINA!
1/09 B2B (20 days) Emerald Princess
OVER 40 (started young) Princess, Celebrity, RCCL, HAL, NCL, Costa, Disney, Carnival, Sitmar (Princess bought), and (a very long time ago) SS Bahama Star