Catamaran cruise with turtle snorkelling

These are the west coast's daytime party boats. Catamarans sail from Bridgetown's Shallow Draught and the Careenage up the calm Caribbean side, with a stocked bar, rum punch flowing and a meal served on board. The main stop is a bay such as Paynes Bay, where sea turtles feed close to the boats and you swim among them with a mask and snorkel. Some boats add a stop over a shallow shipwreck where schools of reef fish gather, and another at a quiet beach for a swim.

They are half-day trips. Snorkel gear comes with the trip, some crews give a quick lesson, and some cruises collect you from your hotel. The mood depends on the boat: some are loud and full of groups out to party, others are small private charters.