Every time I visit Barbados, I spend at least one day at Boatyard Beach Club. It’s right on Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown, and I love it because you can get a sun lounger, umbrella, beach activities, a snorkel trip, and amenities like bathrooms, lockers, and showers, all for a reasonable daily rate. There’s also a restaurant and bar with plenty of seating and a covered area in case you get surprised by a Caribbean rain storm. A great option if you’re visiting as a family too!
In this guide, I’ll cover all the details of visiting Boatyard Barbados Beach Club (and why I think it’s a great value for money!) so you can plan your next trip.
In this article:
What is Boatyard Barbados?
Boatyard Barbados is a beach club located on Carlisle Bay, a short drive from Bridgetown and the Barbados cruise terminal. Guests can pay an admission fee and get access to all facilities and amenities for the day. While some beach clubs have a more “upscale” vibe, Boatyard is very casual. Music playing, funny bartenders, lots of families runnning around, very laid back and easy.
There’s a lot you can do at Boatyard so it’s nice if you’re traveling as a group and some people want a more relaxing beach day while others want some adventurous options. In addition to being right on the beach at a nice swimming spot, here’s what you get access to when you go to Boatyard:
- Fun beach bar with good drinks
- Restaurant and dining facilities
- Included beach chairs and umbrellas
- Pier with rope swing over the water
- Inflatable beach toys like water trampolines
- Volleyball courts
- Restrooms, lockers, and showers
- WiFi throughout the facility
- A complimentary 45-minute boat tour and snorkel trip (ask about the schedule at check in)
Additionally, Boatyard offers on-island guests a bar/restaurant credit with their ticket. (Cruise guests get a welcome drink included) This brings the total amount you “pay” for access to the beach club down a lot.
Okay, I want to pause here to emphasize why I love Boatyard so much, and why I think it’s a great value for money. At other beaches, you’ll pay the same price just for a chair and umbrella during high season. And there are also snorkel tours that cost the same amount on their own. But at Boatyard, both are included and you have WiFi and clean amenities to use, so it works out to be a better price than booking everything a la carte.
Whether you want to relax on a beautiful beach or spend the day doing something a bit more adventurous, Boatyard is a great place to start.
Boatyard Barbados Prices
The Boatyard Barbados prices are very reasonable considering all that’s included. Prices include access to all amenities and a free snorkel trip. Here’s the pricing, accurate at the time this post was published. You can check the Boatyard Barbados Website for the latest prices.
- Locals:
- Adults $35 USD (Includes a bar/restaurant credit worth $20 USD)
- Kids $20 USD (Includes a restaurant credit worth $12.50 USD)
- Long-stay visitors and on-island guests:
- Adults $40 USD (Includes a bar/restaurant credit worth $20 USD)
- Kids $25 USD (Includes a restaurant credit worth $15 USD)
- Cruise passengers:
- Adults $40 USD (Includes amenities, one free welcome drink, and transportation back to the cruise terminal)
- Kids: $30 (Includes amenities, one free welcome drink, and transportation back to the cruise terminal)
- Cruise ship crew members: $30 USD (Includes bar/restaurant credit worth $25 USD)
(Note that these offers can vary based on the season and sometimes there are different deals for cruise ship passengers).
When you consider the built in restaurant and bar credit, this works out to one of the most budget-friendly beach days you can have, especially when you consider that it includes a 45-minute snorkeling tour.
One thing to note, they don’t take reservations or pre-bookings, and it’s first come first serve. Good to get there early during high season to avoid long lines and get a good spot on the beach.
Where is the Boatyard Beach Club Barbados?
Boatyard Beach Club is located on Bay Street in Bridgetown just a short drive from the city center and the Bridgetown cruise terminal. The club is located on Brownes Beach on the famous Carlisle Bay.
How To Get To Boatyard Beach Barbados
You can get to Boatyard by taxi, bus, or ZR van. Taxi drivers will generally know this destination by name. Taxis in Barbados are unmetered so you’ll need to negotiate the price in advance.
The ZR 11 buses will also get you very close to Boatyard. Get off the bus or ZR at St. Patricks Roman Catholic Church Bus Stop on Bay Street and it will be about a 3-5 minute walk.
If you’d prefer to take the bus, buses 12A, 33, and 12D will get you close. You can see exact routes and plan your journey using the Moovit App.
If you’re coming from the cruise terminal, a taxi will get you there in just a few minutes, and Boatyard comes with complementary transportation back to the terminal when you’re ready to leave.
Things to do at the Boatyard Barbados
Boatyard Barbados has tons of activities for the whole family. You can relax on the beach, swim in beautiful Carlisle Bay, or play on inflatable water floats. There’s also a rope swing and a diving platform for jumping into the water.
One of the highlights of Boatyard is their included snorkel tour. On this tour, you’ll take a boat into Carlisle Bay with a group of guests. Everyone will be provided with life vests and snorkel gear for the trip.
You’ll take a boat about 5 minutes down the beach to one of the many famous shipwrecks. You’ll have about 15 minutes to snorkel and see the wildlife.
Then, you’ll travel to a popular place to see sea turtles. While there are no guarantees that you’ll see a turtle, they are very common in this area and likely to make an appearance.
After these two stops, you’ll head back to Boatyard. The whole trip takes about 45 minutes.
The snorkel tour is included in your admission price, but you’ll need to put your name down on the list to reserve your spot. When you arrive, let the staff member who checks you in know that you would like to snorkel and how many are in your party.
Boatyard Barbados Menu
After a day in the sun, you’ll probably be ready for something to eat and drink. The Boatyard Barbados drinks menu includes all kinds of cocktails, blended drinks, beers, and wines. You can even try their signature rum punch.
Prices range from $8 BBD ($4 USD) for beer and house rum to $22 BBD ($11 USD) for cocktails.
The Boatyard Barbados food menu includes seafood dishes straight out of the Caribbean Sea, pasta, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and bar snacks like fries and fishcakes. Food prices range from about $30 BBD – $70 BBD ($15 – $35 USD).
Boatyard Barbados Cruise Excursion
The Boatyard is a popular cruise excursion while in Barbados. Many passengers report that it’s their favorite part of their entire voyage!
To experience Boatyard, you don’t need to book a separate excursion with the cruise line. When you disembark in Bridgetown, you’ll see a line of taxi cabs near the pier. Ask the taxi driver to take you to Boatyard and they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.
The journey should take five minutes and costs around $5 USD per person. When you’re ready to return to the ship, let the staff at Boatyard know and they will arrange a complimentary shuttle for you.
Occasionally, Boatyard might change the deals and specials they offer for cruise ship passengers. On busy days, it’s best to arrive early and make sure to let them know that you want to do the snorkel trip right when you arrive.
Read more about beaches close to the Bridgetown cruise terminal here.
Boatyard Barbados FAQ
When is Boatyard Barbados open?
Boatyard Barbados is open from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm every day of the week.
How long can I stay at Boatyard Barbados?
You can stay as long as you like. Once you pay your admission fee you can stay for a few hours or stay all day.
Is the Boatyard snorkeling trip included in the price?
Yes, the snorkeling trip and all snorkel gear are included in the price. When you arrive, let them know that you want to be on the list for the snorkel trip. They will call out your name on the PA system when it’s time for your tour.
Is Boatyard Barbados good for families and children?
Yes! Boatyard Barbados is great for families and children because there are so many activities to do in one area. Kids will love the water trampoline and other beach activities.
Can you pay with a credit card?
Yes, a credit card is accepted for all purchases, including entrance fee and any additional food or drinks purchases you might make.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
No, you do not need to book tickets to Boatyard Barbados in advance. You can pay on arrival without any issues.
Are there lockers available?
Yes, there are lockers available to rent for a small fee.
Is Boatyard Barbados Worth It?
Absolutely! Boatyard Beach Club is an amazing way to spend a day in Barbados. With plenty of amenities for guests, an included snorkel excursion, and food/drink vouchers, Boatyard is a great deal for the money.
Boatyard is great for families, cruise passengers, snorkel enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a relaxing day on a beautiful beach.
More Things To Do In Barbados
- 36 Fun Things To Do In Barbados
- 8 Best Catamaran Cruises in Barbados
- 18 Best Restaurants in Barbados
- Ultimate Barbados Travel Guide
