Barbados > Snorkeling with turtles on Barbados

Last night, the ship rocked more than on previous days. Barbados is the easternmost island of the Lesser Antilles, which means there is no shelter from the ocean. Even before the alarm goes off, I hear the gangway being lowered. We have docked in Bridgetown on the island of Barbados. Today we are taking a boat trip from Bridgetown and going snorkeling with turtles. I’m already dressed in my swimwear and slippers when I head to breakfast. At the buffet, there is some water on the floor. I slip and hit a stack of plates with my elbow. This prevents me from falling, but one plate breaks. Staff quickly come to clean up the shards. I feel embarrassed about the damage but realize it could have been much worse if the whole stack had fallen over. Carefully, I walk back to the dining table. In the theater, we hear that we are assigned to bus 13 for our excursion.

Barbados - At the quay with the Costa Fortuna in the background

When we leave the ship, we see no less than four cruise ships docked in Bridgetown harbor. That’s about 12,000 tourists all together. At the bus terminal, travelers from all ships try to find their correct bus. Fortunately, bus 13 is quickly located. Within minutes, we’re driving to the harbor. Josh welcomes us and leads us to the boat. As soon as we sail away, snorkels are handed out. The organization feels a bit chaotic with a Caribbean flair. Not far outside the harbor, the boat anchors for the first time. Here we can snorkel above a shipwreck. Coral has grown on the wreck. Most of the coral has lost its color due to rising sea temperatures, but some new coral is colorful among it. Beautiful, colorful fish swim around the wreck. With about fifty snorkelers, it’s crowded. I often have to avoid a foot or arm. A little further on, we stop for a second snorkel. Here we can snorkel with turtles. Josh asks us to stay together and not to touch the turtles. The lead guide quickly spots a turtle on the seabed. Soon, fifty curious tourists are hovering above it. The animal is clearly used to this and is bothered by no one.

Barbados - The beautiful clear waters of Barbados

Further along, multiple turtles swim in the water. After snorkeling, we sail to a small beach. On the way, rum and cola and punch are handed out. While we swim at the beach, dark clouds gather over the sea. On the way back to the harbor, it starts to drizzle. Back on the Fortuna, it’s still raining. We decide to go onboard first. I take a shower and change clothes. We also eat a small snack onboard. Then we walk to Bridgetown. The sky looks threatening but it stays dry. From the terminal, it’s about a one-kilometer walk to the center. We decline offers from many taxi drivers. It’s more enjoyable to walk along the coast. The old historic center of Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city lies on a sea inlet that leads into the Constitution River. We see the colorfully painted colonial houses. At the local fish market, fish is still being cleaned, but most stalls are already closed. Bridgetown is a much larger city than Scarborough was yesterday and has more to offer. At Trafalgar Square, fallen soldiers are commemorated. The square is now called National Heroes Square. It lies in front of the House of Assembly, the parliament building. The guards allow me to take a photo but not to enter the grounds. Parliament is in session today. They don’t mind whether I take a photo with or without them.

Barbados - Parliament is in session today in the House of Assembly

They’re also kind enough to point us to the cathedral. St. Michael’s Cathedral is a typical English church from 1665. It has been repaired and rebuilt several times. The low wooden ceiling is especially striking. The second church, St. Mary’s Church, is closed. It stands on the site of the first Anglican church, which later became St. Michael’s Cathedral. We look for a place in Bridgetown to have a drink. Along the riverbank, we ask a passerby for advice and find that we’re practically standing in front of it. On the first floor is a cozy restaurant. We order a local Banks beer. Luckily, we can pay in dollars. On the way back to the cruise harbor, dark clouds gather. It starts to drizzle. Just as we get onboard, a heavy rainstorm breaks out. We made it back just in time. We order a glass of wine and settle in at the bar. A pianist plays soothing music—a nice way to bridge the time until dinner.