Sea Excursions in Barbados

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Sea Excursions

Minisubmarine voyages are enormously popular with families and those who enjoy watching fish but who don't wish to snorkel or dive. Party boats depart from Bridgetown's Deep Water Harbour for sightseeing and snorkeling or romantic sunset cruises. Prices are $60 to $80 per person for daytime cruises and $35 to $65 for three-hour sunset cruises, depending on the type of refreshments and entertainment included; transportation to and from the dock is provided.

The 48-passenger Atlantis III (Shallow Draught, Bridgetown. 246/436-8929. www.atlantisadventures.com) turns the Caribbean into a giant aquarium. The 45-minute trip aboard the 50-foot submarine takes you to wrecks and reefs as deep as 150 feet.

Four- and five-hour daytime cruises along the west coast on the 100-foot MV Harbour Master (246/430-0900. www.tallshipscruises.com) stop in Holetown and land at beaches along the way; evening cruises are shorter but add a buffet dinner and entertainment. Day or night you can view the briny deep from the ship's onboard 34-seat semisubmersible. A daytime cruise on the 57-foot catamaran Heatwave (246/429-9283) includes stops along the coast for swimming and snorkeling and a barbecue lunch. The sunset cruise includes dinner. The red-sail Jolly Roger (246/228-8142) "pirate" ship runs four-hour lunch-and-snorkeling sails along the south and west coasts. Be prepared for a rather raucous time, with rope swinging, plank walking, and other games -- and plenty of calypso music and complimentary drinks. The sunset cruise, also four hours, includes a buffet dinner, drinks, and entertainment. The 44-foot CSY sailing yacht Limbo Lady (246/420-5418) sails along the captivating west coast, stopping for a swim, snorkeling, and a Bajan buffet lunch on board. Sunset cruises are another option. The 53-foot catamaran Tiami (246/430-0900. www.tallshipscruises.com) offers a luncheon cruise to a secluded bay or a romantic sunset and moonlight cruise with special catering and live music.