Experience the Swimming Horses at Carlisle Bay & the Garrison
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This is genuinely one of the most wholesome and magical experiences you can have on the island. This unique tour offers the opportunity to interact with the beautiful Bajan swimming horses, as well as a fascinating journey through history at the Barbados Garrison Historic Area
First, get ready to be amazed as you arrive at the stunning Pebbles Beach in the cool of the morning where you'll witness the incredible sight of horses gracefully swimming in the ocean. You'll have the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants and capture unforgettable photos.
Then delve into the rich history of Barbados with a quick lap around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Garrison Historic Area. Explore this captivating district with your knowledgeable guide, learning about its fascinating past from its military origins to its architectural and cultural significance.
Please note that riding/ swimming with the horses is no longer permitted at this location.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Driver/Guide
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Pebbles Beach
Each morning, handlers walk their horses from the Barbados Garrison down to the shore or Pebbles Bach (Carlisle Bay) for a bath & swim. On this part of the tour, you'll be picked up from your residence and chauffeured to the beach where you'll be able to experience these majestic animals and take some incredible photos. Please note that riding/swimming with the horses is not allowed at this location. If you are interested in horse riding on the beach, please inquire about our private ride options.
Barbados Garrison
On the second part of the tour, you will briefly visit the Barbados Garrison Historic Area - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll take a drive around the Garrison while your guide teaches you all about the area's rich history, including the stories behind it's formation and architecture, the National Cannon Collection, the Barbados Museum, and the famous George Washington House. Stops will be made for photos.
Options
West Pickup
West Pickup: Select this option if your pickup location is within the Parish of St. James or St. Peter.
Pickup included
South West Pickup
South West Pickup: Select this option if your pickup location is within the parish of St. Michael or Christ Church West (West of Oistins).
Pickup included
South East Pickup
South East Pickup: Select this option if your pickup location is within Christ Church East (East of Oistins). This includes Wyndham & The Crane.
Pickup included
Reviews
54 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Animal abuse?
pictedurso,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00tHIS HORSES SEEMS WEAK, AND SUPPOSEDLY ANIMAL ABUSE. I cant indicate a tour like that. My family and i didnt like. The beach is wonderfull.
It's a must do!
Karen B,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful trip with very friendly and knowledgeable Liam. Horses were amazing and rest of the trip very interesting. Delightful experience, thank you!
Our visit to Carlisle Bay...
Ragin S,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our visit to Carlisle Bay and The Garrison was one of the most unique and memorable experiences of our trip. Watching the majestic racehorses being led into the turquoise waters at sunrise was truly magical. 🐎 The Swimming Horses - Unforgettable Sight: Seeing powerful thoroughbreds wade into the calm bay and swim gracefully was breathtaking. It’s not just a spectacle—it’s part of their daily training routine, and you can feel the bond between the horses and their handlers. - Atmosphere: The early morning light, the sound of waves, and the quiet dedication of the trainers created a serene yet awe-inspiring setting. - Interaction: We were able to get close enough to appreciate the horses’ strength and elegance, while still respecting the handlers’ space. 🏰 The Garrison - Historic Charm: The nearby Garrison area added depth to the experience. With its colonial-era buildings and rich racing history, it felt like stepping back in time. - Cultural Insight: Learning about the tradition of horse racing in Barbados and how the Garrison has been central to it gave us a deeper appreciation for the island’s heritage. ✨ Overall Impression This experience is a must-do for anyone visiting Barbados. It’s not just about watching horses swim—it’s about witnessing a living tradition that blends sport, culture, and natural beauty. Carlisle Bay’s stunning backdrop and The Garrison’s historic significance make it a perfect combination.
Great tour guide!
glennbY8261KK,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was great. Wasn’t only the swim with the horses, he showed us the town, the race track and the history behind it, the George Washington cafe and some history there. He was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Liam was great, and...
Ollie L,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Liam was great, and offered a lift to and from the beach from your hotel,, the horses and beach is so nice and the extra tour was so casual and interesting really recommend! Can pay extra cash to ride and wash horses etc
Swim with the horses
638helenak,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent tour! Ryde has an Very Good knowledge of the Island and the history. Great Experiences to swim with the horses and there were no ripoff. We ended the tour at Georg Washington Café = Great! Thanks for a great time!
Knowledgeable friendly guide
Sam K,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Met with guide who took us to the beach if you wanted to ride or swim with horses he could also arrange this. Then showed us points of interest within the garrison area. The guide was very knowledgeable.
Unforgettable experience
Aaron S,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience and Liam was an amazing guide. Really professional, friendly and knowlesgeable. Paid extra at the beach to swim with the horses, which I’d 100% recommend.
Amazing!
libbyt229,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was absolutely amazing. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun. Swimming with the horses and washing them was a surreal experience and the tour afterwards was exceptional.
Perfect way to get your morning started!
jreed1111,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience! The owner was awesome. Super knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend this experience. I went with my wife, did Not expect to get into the water but quickly realized that it was a must! The horses are racing horses and they do this everyday to clean, swim training to exercise some of those unused muscles, and what’s better than salt water? As a former horse owner, you can clearly see that they love it! Try to disregard the past write ups about the treatment of the horses. What I saw from all the handlers was nice and pleasant. It’s an experience you Must do! The cost with Ryde for 2 was reasonable and left him a tip as well! Again recommend them highly. You won’t be disappointed. The tour was followed up by the race track where you can see the horses in training after their swim, some history of the island military and the islanders, and a quick stop for refreshment if needed. Wonderful and would do it again on our return. We went the beginning of October 2025 during the slower season. Cheers!
From US$35.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Ryde Tours & Rentals