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. You can even take a ride or swim with them! (Please note that this optional add-on cost is not included in the cost of this tour).
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.
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 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. You can even ride or swim with them if you'd like! (Please note that the optional add-on cost of rides/swim is not included in your booking as this is charged by the horse handlers at the beach on the day of). Your guide will provide all of the interesting details of the horses' unique routine, and can assist you in interacting with the horses in any way you'd like.
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.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Driver/Guide
Gratuities
Optional Ride/Swim Cost
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
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
West Pickup
West Pickup: Select this option if your pickup location is within the Parish of St. James or St. Peter.
Pickup included
Reviews
58 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful Calm Serene
137rachn,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We arrived around 06:00 to see horses already in the sea and 30/40 onlookers. If you look interested, the chances are you will be invited to approach the horses. My daughter was asked if she'd like to have some photos with one of them and then she was offered a ride for a donation. She was lifted on (bare-back) and taken into the sea for at least 15 minutes while another person took loads of photos on her phone. I was amazed as she had no intention of getting on a horse! Thoroughly enjoyed watching the horses, riders, trainers and the calm atmosphere. There is a small bar and you can purchase snacks. A beautiful start to the day! We donated 80Bajan Dollars/£30. No need to book or go in a group...just turn up. Highly Recommend
More than the horses
Fay T,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish this tour was fantastic. It’s more than visiting the beach to see the horses swim. Liam was so knowledgeable, had a genuine passion for the island and was interested in the people on the tour. We stopped at a beautiful coffee shop towards the end where we chatted as a group about the island and what it’s like to live there with a family. It’s an absolute must do and be back in time to relax on the beach for the rest of the day! Thanks again.
Fantastic excursion
Margie P,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience. Lots of local insight. Well worth the cost for in-depth history of British in Barbados and horse racing. Thanks!
Swimming horses !
Helen B,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really nice way to spend the morning - Liam was great very informative & good fun - a very nice couple joined us on the tour !
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!
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Operated by Ryde Tours & Rentals