See 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 witness 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. (Please not that the cost for riding or swimming with the horses is not included in 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. (Please note that the cost of riding/swimming with the horses is not included in this tour). Your guide will provide all of the interesting details of the horses' unique routine, and can assist you in safely interacting with the horses.
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 Coast 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
West Pickup
West Pickup: Select this option if your pickup location is on the coastline within the Parish of St. James or St. Peter.
Pickup included
Reviews
80 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Super interesting and great guide!
maryhN1613AD,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant morning - well worth the early start! We learnt so much and it was so so interesting to learn about the history of Barbados with personal touches. Thank you for being the best guide!
Interesting and unique...
Eileen K,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting and unique experience in Barbados. Our guide Liam was well informed, personable and related many interesting facts I did not know about Barbados. The horses are magnificent. If you want to take part in the opportunity to ride on and/ or swim with the horses wear a bathing suit and bring cash.
A must-do experience for everyone not just equine lovers!
jaynelT3170OD,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Liam was very knowledgeable about the Garrison and surrounding area including George Washington's House. Hotel pick up was seamless and comfortable in air conditioned vehicle, just 6 of us in total. The experienc with the horses in the early morning sun was amazing, again Liam had great knowledge to share and was also happy to talk of his own experiences. We had a much needed stop at Venezuelan coffee shop who were very attentive and had a vast selection of beverage choices. This trip was excellent value for money and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. Back at hotel by 9.30-10am with a headful of knowledge from our extremely competent and good humoured guide!
Definitely worth the...
Blanche S,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Definitely worth the early start. Just a wonderful sight to see and watch how much the horses genuinely enjoy this experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
Absolutely amazing!
Natalie H,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is the second time I've done this trip and it was an absolutely amazing experience! I will definitely do again when I'm next in Barbados.
A Must-Do Barbados Experience – Horses, Sea & History
P1022ZQisabelleb,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a beautiful experience. Watching the horses go for there morning swim and bath and having the opportunity to ride on them and have pictures (for a discounted extra fee) was incredible. The horses were calm, beautiful and clearly well cared for also which made the experience much more special. A huge part of what made the experience so amazing was our guide, Liam. He was absolutely fantastic – so friendly and knowledgeable. You could tell he genuinely loves what he does and really cares about both the horses and the people he’s guiding. He made the whole thing fun, relaxed, and memorable. After the beach with the horses, we were taken on a really interesting tour around the racecourse and George Washington’s house, which added such a unique touch to the experience. We also stopped at the café for a coffee and sat speaking to the other friendly people on the tour and asking Liam many questions. If you’re in Barbados, I’d 100% recommend this. It’s such a special, well-rounded experience and definitely one of the highlights of my trip!
Cancellation < 24 Hours - No Explanation
653ccs,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I booked this trip through Viator and did not receive any communication about confirming pick up time. When I reached out the day before, no one answered my numerous calls. I sent a WhatsApp message following up too and then suddenly received an email that the operator had cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, with no explanation. This was meant to be a surprise for my son, so was super disappointing.
Well worth getting up for!
MairionaC,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Liam was an excellent guide – friendly, informative and very knowledgeable. Anyone interested in horses will love this tour. Loved being taken to the George Washington House for coffee afterwards.
Sea Horses in Barbados
David B,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Picked up at the crack of dawn at 06.00 by Liam, very knowledgeable and likeable young man. Very informative tour plus seeing the horses taking their daily dip in the Caribbean! Good value for money!
Excellent visit with horses, beach, racecourse, and history of the Garison area.
PatrickD2854,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an experience. Racehorses in the sea swimming and standing still with waves breaming around and over them. The guide, Liam, was very knowledgable about the reasoning behind this conditioning. The the tour of the Garison area, the racecourse, the stables, George Washingtons house, tunnels, the cannons suuounding the area and the history of Barbados. Excellent.
From US$39.00
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Operated by Ryde Tours & Rentals