REVIEW : Cool Runnings, Catamaran Cruise, Barbados

Mention the words Cool Runnings and the movie of the Jamaican bob sleigh teams comes to mind. You’d be in the right vicinity for Cool Runnings but in the wrong ‘sport’ - we’re talking sailing and sailing in style. Cool Runnings is a host of Caribbean Catamarans that take you out on the water for a day.

We spent the day filled with fun and frolics basking in the hot Barbados sunshine and diving deep into the cool waters to swim with turtles and peer at shipwrecks along the coastline. And I can honestly say it was one of the best days on my holiday and possibly the most fun I’ve had on a sailing boat.

Cool Runnings in Barbados, runs a complimentary pick up from your hotel and takes you to the dock in Bridgetown where you register for your Cool Runnings board passes and hop on board.

COOL RUNNINGS CATAMARAN CRUISES, BARBADOS

As you’d expect, the catamaran’s captain and crew are lively, boisterous, have the banter nailed and are just utterly charming. They look after you providing you with bottomless cocktails, swim gear (flippers, snorkels and lifejackets) and jokes; but most importantly this crew knows everything there is to know about the catamaran, sailing, swimming, snorkelling and diving, that you automatically feel safe and at ease in their hands the entire trip.

You leave the dock, rum punch in hand, suntan lotion in the other, the catamaran heads out across the azure blue sea and sails along the coastline. A short few minutes later and you’re doning your lifejackets and finding a snorkel to dismount the steps into the cool waters. I could hardly contain my excitement as I seen a large very gracious turtle swim by and I forget to breathe and then somehow forget I had a snorkel on, dipped too far down into the water and took in a massive gulp of seawater!

Photo taken from Cool Runnings Facebook page

I sorted myself out, and peered down into the watery depths as more and more turtles started to gather. One of the crew was feeding them, and what animal doesn’t love food. The turtles are spectacular. They are very curious creatures but also very friendly. Gentle giants of the sea. Besides turtles, when you can tear your eyes away from them, there are plenty of fish to gaze at and many arrive in shoals, all swimming around you, no doubt in hast to grab some of the remnants of food.

Back on the boat, and you’re off to the next location and this time its shipwrecks and more turtles. I’m sure they followed us. You spend about half an hour or so at each of these locations before you set sail in the opposite direction up the coast towards our lunchtime destination – the famous Sandy Lane.

No, we weren’t lunching at Sandy Lane Hotel, but we anchored just off the beach and tucked into a great lunchtime spread of salad, chicken, fish and macaroni pie. Washed down with wine or more cocktails or rum punch (there is water and cold drinks available if you don’t want anything alcoholic).

After lunch, we grabbed a noodle and popped into the calm waters for a long leisurely swim and to count our blessings. Just looking around, this truly is heaven on earth.

All too soon the day was nearly over, and we all climbed back aboard and head towards Bridgetown once more.

The cruise is brought to an end when the two Cool Runnings Catamarans (two boats head out at the same time and run the same cruise) have a battle of ‘Rock the Dock’ – where the crews on both boats lead their guests on a singing and dance-off. So much fun!

A splendid day and one that I will recommend time and time again to anyone visiting Barbados. You genuinely won’t regret it.

Things to pack:

Suntan lotion and lots of it.
Your own towel.
Flip flops.
Sunglasses.
Hat.
T-shirt in case you get too burnt or need to cover up.
Your own snorkel and mask if you so wish but these are provided and thoroughly cleaned after each use.

Things you don’t need to worry about:

Transport there and back. They provide a complimentary shuttle service.
Water and drinks.
Food.
Snorkels, masks, flippers and life jackets. They provide a variety of sizes including for children.

How to book:

Cool Runnings offer 3 cruises which you can book via their website www.coolrunningsbarbados.com

Lunchtime cruise BDS200 or £80
Sunset cruise BDS180 or £70
Private cruise request quote

My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10