Carlisle Bay
Luxurious beachfront resort in Antigua or vibrant marine park in Barbados, offering serene relaxation or exciting underwater adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Carlisle Bay
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Luxurious beachfront resort in Antigua or vibrant marine park in Barbados, offering serene relaxation or exciting underwater adventures.
"Carlisle Bay is the perfect blend of relaxed luxury, natural beauty, and five-star service."
🐢 Turtle Spotting Magic
Swim with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay, Barbados! Many tours offer this unforgettable experience .
💰 Value at The Boatyard
The Boatyard in Barbados offers a package with welcome drinks, loungers, and snorkeling for a good price .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Beachfront Bliss
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
A secluded horseshoe bay with calm, turquoise waters and untouched rainforests. Perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun.
Underwater Wonders
Carlisle Bay, Barbados
Snorkel or dive among shipwrecks and vibrant marine life, including sea turtles. A must-do for ocean lovers!
The Boatyard Beach Club
Carlisle Bay, Barbados
A lively beach club offering food, drinks, and access to snorkeling tours. Great value and a fun atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the All-Inclusive Experience
Pack for Paradise (and Local Laws!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Turtle Spotting Magic
Swim with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay, Barbados! Many tours offer this unforgettable experience.
💰 Value at The Boatyard
The Boatyard in Barbados offers a package with welcome drinks, loungers, and snorkeling for a good price.
🚗 Explore Antigua by Car
Consider renting a car in Antigua to discover more than just resorts.
🚫 Camo is a No-Go
Wearing camouflage is illegal in Barbados. Be mindful of local laws.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Turtle Spotting Magic
Swim with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay, Barbados! Many tours offer this unforgettable experience.
💰 Value at The Boatyard
The Boatyard in Barbados offers a package with welcome drinks, loungers, and snorkeling for a good price.
🚗 Explore Antigua by Car
Consider renting a car in Antigua to discover more than just resorts.
🚫 Camo is a No-Go
Wearing camouflage is illegal in Barbados. Be mindful of local laws.
✨ Family & Adult Zones
Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua thoughtfully separates family and adult areas for a peaceful stay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carlisle Bay, whether the resort in Antigua or the bay in Barbados, garners overwhelmingly positive reviews for its stunning natural beauty and excellent service. Guests frequently praise the attentive staff, beautiful beaches, and delicious dining options, particularly at the Antigua resort. While some minor refurbishments are occasionally noted, the overall experience is consistently described as world-class and highly recommended for various types of travelers.
"We stayed for 6 days in this hotel in Antigua. We stayed at suite 12 - the suites are huge ! We will definitely come back; the rooms are huge , new , modern and clean. the staff are amazing , every each person is so kind to you and make you feel like home. The location is the best , with amazing private beach. Kids and family friendly- including nanny services, kids club with great activities for kids. Very good food and restaurants- especially the Asian restaurant.
The staff is there for you also when we needed a doctor consultation for one of the kids , they take care same day and sending a taxi to pharmacy for the prescriptions, checking on it every day. Excellent service."
Guy
"We spent a week at Carlisle Bay Resort and was blown away by the beauty, service, and attention to detail. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel like royalty—greeting us with chilled towels, tropical drinks, and warm smiles.
The location is absolutely stunning. Nestled between lush green hills and a calm, turquoise bay, the resort feels private and peaceful. We stayed in a Bay Suite, which was perfect for a romantic escape—spacious, beautifully designed. Waking up to ocean views and sipping coffee on our terrace was a highlight of every day.
Dining was exceptional across the board. Indigo on the Beach served fresh, flavorful dishes in a relaxed beachfront setting, while East was a more refined experience with standout Asian fusion flavors. We also loved Ottimo! for casual poolside lunches—especially the wood-fired pizzas.
Service throughout the resort was impeccable. Everyone, from housekeeping to the concierge, went out of their way to ensure our stay was flawless. We also appreciated the thoughtful division between family and adult-only areas, which helped maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
If I had to find a minor critique, it would be that some areas of the resort—like parts of the pool deck—could benefit from a little refresh. But that’s honestly nitpicking. The overall experience was world-class.
I have been here 5 times … Would I return? Absolutely. Carlisle Bay is the perfect blend of relaxed luxury, natural beauty, and five-star service. Highly recommend for couples, families, or anyone looking to unwind in paradise."
Phil Lawyer
"Stayed here and at Bluewaters, and honestly, there’s not much in it—they both have their strengths. If the beach is what matters most, this one wins hands down. The location is incredible, right on a stunning stretch of sand that really makes the stay.
That said, if you’re after charm and atmosphere, Bluewaters just edges it. This hotel has loads of potential, but it could do with some refurbishment.
But the best bit? Afternoon tea served to you on the beach. It honestly doesn’t get much better. A real standout experience that sets this place apart."
Danny Hayward
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the cruise port in Bridgetown, Barbados, you can take a short 10-minute van ride to Carlisle Bay for about $5 USD.
Travelers suggest renting a car in Antigua to explore the island effectively, especially if you plan to stay in hotels or Airbnbs outside of the major resorts.
Carlisle Bay in Antigua is described as a secluded horseshoe bay, suggesting it's best accessed via resort transportation or a pre-arranged taxi if not staying at the Carlisle Bay Resort itself.
Carlisle Bay is a location, not an airport. You would fly into the nearest international airport, such as V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua or Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados, and then arrange ground transportation.
The Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua offers a seamless arrival experience, including airport greetings and transfers, ensuring a smooth journey to the resort [^Reviews].
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the beach itself is public, popular spots like The Boatyard Beach Club offer packages that include entry, loungers, and amenities for a fee, providing a more structured beach experience.
The Boatyard in Carlisle Bay, Barbados, offers packages that typically include a welcome drink, sun lounger, umbrella, Wi-Fi, and sometimes snorkeling gear or a short boat trip, especially for cruise passengers.
Carlisle Bay in Antigua is primarily associated with the Carlisle Bay Resort. Access to its private beach is generally for resort guests, though day passes might be available depending on the resort's policies.
Yes, Carlisle Bay in Barbados is a popular stop for cruise ship passengers. The Boatyard offers specific packages for cruise guests, making it easy to enjoy the beach and activities.
The Boatyard typically operates during daylight hours, aligning with the typical beach day schedule. It's best to check their specific hours closer to your visit, especially if planning an evening visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Carlisle Bay in Barbados is famous for snorkeling and diving with sea turtles and shipwrecks.
Yes, Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua is very family-friendly, offering nanny services, a kids' club with activities, and a peaceful atmosphere due to its thoughtful division of family and adult areas.
Absolutely! Carlisle Bay in Barbados is renowned for its sea turtle population, and many boat tours offer opportunities to swim with them.
Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua boasts multiple dining venues, including Indigo on the Beach for casual beachfront meals, East for Asian fusion, and Ottimo! for poolside lunches with wood-fired pizzas [^Reviews].
Yes, Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua offers a range of water sports. Canoes, pedalos, and snorkeling gear are often available for free on a first-come, first-served basis, with paid experiences also offered [^Reviews].
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Boatyard offers a selection of food and drinks, with reviews highlighting it as a place to get your money's worth for a fun beach day experience.
Reviews consistently praise the food at Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua, with specific mentions of the Asian restaurant (East) and beachfront dining at Indigo on the Beach being exceptional [^Reviews].
Yes, Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua offers all-inclusive stays, which are highly recommended by guests for a seamless and enjoyable dining experience across its various restaurants [^Reviews].
While specific menus aren't detailed, the resort's multiple restaurants with diverse offerings (Asian, Italian-inspired, beachfront) generally cater to a variety of dietary needs. It's always best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff.
Yes, one standout experience at Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua is afternoon tea served directly on the beach, described as a truly special occasion [^Reviews].
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of sea turtles swimming,
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday provides bright, clear light perfect for underwater shots while snorkeling.
Generally, photography is welcomed in public areas of Carlisle Bay. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy and any specific rules at private establishments like The Boatyard or resorts.
For underwater photography, a waterproof camera or a good underwater housing for your phone is essential. For general beach and landscape shots, a standard camera or smartphone with good zoom capabilities will suffice.
Drone regulations vary by island and specific location. It's crucial to check the latest rules for Barbados or Antigua regarding drone usage in coastal and resort areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Cruise Ship Passengers
The Boatyard Beach Club is a popular choice, offering convenient packages that include amenities like loungers and welcome drinks, making it easy to maximize your port day with beach time and snorkeling opportunities.💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Exploring the bay independently and packing your own snacks can also help manage costs.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Carlisle Bay: Antigua vs. Barbados
[^Reviews]. It's nestled between rainforests and the sea, offering a private and peaceful ambiance.In contrast, Carlisle Bay in Barbados is a vibrant, public bay near Bridgetown, famous for its accessible marine life and lively beach spots like The Boatyard. It's a hub for snorkeling with sea turtles and exploring shipwrecks, popular with cruise ship visitors and day-trippers looking for adventure and value.
+1 Remember that wearing camouflage is illegal in Barbados, a detail to keep in mind when packing.When planning your trip, it's essential to clarify which Carlisle Bay you intend to visit. The Antigua location offers a resort-centric, tranquil experience, while the Barbados bay provides a more active, accessible, and adventurous day out. Both promise beautiful Caribbean scenery and memorable experiences, but they serve different travel desires.
Underwater Adventures in Carlisle Bay, Barbados
+1The star attraction for many visitors is the abundance of sea turtles that frequent the bay. Several tour operators, like Carlisle Bay Fun Tours and Cruises, specifically offer excursions focused on swimming with these gentle creatures.
The waters are generally calm and clear, especially during the afternoon, providing excellent visibility for spotting turtles, rays, and various tropical fish. It's a truly magical experience to witness these animals in their natural habitat.Accessing these underwater wonders is relatively easy. Many visitors opt for organized boat tours departing from nearby beaches like Browne's Beach, which often include snorkeling gear and guidance. The proximity to Bridgetown and cruise terminals also makes it a convenient activity for a day trip.
Remember to respect the marine environment by not touching the wildlife or coral and by using reef-safe sunscreen.The Carlisle Bay Resort Experience: Luxury and Service
Dining is a highlight, with multiple restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences. Indigo on the Beach provides a relaxed beachfront setting, East offers refined Asian fusion, and Ottimo! serves casual poolside fare like wood-fired pizzas [^Reviews]. The resort also provides thoughtful touches like afternoon tea served on the beach and a well-organized kids' club, ensuring a pleasant stay for families and couples alike [^Reviews].
While the resort is praised for its beauty and service, some reviews mention that certain areas, like parts of the pool deck, could benefit from minor refurbishment. However, this is often seen as a small point against an otherwise world-class experience that blends natural beauty with five-star service, making it a highly recommended destination for a Caribbean getaway [^Reviews].
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