Barbados open water swim

If you’ve never experienced a long-distance open-water swim before, then this is your opportunity.

Every year, in early November, hundreds of swimmers from all over the world take to the crystal-clear waters around Barbados to participate in the Barbados Open Water Festival.

Open to all age groups and abilities, the festival is spread over five days. One 1.5km practice swim takes place every day for the first three days of the festival in three different locations on the south and west coasts of the island. On the fourth day, there is a 1.5km ‘Swim the Bay’ race and a 1.5km ‘Just for Fun’ swim. On the final day of the festival, the 3.3km, 5km and 10km races take place.

There are some fantastic prizes to be won, including airline tickets, hotel stays, dinners at fine dining restaurants and much more.

Even if you’re not participating, it’s a fun event to watch and very much a family affair, with food, drink, music and activities for the kids.