The freedom and excitement of open water swimming continue to draw the young and the more mature to the open waters and the fastest growing sport in the world today!

Barbados has a highly enthusiatic group of open water swimmers who meet every week to swim Carlisle Bay.  The calm clear waters along the white sand beach make it a beautiful swim. Its also great for spectators and kids.  Recently in an interview, Sir Anthony Bamford, Chairman of JCB said this of Carlisle Bay: "Its one of the most beautiful beaches in the World". Sir Anthony has been visiting Barbados for over 50 years and visits four to five times annually.  His family has owned a property in Barbados since the 1970's (Source: The Red Book).

Its time now to register for the July race, 6&7th (see our entry form on this site).  Remember the second race is October 26-27th.  When planning your trip details be sure to check out the brand new "Cash Coupons" being provided by the Barbados Tourism Authority.  This is basically free money to spend at restaurants and attractions on island, once you make a booking between May 1 and June 15th (for travel until December).  Visit http://bookbarbadosnow.com/island-inclusive for all details or ask your travel agent.

The two-day swim events will take place in the beautiful Carlisle Bay, pictured above.  Carlisle Bay is a picturesque crescent-shaped bay bordered by a long stretch of white sand.  The bay is a natural harbour and a marine park with calm, crystal-clear waters offering ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling and other leisure activities.  The Bay is a favourite swim spot for our local group of highly enthusiastic and friendly open water swimmers.

The Events are being organised by a group of local Veteran Swimmers who have a passion for open water swimming and look forward to sharing the experience of sea swimming in Barbados with swimmers from across the globe.  It is their intention to host these sea swims annually and they have formed the business known as "SwimBarbadosVacations" for this purpose.  Visit our organisers and sponsors page to see Bios of organisers and the generous sponsors who are supporting this new venture.

 We are planning two Swim Festivals in 2013.   These events are scheduled for July 6th–7th and October 26th – 27th. The festival format will feature a 1.5 km swim on Saturday and a 5 km swim on Sunday.   In addition there will be other water sports activities (stand up paddling fun races, kayaking and more), a beach barbeque, open bar and live music on both days. There are also great prizes to be won. We will welcome swimmers and tri-athletes of all ability levels from recreational to elite.

In addition to excellent swimming conditions Barbados has a variety of exciting attractions; bring spouses, partners, kids and friends.

Swim Barbados Vacations has partnered with several hotels near to the swim venue and in varying price categories to suit all budgets. Our partner hotels can be accessed through our site. Don't hesitate to email us with any questions about the events, hotels or any general questions about Barbados.

 Come for the Weekend Swim Festival and stay with us for awhile!