A variety of open water swim races that are open for all ages and abilities, as well as many fun social events for the athletes and spectators.
The Festival runs for five fabulous days – three days of practice swims and two days of “Races”. You can choose to swim one day or all five! Experience three open water swimming locations in Barbados. The races are a wonderful mix of ages and abilities, serious swimmers and swimmers just there for enjoyment. Distances: 1.5K, 3.3K, 5K, 10K.
Every year we welcome numerous first time “sea-swimmers”. Finisher Medals & Age Category Medals.
Over the years many familiar faces of the open water world have been seen at the Festival – Olympians, World Champions, Masters Champions, marathon swimmers, Triple Crowners, Pan Am Medalists, National Champs, Ice swimmers, World Record Holders, Pro-triathletes, Swim Administrators & more.
The Barbados Yacht Club in Carlisle Bay will be the new home of the Barbados Open Water Festival 2025.The swimmers rave about the ideal open water swimming conditions at the venue, Carlisle Bay, a protected Marine Park. The Bay is truly idyllic but also steeped in history, as a former bustling seaport, visited by the likes of George Washington and famous British Admiral, Lord Nelson. Suitably, the Bay now lies adjacent to the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site: “Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison”. Crystal clear calm water that laps gently onto a long white sand beach and little or no undertow. A swimmer once likened Carlisle Bay to a “large swimming pool but even more beautiful”.
This new location is superior to their previous one since there is much less interaction with cruise boats and cruise ship passengers creating a safer and more enjoyable swimming experience for our guests.
Check out their website for details and to enter online!
