It’s been on the bucket list for a while and you have decided this is your year, to take the plunge, literally, into the crystal waters of Carlisle Bay for the Barbados Open Water Festival! What awaits you on this tiny coral island, a mere dot on most world maps? For starters, spectacular beaches and warm waters with ideal open water swim conditions on the west, southwest and some south coast locations.  Après Swim the possibilities are endless.
 
The focal point of the Festival is the magnificent Carlisle Bay, located on the south west coast a stones throw from the capital city of Bridgetown and close to many south coast hotels. Swimmers rave about the Bay; here is one of the many we have received over the years: “Think pinch yourself perfect conditions. Crystal clear waters, sandy seabed studded with starfish, dazzling groups of tropical fish darting around in front of us and at least half a dozen turtles looking up from below, bemused by our ungainly thrashing about in comparison to their effortless grace. Back on dry land, the morning’s racing was quickly giving way to a full-on Caribbean beach party and we were given a warm, genuine welcome – as long as one didn’t mind too much the locals bragging about how they get to swim the same bay every weekend. Thanks for a truly unforgettable day.”  British Swimmer. 

The Festival – Nov 6-10, 2019, 
Five days of swimming available, swim one or swim all five. Three days of practice swims (2K) with highly social dinners afterwards and two days of friendly competition (1.5K, 1.5K Just for Fun, 3.3K, 5K, 10K).  The Fun race supports the Variety Club of Barbados (Children's Charity) Beach finish for all races. Finisher Medals and Winner Medals for multiple age groups. Refreshment provided on finish line (there is a feeding boat for 10K swimmers). Home base is Copacabana Beach Bar, all races start and end in front of Bar and food and drink is on sale all weekend. See some of the 2018 photos here.

Apres Swim....
After the swimming leave time to explore the island and its amazing attractions.  There is a plethora of possibilities, here is a taste:

• Visit the rustic east coast & soak up the scenery or enjoy an authentic local beach house experience at Bath Beach House.
• Make your way to the Animal Flower Cave located in the scenic cliffs of the northern tip of the island. 
• Relax on a Catamaran cruise with lunch and snorkelling
• Explore the underground caverns of Harrisons Cave or the underwater world with Atlantis Submarines. 
• Explore the trails with EBIKE Island Adventures or stroll around exquisite tropical  gardens like Andromeda or Hunte's Gardens. 
• Wander around Bridgetown, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, check out the parliament buildings, the Synagogue, the Cathedral,  the Screw Dock and many others.
• Learn about the art of Rum making and the island's long association with Rum.
• Visit one of the numerous historic buildings: Nicholas Abbey, Morgan Lewis Mill, George Washington House, Sunbury House are just a few.
• Have a look at the house where Rihanna grew up!
• Take a "behind the scenes" off road tour with Island Safari
• Pick up unique island souvenirs from Best of Barbados, a chain of family-owned gift shops!

Haven't booked your stay yet?
Have a look at our Partner Hotels for preferred rates, be sure to use the code when booking!

Rent a Car
Need a rental car while on island - check out the special rates for swimmers from ANSA Rentals. Tell them you are coming for Festival!

                                                              More info about Barbados, check out these sites
                         www.myguidebarbados.com     www.totallybarbados.com     www.visitbarbados.org

​                   Leave the wetsuit at home and prepare for five days of "Fun and Fabulous" !

Jaimie Monahan, a renowned ultra-marathon and ice swimmer, will make her first appearance at the Festival in 2019. The New Yorker is globally known as a “Queen of Cold Water Swimming” but can't wait to get a swim in the warmer waters of Barbados:
"I keep looking at photos of the water there and am getting way too excited – it’s still months away!"
 
Jaimie’s endless list of outstanding achievements includes: first to accomplish the Ice Sevens, numerous marathon swims including a 92K double Manhattan island swim, six marathon swims on six continents in sixteen days, winner of the inaugural International Winter Swimming Association’s World Cup and seven-time US National Winter Swimming champ. ​

Advertising Manager, Lisa Carter thanked the organizers for the opportunity to partner with them and said “In pursuit of our philosophy to give back to the community, one of our mandates is “Promoting of active lifestyles” whereby we encourage our customers, especially the kids, to participate in as many sporting and social activities as possible to foster more balanced lifestyles. Hence Chefette’s support to the Barbados Open Water Festival. 
 
Evelyn noted that without corporate support and backing by agencies such as the Tourism Development Corporation and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. the Festival may not have survived. The event has grown with every year and currently attracts several hundred visitors to the island every November.  
 
The offerings remain the same as in 2018 with three days of practice swims and four races (1.5K, 3.3K, 5K and 10K).  Highlights will include professional timing by Sportstats, live steel pan music on the beach and numerous random prizes.  The event is scheduled for November 6-10.