Sports and leisure activities Barbados

Budget & Tips

Don't forget to pack your mask and snorkel, as Barbados has some top-quality diving sites... and they're all within easy reach. A swim just a few meters from the beach is enough to find a few coral reefs populated by multicolored tropical fish. A real delight, and with a bit of luck, you'll come face-to-face with a turtle! If you want to take advantage of amenities (like toilets, changing cubicles, showers), Folkestone Marine Park is recommended and free. What's not free (unless you're diving off your resort's beach) is the use of umbrellas and deckchairs. You'll need to rent one from the beach vendor, unless you can find a tree to shelter under. Be careful with mancenillium, though. This small tree with its poisonous fruits and leaves can cause burns when it rains or just by touching a leaf. Fortunately, on busy beaches, these trees are marked with a sign and a red circle around the trunk.

Hotels often include free rental of water sports equipment. Find out more and take the opportunity to go kayaking or boogie-boarding, for example.

Hiking is another great activity, as long as you protect yourself from the sun and stay well hydrated. Hikes to remember include the summit of Mount Hillaby (Barbados' highest point), the Bath trail to Bathsheba along the old railway line or the Barcklay's Park trail to Chalky Mount.

Your documents please

With its coral reef and shipwrecks transformed into artificial reefs, Barbados is a prime destination for scuba diving. The first thing you need to know to dive legally is to have your diving certificate (issued by internationally recognized organizations such as PADI, SSI or CMAS). Please note that some spots (the deepest or those with wrecks) require a higher level of certification. We recommend diving with a guide. For beginners, the presence of an experienced guide is mandatory.

Motorboat operation requires a Barbadian boating license, as Barbados does not currently recognize international licenses for motorboat operation. This makes it difficult for the average tourist to hire a boat without a licensed skipper.

To be booked

Booking a boat, a diving trip or a leisure cruise around the island in advance is highly recommended, especially in high season.

Main events

There's no shortage of sporting events in Barbados. These include the Barbados Sailing Week in mid-January, with its sailing race around Barbados, the Dive Fest Barbados in mid-August, which celebrates diving, and the Run Barbados Weekend in early December, where you can take part in various running races, including a marathon.