Cricket, the national sport
Cricket? That's THE number one sport in Barbados! It's the only one that really gets the crowds going, and they don't hesitate to flock to the mythical Kensington Oval on a regular basis. In fact, pitchers and batsmen have been battling it out since... 1882! Today, they are greeted at the entrance to the temple by the statue of Sir Garfield Sobers, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 after a distinguished career that made him the best player of all time to hold the positions of pitcher and batsman.
Into the water!
In Barbados, deep-sea fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at tuna, marlin and barracuda, while holidaymakers in search of idleness can embark on day cruises and enjoy all kinds of water sports, both motorized and non-motorized (jet-ski, water-ski, kayak, paddle).
A surfing destination. Attention riders! Barbados has some of the best waves in the Caribbean. Whether you're kitesurfing, bodyboarding or surfing, you can have fun all year round. Beginners can head for Freights Bay, Pebbles and Surfers Point on Womans Bay on the south coast. For those who already know how to surf, there's also Fryers Well, Duppies and Mullins. But THE legendary spot on the island, the one that legend and all-time best surfer Kelly Slater has sung the praises of, is Soup Bowl at Bathsheba Beach. The waves are at their most impressive between November and May. When it comes to equipment, you'll find schools and rental stores right next to the main spots on the island, like the one run by windsurfing champion Brian Talma at Cane Vale. It's worth noting that kitesurfing enthusiasts can be found in the south of the island, at the Silver Sands and Silver Rock spots in particular.
Scuba diving. On the south and west coasts, beach lovers will find picture-postcard beaches with white sand, palm trees and crystal-clear waters, such as Carlisle Bay (Pebbles Beach, further south, and Brownes Beach). It's also here that you can meet divers exploring the Carlisle Bay Marine Park, where you're sure to come across hawksbill turtles wandering among the wrecks (there are said to be over 200 of them!). Speaking of wrecks, don't miss the Stavronikita cargo ship, deliberately sunk in 1978 in the Folkestone Marine Park to create an artificial reef with its 120 m length and two masts. The rest of the Marine Park is also ideal for snorkeling.
On land, a few possibilities
Hiking. Between beaches and lush forests, there's no shortage of beautiful walks in Barbados. On the island, the best place to hike is on the east coast, where the scenery is at its wildest. You won't want to miss the spectacular views offered by a hike up Chalky Mount, for example. The Old Railway Hike is currently being developed. For the moment, you can stretch your legs between Bathsheba (to the north) and Bath Beach (to the south) for a delightful stroll between land and sea.
To the north, the walk to Cove Bay viewpoint also promises a magnificent panorama of the entire east coast as a reward. Don't hesitate to ask local service providers about the best trails.
Cycling. With its relatively flat terrain, Barbados is ideal for cycling, and you'll find rental companies on the island.
Golf. Golf enthusiasts will find a number of excellent courses to work on their swing. These are, of course, perfectly integrated into the island's splendid landscape, such as the Barbados Golf Club, which has already played host to international stars.
