Event review: Barbados Open Water Swim Festival

Reader Alison Atfield decided to travel to Barbados alone for a new challenge

At home in Cornwall, I swim in a wetsuit. At events, someone marks my hands with the number.

Here, in Barbados, there isn’t a wetsuit in sight. I am about to enter a swimming event in the sea in my normal costume, with my racing numbers on my arms, legs and hat. This is a novelty. So, too, is swimming in such clear, warm water.

This is the first time I have experienced the true freedom of skins swimming. It’s so comfortable. Normally I am anticipating becoming too cold, even abroad!

But how did I end up at a swimming event halfway around the world? Advertising (plus word of mouth) works!

I have seen this event advertised in Outdoor Swimmer many times. Then, a few years ago, I met a swimmer at BEST FEST in Mallorca who had taken part. So I had been considering it for a while. But was I brave enough? Could I afford it? Would I be too scared to travel on my own?

Taking the plunge

In June 2025 my mum passed away at the age of 96, having enjoyed a healthy life until her late 80s when she began to decline. Prior to that she had travelled widely, mostly by herself, and had visited all the places on her bucket list including India, Lake Geneva, Malaysia, Thailand and China.

Approaching retirement age myself, I realised it had been a while since I had really challenged myself. Yes, I take part in pool and open water events, as well as running. I train with Carrick Masters Swimming Club and Gyllyngvase Surf Lifesaving Club, as well as belonging to a local health club. But all these things feel within my comfort zone. When I take part in swims or runs near home, I join in with friends and other club members. A solo trip to Barbados would be a leap into the unknown!

Then, I mentioned the idea casually to a friend and, before I knew it, she had booked to stay in Barbados with two others at the time of the event, although swimming wasn’t initially on her mind. That meant I would know one person there at least.

My mum had also left me a small sum of money, and this seemed like the perfect way to use it and honour her memory.

Special occasion

Landing on the island, I felt like I’d arrived for a special occasion on the Barbados calendar, with involvement from local people and businesses. The presence of several of the Barbados national swimming team added kudos and interest to the swims. So, too, did the rivalry between long-time competitors from around the world.

I was surprised at how easily I chatted to other swimmers and how friendly and open everyone was. I met lots of people from all over the world, including Canada and the US, Barbados and Trinidad, as well as swimmers from Kent and a lovely Scottish couple. Their experiences were all different. Many had done other open water challenges, and some were regular returners to this one.

The festival itself was very well organised, a truly inclusive event. The event director is Zary Evelyn, a local restaurateur, who has a passion for developing sports tourism in Barbados. The swim festival has been running since November 2013, and Zary also promotes a Run Barbados marathon running weekend festival each June. One for another time, perhaps?

The event staff, including lots of local volunteers, were friendly, helpful and welcoming, answering questions about each of the race routes, registrations times and local conditions.

The races were hosted by Barbados Yacht Club, and I took a trip there beforehand to ensure I knew where to register and become familiar with the environment. Patrolled by security staff, protecting members’ interests, this proved an interesting experience. Staff were polite and helpful but more guarded, until I showed proof of my race entries and they let me through the grounds to the beach. A Bajan swimmer I met on the bus travelling to the first race had never set foot in the yacht club and said he was pleased I could show him the way!

Plenty of swimming to choose from

I took part in three 2k practice swims, two at Carlisle Bay and at Batts Rock beach. These were part of the festival experience. Two of the practice swims were different routes around Carlisle Bay, the race venue. I felt better prepared, and less nervous as a result.

In contrast, the practice swim at Batts Rock was a coach ride away, which gave me an opportunity to see more of the island. Afterwards, a beach barbecue and beers, hosted by the French owners of La Cabane, an amazing beach bar and restaurant, was a lovely way to unwind and meet other swimmers.

For the competitive swims, I entered the 1.5k and 3.3k races, although there are also 5k and 10k options for those who want to do more. The number of swims meant that travelling halfway round the world felt worth it!

Sea weaving

A highlight for me was the colour of the sea. It seemed to have an almost luminous electric blue woven into the lighter blue and turquoise; and it was crystal clear. I saw lots of fish and, during one race, a large sea turtle deep down – very exciting! All the beaches had displays about the importance of marine conservation and actions being taken to protect endangered species.

How did I get on?

Among the small number of entrants in my age category, I am pleased to report I came third in each race. I was delighted and this felt like icing on a very special cake! I thoroughly recommend this swim as being suitable for most levels of open water swimmer. For those new to events, the 2k practice swims prepare you for the 1.5k. Swimmers entering the longer distances were often not particularly fast but had the stamina. The safety cover is excellent, and the water temperature makes it easier!

Travel suggestions

I stayed for one week, arriving a couple of days before the four-day festival and leaving the day after. I flew directly with Virgin from London Heathrow. Overall, the trip cost me about £3,000 but it could be done cheaper or even more luxuriously. I stayed all-inclusive in a 3-star resort, which was expensive, as Barbados is expensive! The race entries were a relatively small part of the costs at about £150.

The organiser has a list of partner hotels and accommodation and there were much cheaper options. My friends flew more cheaply from Manchester with Aer Lingus and stayed in an air BnB in a gated community nearby. You could probably do it for nearer £1,000 if you stayed for just five days. Alternatively, more luxury accommodation was about £2,000 more than I paid – somewhere like Sandals or Radisson Blu.