The Barbados Open Water Festival is back
Swim in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea at the The Barbados Open Water Festival, returning 8-12 November 2023.
Experience three incredible open water swimming locations and swim in water described as a “large swimming pool but even more beautiful” at the Barbados Open Water Festival, which returns 8-12 November 2023. The festival takes place over five days: three days of practice swims and two days of races. Participants can swim for one day or all five.
The races (covering distances of 1.5k, 3.3k, 5k and 10k) are open to a range of ages and abilities, from serious swimmers to first timer sea swimmers and those just there for enjoyment. And what a pleasure it is to swim in the crystal clear and calm Caribbean Sea, which laps gently onto a long white sand beach with little or no undertow.
A protected marine park, Carlisle Bay is not only idyllic it’s also steeped in history – a former bustling seaport, visited by the likes of George Washington and famous British Admiral, Lord Nelson. The Bay is also adjacent to the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison’
Over the years many familiar faces of the open water world have been seen at the festival, from Olympians, world champions, Masters champions and marathon swimmers to ice swimmers and Triple Crowners. Why not join them and make a holiday of it?
Online entries are open, register on their website.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
