After a three-year pause, 2023 marked the resurrection of the Barbados Open Water Swim Festival this past November. Just as the weather cools in Canada, the event allows swimmers of all abilities to experience this unique island firsthand displaying one of its incredible assets, the warm calm waters for the Caribbean Sea. Not just a two-day swim race, but Zary Evelyn, the race director and founder, creates opportunities to swim at four different beaches during the five-day festival featuring some of the most spectacular beaches populated by some of the friendliest people on earth. The swim competition is for all levels, including a 1.5 km ‘Just for Fun’ event along with a competitive race on Saturday which had over 350 swimmers. Sunday offered a Swim the Bay 3.33 km, 5 km and 10 km race hosted at the Barbados Yacht Club on the calm south shoreline, an ideal location for the swim festival. I decided to swim the 1.5 km race on Saturday then surprised myself placing third in my age group in the 5 km swim on Sunday. The fun doesn’t end with just an amazing swim over shipwrecks and among the turtles, but concluding each swim day was a spectacular social barbecue and two-for-one happy hour featuring local rum creations. I met countless Canadians from Eastern Canada, a sprinkle of Western Canadians and even a few athletes from San Diego and Western USA. The event was high energy in warm, safe waters with ample safety support even during the practise swims. And the island hospitality encouraged plenty of vacation celebration with a sprinkle of historic and geographical uniqueness.
Most accommodations are situated along the coastlines of this 45-kilometre-long, 22-kilometre-wide Island. I stayed at the Canadian-owned Southern Palms Beach Club & Resort Hotel on the south side. The property has 500 metres of soft-sand beach perfect for those early morning walks or jogs before an in-house breakfast buffet. Accommodation can also include a meal package but the fresh muffins and tea at 4 p.m.is free for all guests. This location is special for water enthusiasts because of a small section of shoreline that’s perfect for learning how to surf or bodysurf, while further down the beach the water is calmer—ideal for smaller children and water bathing.
Of course, the food was a highlight with fresh fish in abundance.The use of spices and local garnishes created dishes that were always unique and delicious. The cocktails before and after meals featured their hallmark industry-quality rum. There seemed to be no limits in drink creativity. Barbados is a foodie’s paradise. Some of the amazing restaurants include Cocktail Kitchen, which was walkable from our hotel and was in the heart of the best night life on the Island. My favourite restaurant was Champers, located right on the seashore with a diverse selection to meet every dietary need and preference from main courses to amazing desserts.
Staying a week on this most-southern island in the Caribbean just isn’t enough. The many tours offered are highly recommended, educating visitors on the island’s history. Tourism, sugar cane and rum are the main industries which translate into a safe, friendly visit with lots of great night life and amazing desserts. My favourite tours were the Harrison Caves, which included the Monkey Zipline and the Gully Challenge Obstacle course. Near Harrison Caves, a must see is The Hunt Gardens, which features over 84 species of plants and flowers. Labelled as the most enchanting place on earth, this small footprint is a snapshot of Mother Nature’s most colourful vegetation. The Mount Gay Rum factory (EST 1703) is the second oldest producing factory of rum in the world. This two-hour tour covers all aspects of making rum using the naturally distilled water and locally grown sugar cane and one-of-a kind local yeast. The tour also provides rum tasting and education on how to evaluate and describe the characteristics of a world class rum, which is useful when impressing your friends while sipping the most popular XO Triple Cask Blend variety. Best to purchase a few bottles at the gift shop to bring home. Make sure to wear proper footwear (not sandals) for the tour!
If you would like to see and learn about the entire island in a day, Jungle Tours will guide you around the perimeter of the island for a six-hour trip, stopping at the major tourist attractions. This rugged adventure first heads northeast to the cooler Atlantic coast where some of the best Caribbean surfing can be found. Although not a tour stop, but worthy of a visit, the Zemi Cafe features one of the highest points on the island from which to view the rugged Atlantic Ocean while enjoying some local cuisine. The tour heads inland again, stopping at some of the most historic locations the island has to offer. And finally turns south after a quick drive down Rihanna Drive, past the famous Barbadian singer, songwriter and actress’s childhood home. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly for this half-day tour.
One of the most popular Friday night destinations for great market food and entertainment is the Oistins Bay Gardens Entertainment Stage. I was fortunate to witness some local Michael Jackson impersonators and street performers. The food was fresh and delicious from Pat’s Place, a local vendor, and the atmosphere brings out the festive party animal. The locals love to entertain and promote their culture through the arts and cuisine. Make sure to visit Oistins Bay Gardens on the weekends.
If you are looking for a romantic evening lunch or dinner on the seashore look no further than La Cabane. Local delicacies and the lapping of gentle waves make this location memorable. Their fish tacos and caramel banana dessert were spectacular. In the daytime the beach was pristine and calm and earned my vote for the nicest place to spend a beach afternoon with safe swimming (lifeguards nearby).
With so much that Barbados offers, it’s easy to plan an island adventure followed by amazing food each day. The swim festival schedule accommodates the tourist and sun worshipper in everyone as well as providing the opportunity to participate in a world-class event. In 2024 the swim festival is scheduled for November 6-10. Both WestJet and Air Canada fly to Bridgetown typically connecting through Toronto. Again, the festival cannot be more perfectly planned for Canadians looking to test themselves in open-water swimming and get a last dash of sun and hot weather!
