Sports & Whats On

There are many sports in Barbados to watch or participate in - sailing, diving, golf, polo, cricket and horse racing to name a few - and festivals to attend.

Barbados offers excellent conditions for sailing with over 70 miles of coastline and the warm, azure waters of the Caribbean. There is a huge fleet of vessels from which to choose - from the sleek, luxurious mega-catamarans and the exhilarating ocean racers to the smaller sailing cruises. The pristine waters offshore possess treasures that only a diving mask and scuba tank can reveal. So take the plunge, the scuba classes offered are designed to get you diving the same day. If you prefer to stay dry you can explore the ocean floor in a real submarine or go big game fishing.

If you yearn for a land adventure, take a 4x4 tour to some of the most spectacular, out of way places; or take one of the regular organised hikes.

There are several polo grounds on the island and events there are important social events for the celebrities who visit the island.

Golf is played at Royal Westmoreland, Sandy Lane and the Barbados golf clubs. Royal Westmoreland usually plays host to a European Seniors Tour event in March. Sandy Lane has hosted the World Cup of Golf.

The Kensington Oval is not just a sports stadium; it is the Mecca of West Indies cricket. Host of the cricket world cup in 2007 it will be hosting several England matches (test and one day internationals) in February and March 2009.

During the year there are several cultural festivals where you can socialise and enjoy concerts and events - Barbados Jazz Festival (January); Holetown Festival (February); Holders' Festival for opera, classical music, drama, jazz and Caribbean music (March); Oistins Fish Festival (April/Easter); Gospelfest (May); and Crop Over (July/August).