10 Best Sports & Adventure Activities in Barbados

While it's justifiably famed for its beautiful beaches, Barbados is also well known for its sports and a climate that favours all-year activity. Whether you decide to participate or spectate, there are many incredible sporting adventures to enrich your Caribbean holiday experience beyond the usual leisure activities.

Take a look at some of the best sports and adventures in Barbados. From championship golf to big game fishing, surfing to submarine tours, we’ll create a personalised holiday around a multitude of once-in-a-lifetime sport experiences.

1. Cricket

Cricket is considered the national sport of Barbados and is deeply ingrained in the island’s culture. So, it’s never hard to catch a game – whether you’re at the world-famous Kensington Oval, one of the dozens of cricket grounds or watching a friendly, impromptu game on the beach! Attending a Barbados cricket match is a fascinating experience, where you'll join lively and passionate Bajan fans who create a carnival-like atmosphere with instruments, rum and reggae.

A West Indies Cricket Tour with our sister brand Spectate means sunshine, sandy beaches and a huge helping of world-class sport.

2. Horse-racing

Enjoy a day at the races in true Barbadian style. Just outside Bridgetown is the Garrison Savannah, the home of horse racing since the mid-1800s. Highlights on the calendar include the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, perhaps the most prestigious event on the island. For a prime view of the final furlongs, we can arrange Pavilion Hospitality, complete with a delicious three-course luncheon and afternoon tea.

For something a little different, visit Pebbles beach near the track to spot swimming racehorses! Here, jockeys often train their horses by having them swim in the sea. Afterwards, watch them relaxing and splashing around in the cool waves for an amazing experience at the beach.

3. Polo Matches

Whether you’re an eager Polo fan or new to the sport, Polo is a thrilling spectacle that’s exceptionally popular on the island. Top teams from around the world are attracted to Barbados between January and May when the International Polo season takes place. Flagship events are held at Barbados Polo Club in Holders Hill and Apes Hill Polo Club in St. James, both of which boast fabulous facilities and are popular for lessons and chukkas, too. Mingle with glamourous attendees, sip on champagne and generally have a fabulous time while watching some of the best players in the world.

4. Golf

Barbados is home to a wide range of golf courses, some designed by famous names such as Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones. If you fancy a round, allow our island-based Golf Concierge to take care of all arrangements for you, including booking your preferred tee-times. You could even play a different course each day, from Apes Hill to Royal Westmoreland. Barbados golf is very exclusive at Sandy Lane, with championship facilities and fairways. The iconic Green Monkey course was designed by Tom Fazio and is reserved just for hotel guests. Afterwards, one of our favourite experiences is relieving tired muscles with a massage at the sprawling spa!

5. Surfing

Barbados is a tale of two coasts: the west draws sunseekers to its iconic golden shores, while the ruggedly beautiful east lures surfers with its epic Atlantic surf. One of the most popular surfing spots here is Bathsheba, where you can spend hours relaxing next to striking rock formations watching small fleets of fishing boats and daring surfers tackle the swells. This small, churning bay known as the Soup Bowl is where the Barbados National Surf Championship is held every November. If you’re a novice and want to fulfil your surfing dreams, the Bathsheba area is home to some great surf schools.

6. Jeep Safari

Combine cultural activities with exploration during a round-island tour in a 4x4 jeep. You can go off the beaten track to places like Edge Cliff, Joe’s River Forest, and Cove Bay, or stay closer to popular tourist attractions. If you'd prefer to create your own itinerary, our team can tailor-make a private tour based around your preferences. One of our friendly, knowledgeable drivers will be at your command, giving you a complete overview of the landscape, history, and culture during a full day tour. Stop off at local rum shacks and fantastic beaches along the way!

7. Sailing

Another of Barbados' exciting activities is sailing. Thanks to the warm trade winds and wide-open waters of the Atlantic, it's an ideal place for competitive sailing and hosts many international tournaments. The biggest date on the Caribbean sailing calendar is the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, which has been held for over 80 years. Taste the local food and the rum at the home of Mount Gay and watch all the action from the golden shores. 

If you want to try it for yourself, or improve your abilities, we’ll arrange a lesson from experts who will teach you how to handle the boat and guide your voyage.

8. Game Fishing

With year-round sunshine, peaceful clear waters and a warm climate, this Caribbean island is one of the best environments in the world for fishing. There are hundreds of varieties, but it’s the mighty Barracuda that keen anglers are on the lookout for. We can organise a shared or private charter with all equipment and bait, so you can try your hand at this famous sport. Old hand or novice, you’ll soon be hauling in Tuna, Wahoo, and Blue and White Marlin. Have your catch cleaned and prepared to take with you, or grilled right on the yacht!

9. Catamaran Cruises

For the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, get out onto the waves aboard a luxury catamaran. In addition to delicious food, sunbathing and mango-orange sunsets, you’ll get the chance to explore hidden coves and beaches. Swim and snorkel, perhaps encountering one of Barbados’s famous hawksbill turtles, then enjoy lunch prepared by the chef on a picturesque bay – your beach club for the day. If you’d prefer to scuba dive or indulge another favourite activity, we can arrange that too. Barbados is home to numerous coral reefs and fascinating shipwrecks, making it a great destination for underwater exploration.

We can arrange private charters for any event or celebration. Our preferred partners for rental are Seaduced and Silvermoon, and we will be very happy to assist you with the planning of your special occasion.

10. Go on a submarine tour

If you don’t fancy diving or snorkelling, or you’re travelling with young children, a thrilling alternative is an underwater tour with Atlantic Submarines. The 48-seater craft descends 150ft to the ocean bed, where you’ll enjoy viewing beautiful reefs, shipwrecks and colourful marine life in their natural habitat, day or night. Our expert team can arrange this unique adventure during your holiday, which is bound to impress every member of the family! 

For more information around this beautiful island, have a read of our Guide to Barbados (link). 

Seeking an active adventure in Barbados?

The opportunities to get up and go are endless in Barbados. There’s the more refined and traditional sports, cricket and golf, alongside the heart-racing experiences that send you surfing across the Caribbean or on an off-road safari adventure.

Whether you’d like to watch horses galloping across the powdery beaches, or venture deep into the Caribbean Sea on a submarine tour, there’s something exciting awaiting your arrival on this sunlit island. To create your perfect itinerary, contact us and speak to our Travel Specialists. We’ll help design your tailor-made getaway for a summer of sports in the Caribbean.