News & Media

2017: The Year of Sports

Barbados offers the active traveler a plethora of sporting activities to bring their holiday to life. From well-loved watersports, to world-class golfing, and newly added beach and wellness festivals, there’s something for every thrill seeker.

2017 has been designated the Year of Sports by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., highlighting the diverse range of events being held on island. The Year of Sports kicks off with the inaugural Barbados Surf Pro from April 11 -16, featuring local and international surfing pros. There are several other water sports activities including the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, OK Dinghy World Championship and the Finn World Masters Championship.

One island, many shore experiences

East
For an island that’s just 166 squares miles, Barbados boasts some of the Caribbean’s best beaches. Visitors are often thrilled by the diversity of shore experiences to be had. The star of the East Coast is Bathsheba, most popular among surfers due to the wild waves rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean. However, the rugged coast, with its dramatic rock formations, is a natural wonder to behold by surfers non-surfers alike.

West
In stark contrast to the East Coast are the calm waters of the island’s West Coast. Best known for its upscale accommodations, including the world-renowned Sandy Lane Hotel, these shores are ideal for laid back travelers looking to soak up the sun, sea and sand over traditional water sporting activities such as jet skiing and of course, swimming with the turtles. Most catamarans stop along the West Coast, whose crystal clear waters make for a snorkeling delight.

South
It is not unusual to visit a South Coast beach and find tourists enjoying a lesson in diving or the newly popular stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). There are several operators located along these shores, ready to work with visitors eager to perfect their skill or try something new.

Some of the island’s operators are listed below:

Barbados Blue
Scuba diving, snorkeling and much more
https://www.divebarbadosblue.com/

Barry’s Surf School
Surfing
http://www.barryssurfschoolbarbados.com/

deAction World
Surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, SUP
https://www.briantalma.pro
*Owned by popular Barbadian windsurfing champion, Brian Talma – could be a good story angle for learning to surf with a pro.

Jammin’ Catamaran Cruises
Catamaran – swim with the turtles, snorkeling
http://jammincats.com/

Paddle Barbados
Stand-up paddle boarding, SUP yoga, plus water sports rentals: kayaks, snorkels etc.
http://www.paddlebarbados.com/

Ride the Tide
Surfing
http://ridethetidebarbados.com/

Santosha Yoga
SUP yoga
http://santoshayogabarbados.com/

Tiami Catamaran Cruises
Catamaran – swim with the turtles, snorkeling
http://tiamicatamarancruises.com/

What’sUP Barbados
Stand-up paddle boarding
http://www.surfsupbarbados.com/

Zed’s Surf Shop
Surfing
http://www.zedssurftravel.com/