You can enliven your vacation by watching or participating in a number of fun sporting activities in Barbados. With year-round temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius/ 86 degrees Farenheit Barbados is the perfect destination for any sports enthusiast. Cricket is very popular on the island and followed by many locals who often organize friendly matches between one another. Barbadians are avid sportsfolk and participate in a variety of activities such as surfing, water polo, athletics, horseracing, football and of course cricket, to name a few.
Cricket
The first love of Barbados! Cricket is the national sport of the island with many locals and visitors alike attending world-class matches at the newly renovated Kensington Oval. Barbados has produced several cricketing greats such as Sir Garfield Sobers, the three W’s, Wes Hall, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge, David Allen, and the late Keith Boyce. There’s always an opportunity to enjoy a great game of cricket in Barbados whether it’s an international match, a local first-division match or a friendly game on the beach or village playing field. To reserve tickets at Kensington Oval for matches visit: http://cricketwestindies.org/.
Golf
Barbados boasts a number of world-class golf courses and facilities. Several tournaments are hosted throughout the year and attract participants from Europe, North America and several other countries. In December 2006 Barbados hosted the World Golf Championships World Cup at the Sandy Lane luxury resort.
Royal Westmoreland
This is a “members only” golf club that allows limited tee off times for non-members. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Royal Westmoreland is one of the world’s most exciting resort courses. Tel: 419-7242
Sandy Lane
At Sandy Lane there are three courses to choose from – The Old Nine, the Country Club Course and the private Green Monkey Course. The Country Club and Green Monkey Courses were both designed by Tom Fazio. Tel: 444-4080
Barbados Golf Club
This championship golf course is the work of experienced golf course designer Ron Kirby. Tel: 538-4653
Apes Hill Club
This is a private club reserved for property owners and their guests – but our Concierge can get you a tee time! Space is limited so reserve early. Take special note of the view from holes 6 and 15… spectacular! The course was designed by the team at Landmark Land Company and boasts some of the most challenging fairways and greens in the world.
Hiking
You can enjoy the natural beauty of Barbados with a hike through gullies, cane fields and coastal villages. Hosted by the Barbados National Trust, hikes are scheduled each Sunday morning and afternoon beginning at different locations around the island. Each hike lasts 3 hours and varies in intensity based experience. Interesting facts about Barbados are often provided on the hike. Hikes are free but the Barbados National Trust accepts donations to preserve the built and natural environment. Tel: 436 9033 or 426 2421 The Hike Calendar can be found at this link –https://barbados.org/hike.htm. Don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear, a sun hat, and bring a bottle of water and a snack for along the way!
Horseracing
You can enjoy horse racing all year long (exception being the month of October) at Barbados’ historic Garrison Savannah. Race days are exciting for all members of the family and feature lots of vendors selling treats for the kids. The main event of the racing season is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup which attracts participants from all across the Caribbean and international world. For a full racing schedule check online: http://www.barbadosturfclub.org/race-day/#racingcsdrop
Polo
Polo is played to a high level in Barbados. Several first-class matches between Barbados and visiting teams are held throughout the year. The British Calvary brought the sport to the island in the 19th century and the Barbados Polo Club was formed in 1884. There are several polo fields in Barbados, several of which feature luxury property developments around the field. The season is typically early December until late May but match days may change due to inclement weather, so it is best to call the Barbados Polo Club hotline to confirm match dates and times: Tel: 230-1308
Motor Sport
Motor Sport in Barbados is hugely popular and while there are many types to choose from as a spectator, The Sol Barbados Rally is the biggest international motor sport event in the Caribbean. It began as a one-day rally for 30 or so local competitors and evolved into a major celebration attracting as many as 90 crews from around the region and international world. In 2009 the list of entrants included nine World Rally Cars as well as past and present champions from Britain, Jamaica and Trinidad. Hundreds of enthusiastic fans come to the island to not only view the exciting races but to enjoy the nightlife, dining, beaches and other fun activities on the island. Find out more at: Website: http://www.rallybarbados.net/
