Calling All Swimmers for the 10th Barbados Open Water Festival 2024

The 10th Barbados’ Open Water Festival (BWOF) is on from 6-10 November 2024.

This five-day annual event is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Participants will enjoy a series of practice and competitive sea swims ranging from 1.5km-10km in the island’s magnificent Carlisle Bay.

Once a bustling seaport where British Admirals, including Lord Nelson, docked their ships, Carlisle Bay is now a protected marine park with perfect conditions for open water swimming. It is particularly ideal for anyone new to the sport. 

Below is the full BWOF schedule which includes three practice swims:  

Wednesday 6 November at 4.30pm (practice race #1): Guided 1.5km open water practice swim in Carlisle Bay. Meeting at the Barbados Yacht Club at 4pm.

Thursday 7 November at 4.30pm (practice race #2): Guided 2km open water practice swim at Batts Rock Beach in St James. Meeting at La Cabane at 4pm.

Friday 8 November at 4.30pm (practice race #3): Guided 2km open water practice swim at ‘Miami Beach’. Meet afterwards at Oistins Fish Fry.

Saturday 9 November at 9am (start of the race): 1.5km swim race and ‘Just for Fun’ swim in Carlisle Bay. 

Sunday 10 November at 7am (start of the race): 10km swim race in Carlisle Bay. 

​Sunday 10 November at 9am and 9.05am (start times): 3.3km and 5km swim races in Carlisle Bay. 

Online entries for the 1.5km, 3.3km, 5km, and 10km races close at midnight on Tuesday 5 November. Entries for the 1.5km ‘Just for Fun’ swim are open right up until the event starts on Saturday 9 November.

Prizes and awards will be presented shortly after each race has finished. All swimmers will receive a specially designed medal. After each swim, guests are also invited to enjoy Happy Hour drinks and dinner. For reservations email barbadosopenwaterfestival@gmail.com. 

For more information visit the official Barbados Open Water Festival website.