Land Sports

Are you looking to do sports in Barbados? For a relatively compact island you can enjoy a wide range of sports in Barbados. Whether you are seeking activities on land or in the water, there are pursuits and sports in Barbados for all to enjoy.

Here are some of the most popular sports in Barbados

 Golf

Barbados has long established itself as the premium golfing location of the Caribbean. It has several acclaimed courses from which to choose.

Royal Westmoreland offers a par 72, 7045 yard championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior. Offering rolling fairways, striking views and a lush tropical landscape it is consistently rated as one of the top courses in the Caribbean. Being a private estate, golf access is available only to those living or renting in Royal Westmoreland although limited rounds may be secured by pre-scheduled appointment. Browse our properties to rent in Royal Westmoreland. 

Other golf courses on the island include those at Rockley and Apes Hill on the West Coast.  Barbados Golf Club located to the South is also popular. Each of these courses is openly available for play with set rates and tee times. Whilst these courses are of a smaller scale all offer beautiful views and opportunity to enhance your handicap through their own unique challenge.

 Golf is one of the most popular sports in Barbados.

Equine Sports in Barbados

Horse Riding

Whether you are an accomplished rider or a beginner horse riding is offered at a number of locations on the island, predominantly across the West Coast.

 Take a hack through windy lanes and picture perfect villages, or canter across the stunning sandy shores of Bath beach in the early evening light. What could be more exhilarating.

Ocean Echo Stables in St James offers a selection of packages for all abilities. They even offer an adrenaline rich night ride centred around nocturnal wildlife and the magical full moon. Steve's stables, situated just off St James' road, offers exhilarating beach rides along with a full sized menage.

Polo

The first polo match in Barbados was played in 1884 after British cavalry officers introduced the sport from overseas.  Polo evolved to become a very popular sport in Barbados.

Nowadays polo is played to a high standard in Barbados and has become a popular spectator sport as well as part of the island's heritage. The polo season begins shortly after Christmas and runs through to May. Many high profile International games are played in Barbados. Local games are enjoyed all year round.

Perched 1000 metres above sea level and showcasing spellbinding views, Apes Hill Polo Club is the most exclusive on the island. It offers a large polo field. You can even have polo tuition here. Its first class facilities include a bar and Country Club all bordered by the prestegious properties of Apes Hill Estate. Beyond Apes Hill there are a number of other polo fields on Barbados. That at Holders Hill, which is situated next to Holders House, has been a focal point on the island for many years. Games have been played here since 1965. Today it plays host to international games as well as being a communal hub where locals and visitors come together to socialise and embrace the sport throughout the year.

 Wherever you choose to enjoy the game, Polo matches accross the island are generally accompanied by light refreshments. These range from light afternoon tea to the customary Caribbean rum punch.  Polo games usually commence in the late afternoon. It is a wonderful way to spend the evening and wind down after a day in the sun. 

Horse Racing

Dating back to the 1800s horse racing is now a key facet of Barbados heritage. There are a number of race venues on the island. The sport is centred around the historic track Garrison Savannah. This is situated just outside Bridgetown on the West Coast. Horse racing is also a very popular sport in Barbados.

As with many sports on the island the Bajans have turned horse racing into a celebration in itself.  Visitors are welcome to attend any race throughout the year and partake in the customary festivities around the event. In true Bajan style, these include a tipple or two of locally brewed rum, fruit punch and light refreshments in the stands. Keen equestrians may like to head down to Carlisle Bay where a local trainer runs his retired racehorses in the clear waters each morning around 7am. It is quite a magnificent sight. 

Tennis 

Barbados offers tennis clubs, courts and racket hire for all abilities. Many popular residential developments have communal tennis facilities.  A select number of our detached villas for rent also offer private tennis courts. If you are looking to play and socialise Apes Hill tennis club allows for enjoyment of both. Apels Hill is set in a welcoming gated community. It has lush tropical gardens and offers tennis tuition as well as court hire for guests and residents alike.

Sugar Hill tennis village boasts the most prestegious tennis facility on Barbados. It has olympic sized courts offered for use of visitors as well as those living on the complex. View our properties to rent in Sugar Hill. 

For those staying outside communal tennis facilities Barbados Raquet Club, situated in Holetown offers use of three flood lit tennis courts. It also has a clubhouse and pro shop for all. Perfect for friendly rallies or more competitive games the club offers annual memberships as well as a varierty of organised events and activities throughout the yeae. There are sponsored matches, tuition and summer tennis camps for the whole family.

In contrast to traditional tennis games you may also partake in road tennis whilst in Barbados. Created by the Bajans for the Bajans in the 1930's this sport is now open to all. It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in the sun. With almost no equipment needed and best played with bare feet, your court is the road!

Microlighting

For adrenaline seekers who want to feel the freedom of soaring above the sweeping coastline and its dramatic landscape why not soar into the sky at 1500ft aboard an ultra-light aircraft. Fly low above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged terrain of the Scotland district.  What could be more exhilarating? With open cockpit seating two and a rear motor, the Microlighting experience provides a fun and exhilarating adventure for all. Whilst up there you will enjoy a birdseye view of the island’s stunning sights and hidden alcoves.

Hiking

Hiking is a magnificent way to take in the sights and sounds of Barbados.  Guided hikes are availble across the island tailored to all levels of fitness. Climb Mount Hillaby, which, situated in the Parish of St Andrew is the highest point on Barbados at 1,115 ft. From here you will experience truly captivating panoramic views of the island. Alternatively take a relaxing stroll via sleepy fishing villages and pristine beaches from the West to the South Coast.

Segway

This is a relatively new pursuit on Barbados. It is a sport to be enjoyed by the whole family.  Segway tours offer a fun way to experience the island whilst gliding on two wheels. Guided tours run from Cove Bay and Little Bay on the West Coast, three times a day, seven days a week. Tuition is included.

Cricket

Cricket is one of the most revered activities in Barbados. It has been long proclaimed the national sport of the island and the West Indies.  The energy and atmosphere at Bajan cricket games is magnetic. With locals picknicking on local cuisine and the punch flowing, whether you are an accomplished player or new to the sport it makes for a wonderful day out.

For a small Island, Barbados has produced some of the greatest Cricketing Legends of all time. This has attracted many touring teams from clubs, schools and universities worldwide. Charlie Griffith, Desmond Haynes, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Frank Worrell and of course Sir Garfield Sobers are just a few of those famed. Some of these cricketers remain active in the development of cricket in Barbados. 

The Sir Garfield Sobers stadium is one of a number of cricket venues on Barbados. Another is the  Kensington Oval. The Sir Garfield Sobers stadium has played host to international games since 1981 and was redeveloped in 2005. A visit to the Sir Garfield Sobers stadium will bring you a master class and a fun family experience. Enjoy watching a game where there is little chance of it being rained off. Take in some great entertainment along with live music, refreshments and a tipple or two. 

Shopping

For the shopaholics amongst us Barbados does not disappoint. The island offers something for all. There are locally made crafts and jewellery. Enjoy sampling inspired food and drink and peruse fine art and fashion.

The most exclsuive shopping area in Barbados is Lime Grove in Holetown. This is home to a vast array of designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier. There are also a number of high end independent retailers, bars and restaurants at Lime Grove.  Set in a tastefully designed complex this is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The centre itself is a beautiful, clean building with a pleasant ambiance. It is a great place to browse even if you do not wish to make a purchase.

Those seeking a striking gem stone or shopping for that special someone may like to head to Diamonds International in Bridgetown or in Lime Grove. Here you will find a collection of exquisite pieces of jewellery to consider.

Art lovers may enjoy wandering the gallery of Caribbean art which is situated in Speightstown. It is located down a quiet backstreet and is a treasure trove of creativity showcasing the work of local artists. Select pieces are offered for sale. Holders farmers market is another popular spot for shoppers. Here you will find a variety of stalls selling Bajan arts, crafts and produce, with the setting exuding a great energy for visitors and locals alike. 

We would be pleased to provide further information of  land sports in Barbados or other activities in Barbados, or co-ordinate your chosen activities for your trip. Just ask.