Motor rallying is very popular in Barbados and our road network is especially suitable for this sport. Drivers, local and regional, participate in special stages and rallies. Rallies are often based on the Tulip international system of navigation which allows competitors from overseas to compete on even terms with their Barbadian counterparts.

Cycling: Barbados is most probably not the first destination coming into someone's mind when planning a holiday associated with bicycle riding. And it is not widely known that race bicycling as well as mountain biking is very popular amongst locals on the Caribbean island of Barbados. But Barbados has quite a history of successful competitors as well as a number of excellent bike routes and tracks.
The Barbados National Stadium was built on a 22-acre site and officially opened in 1970. It has a 400m eight-lane rubberised track and a 500m cycling track.The five spectator stands are covered and provide seating for 5,000 persons. The main stand which seats 600, incorporates booths for sports reporters as well as wireless and television broadcast. In November 1996, the stands, gates and the velodrome of the National Stadium were named after outstanding Barbadian athletes.The stadium and its annexe provide facilities for soccer, hockey, cycling, boxing, shooting, netball and all track and field events.
The beauty of the landscape through which one cycles is unbelievable. No matter whether one is cycling high above the east coast with the Atlantic Ocean always in sight, or climbing up the steep hill to St. John's Church , or riding down the roads framed by lush, tropical vegetation into a "surfer's paradise", Bathsheba, or cruising along the East Coast Road, or climbing the "almost mountains" up to Cherry Tree Hill or Apes Hill, there is always something to catch the eye.
Equipment: You may rent a bicycle at several locations across the island, including at the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Bicycle Rentals: Flex Bicycle Tours and Rentals
Guided Tours: Guided bicycle tours are available from Flex Bicycle Tours and Rentals. Throughout their tours you will get to enjoy the flora and fauna of the island. Highland Adventure Centre offers a spectacular 12-kilometer mountain bike tour, travelling through the heart of Barbados ... with a stop at a local rum shop!

Gymnasium: The multi-purpose Gymnasium is part of the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.
Situated at Wildey, St. Michael, the Gymnasium is one of the most modern sporting facilities in the Caribbean with full air-conditioning and seating for 4,000 patrons. The games hall floor is made of maple parquet timber with concealed rubber grommets to give slight spring to absorb the impact and reduce pressure on the athlete's joints. The indoor facility is designed to cater to twelve sporting disciplines — table tennis, volleyball, weight lifting, bodybuilding, boxing, basketball, judo, karate, badminton, gymnastics, handball and netball. There are modern sauna and massage rooms for male and female athletes, and a medical room for pre-match medical checks. The gym is fitted with two-timing and electronic scoreboards which are programmed to show international time, same time, correct game and scoring data for basketball games. The Wildey Gymnasium is also available for cultural and religious events, conventions and assemblies. The sports complex now boasts an artificial hockey turf, the only one of its kind in the region.

The Aquatic Centre: This new swimming complex is designed for competitive swimming and water sports as well as other pool-based recreational activities. It was built by the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association with funds raised entirely by its efforts. The facility boasts a 25-metre by 10-metre teaching pool which is one metre deep and a 50-metre by 25-metre pool which can be used for both short course and long course laps. Daktronic timing equipment is installed and starting blocks and anti-turbulence lane markers are of international standards.
A covered stand seats 800 spectators and runs the full length of the 50-metre pool.

Game/Deep sea fishing: The warm waters off the coast of Barbados offer ideal fishing for Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin (Dorado), and the Marlin species. There is a fleet of Cabin Cruisers available for charter. Most charters include drinks, all tackle and bait. Contact one of the Operators to arrange your fishing trip or coastal cruise. Spin fishing from the many beaches and inshore fishing from open boats is a popular pastime for Barbadians. Fishing is in fact a way of life. The Barbados Game Fishing Association is responsible for organizing all fishing tournaments in Barbados.

Golf

Sunny weather all year round makes Barbados an ideal location for golfing and the perfect vacation spot for golfers and "would-be" golfers! These glorious weather conditions are complemented by excellent golf courses and facilities and several hotels offer special golf packages. Several golf tournaments are hosted throughout the year, attracting participants from a number of countries including Europe and North America. In addition most golf clubs offer professional instruction.

Golf Courses: Barbados has several golf courses, each designed with the club-swinging visitor in mind.

BARBADOS GOLF CLUB
18 Holes: This 6,805 yard par 72 Championship golf course, which is open to the public, is the work of Ron Kirby, one of the world’s most experienced golf course designers. The Barbados Golf Club has teamed up with several Official Partner Hotels to offer affordable golf holiday packages, and special offers. 7 day unlimited golf passes are available from as low as US$364.

ROYAL WESTMORELAND
18 Holes: Members only golf club. However if you are going to be staying at Glitter Bay and Royal Pavilion, they have special arrangements for you to use their golf course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course is placed high up on a former sugar plantation. The holes follow the variations of nature. The view of the Caribbean Sea is magnificent. And the course must be viewed as one of the world's most exciting resort courses, complete with a spa, tennis, restaurants and golf villas.

SANDY LANE GOLF CLUB
18 Holes: Tel: 246-432-2829 /246-432-2831 Charge: US$60 for 9 holes, US$100 for 18 holes

ROCKLEY GOLF COURSE
9 Holes: A pleasant 9-hole course with par 36. It is situated in a Villa resort area with several pools, tennis and club facilities. 18 holes (2 times round the 9 hole course) costs $92.00. 9 hole is $63.25, you can rent clubs at $28.75.

ALMOND BEACH VILLAGE
9 Holes: Tel: 246-422-4900 9-hole par 3 course, more for hotel guest relaxation than a challenge for dedicated golfers.

BELAIR GOLF CLUB (Not open at present)
(Par 3) 9 Holes: Tel: 246-423-4653

Special Golf Packages

Bougainvillea Beach Resort offers a unique golf package that is ideal for golfing enthusiasts of all ages and levels of skill. The 7-day package includes 3 days of unlimited golf at Barbados Golf Club with reserved tee times. If you are staying at Inchcape Seaside Villas and Apts, the management will gladly accompany you to play at the prestigious Royal Westmoreland course at a very favourable member guest rate. T-times and lessons at other courses can also be arranged in advance on your behalf.
Allamanda Beach Hotel, on the south coast of the island, offers guests a 7-night "Golf Treasure" package.
Dover Beach Hotel, located in the popular St Lawrence Gap, offers 3 special golf packages!
All Gems of Barbados hotels have teamed up with the Barbados Golf Club to provide guests of their properties with preferential tee times on this new golf course. The Barbados Golf Club also offers many special packages through it's Official Partner Hotels.

Hiking/Walking: Hike Barbados takes you through cane fields, gullies, tropical forests and coastal communities to explore the unique geological and social structure of Barbados. Along the way you will meet new friends, enjoy healthy exercise and observe the delicate balance of the unique heritage and environment of Barbados. The hikes are FREE but donations are welcome towards the work of the Barbados National Trust (preserving our built and natural environment) and Treading Lightly (problem-solving for sustainability).
Times: All morning hikes start at 6:00 a.m. Afternoon hikes (Stop 'n' Stare only) start at 3:30 p.m.
The Moonlight Walks start at 5:30 p.m., you are advised to bring a torch to these walks.
Dress: Loose clothing, comfortable hiking boots/sports shoes, sunscreen, hat. Bring your camera and a bottle of water. Refreshments are on sale after the Hikes.
Walk Descriptions: The ""Stop 'n' Stare" group walks for 5-6 miles, the ""Here 'n' There" group 8-10 miles, and the ""Grin 'n' Bear" group 12-14 miles. All hikes last approximately 3 hours.
Higher Heights Outdoor Adventures provides a number of recreational activities including hiking.

Horse riding: Explore Barbados on horseback! These riding centres offer a variety of trail rides and exciting, scenic rides along the beach for those with any level of experience.
BEAU GESTE FARM: Tel (246) 429-0139
BRIGHTON RIDING STABLES: Tel (246) 425-9381
CARIBBEAN INT'L RIDING CENTRE: Tel (246) 422-7433
YE OLDE CONGO ROAD STABLES: Tel (246) 423-6180
Highland Adventure Centre offers a scenic and picturesque tour through the countryside of Barbados for a glimpse of old plantation houses, outstanding views of three coastlines and quaint villages that time forgot. (Get details...)

Barbados Horse Racing: For an afternoon of fun and excitement, join the sport of kings at the Garrison Savannah! The racing season runs for almost the entire year and a number of thoroughbred horses and creoles run for handsome prize money. The main event of the Barbados horse racing season is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup (formerly the Cockspur Gold Cup), which attracts entrants from across the Caribbean and jockeys from the United Kingdom and Canada.

Kayaking: Explore Barbados by kayak! Enjoy a fascinating experience in the warm tropical breezes as you glide across the crystal clear Caribbean waters and past white sandy beaches. This scenic trip can take you over colourful coral reefs, afford you a glimpse of our breathtaking underwater life and grant you an unforgettable experience with friendly sea turtles. For those who want to experience this adventure on more calming waters, the west coast's waters are ideal. For a more exciting adventure, journey to the south coast, where you can rent kayaking gear from many of the water sports shops there or at Dover Beach.
Join Ocean Adventures for an invigorating and interesting kayak trip while on your Barbados vacation. Learn interesting facts about the island as the guides make rest stops along the way, and get the chance of a lifetime to mingle with and feed our friendly sea turtles! The tours are perfect for persons of all ages and skill levels.

Windsurfing has gone through a turbulent development since it's invention by Hoyle Schweitzer and Jim Drake back in the seventies. Jim Drake had experimented already in the early stages of windsurfing with a wing, more shaped like a hang glider. A little later I had the pleasure of testing a wing developed by the innovative sail designer Andre Lefebvre. Time has gone by and the wing became a kite which finally turned out to be an appropriate alternative to accelerate a surfboard using the wind power.

Since kite surfing really started taking off about two years ago, the still relatively small kite surfing community learned quickly that special circumstances are needed to make kite surfing a safe and enjoyable experience.

Barbados isn't only blessed with it's unique windsurfing conditions, it also has the most ideal kite surfing beach possible. It would probably not mean to exaggerate to say that this might be one of the most ideal kite surfing beaches in the world. Just a couple of minutes away from Inchcape a gorgeous, tropical, mile long beach with slightly onshore winds has all the requirements for the ideal kite surfing spot.

Parasailing: Imagine harnessing into a parachute and skiing off into the sky high above the boat and beach .... or jumping off a cliff to soar in the wind, admiring the gorgeous view below. In Barbados, these dreams can come true!
Skyrider Parasail.
Bay Street, St. Michael
Tel: (246) 435-0570

Paragliding:
The Barbados Paragliding Association.
(Registered with the Barbados Sports Council)
(Regulated by the Barbados Civil Aviation Authority)
Tel: (246) 423-8976
Fax: (246) 424-3425

Polo is also played to a high level in Barbados, with several first-class matches between the Barbados team and visiting international teams, throughout the year.

Contact the Barbados Polo Club at (246) 432 1802 for more details

Sailing: There are several Barbados yachts and catamarans available for charters.
You can join a scheduled cruise or customise your own personal sailing tour.

TIAMI CRUISES, 246-436-6424

HEAT WAVE SAILING CRUISES, 246-423-7871

REGENT ONE, 246-421-6767

EXCELLENCE, 246-436-6424

FREE SPIRIT, 246-230-1865

IRISH MIST CRUISES, 246-436-9201

LIMBO LADY SAILING CRUISES,246-420-5418

SECRET LOVE SAILING CRUISE, 246-437-7490

Scuba Diving: The fringes and reefs found off Barbados blossom with healthy sponges, coral and plant life. There are several types of reefs, each one unique in its own special way. The barrier reefs, located 1/2 - 2 miles from shore contain large coral heads which form the habitat for thousands of beautiful fish. Larger organisms are also found on these reefs, feeding on the smaller fish. The Hawksbill turtle can also be found on these reefs. Fringes and patching reefs are found closer to shore and have smaller coral formations and more abundant plant life then the barrier reefs. These reefs are home to Sea Horses, Frog Fish, Giant Sand Eels and many other marine creatures. Wrecks form fascinating habitats for marine life and Barbados has several excellent sites for wreck diving. Carlisle Bay, with 200 reported wrecks, and the Stavronikita, located at Folkestone Marine Park, are two of the most popular sites. Barbados is ideal for year-round diving but is probably best in the summer months. The visibility ranges from 40 to 70ft and the water temperature is a consistent 80 degrees F. There are several dive operators who will provide equipment, advice and guided tours to ensure that your diving experience is extremely enjoyable!

Surfing and Windsurfing: As Barbados is a Coral island, a coral reef stretches all around Barbados' coastline, providing for unlimited surfing conditions all over. No matter whether a swell approaches the island from a northerly or westerly direction or whether it's moving in from the East or the South, Barbados is guaranteed to have surf somewhere along it's shores at almost any given day of the year.
East Coast: The East Coast is the No.1 surf spot as far as power and size of the waves is concerned, a spot named Soup Bowl is internationally recognized in the surfing world.
North-West Coast : The northern end of the West Coast of Barbados isn't any milder when things are happening. Duppys and some other breaks in the north west can live up to Hawaiian standards easily. While some breaks claim a little effort to get to, the waves of Maycocks roll out on a lovely white sand beach and are easier to access.
West Coast: Further down the West Coast there is the point break of Gibbs and the shallow reefs of Tropicana and Sandy Lane. Watch out at Tropicana, don't even try in low tide when you don't want to become sliced up for Sushi…………….as it almost happened to the author of these lines……
South Coast: Along the South coast of Barbados, surfers find what they are looking for at many spots along the way down to Southpoint on almost any given day of the year. From Brandons near Bridgetown to Accra Beach the size of the waves is moderate. So it is at Freids where the cleanest wave one could dream of rolls out on Cotton Bays' beach. Closer to the rocks short boarders are in their element and right next to them longboarders find their dream conditions.
Right around the corner is South Point, home of many surfing competitions in the past, with a fairly powerful and clean wave.
The shore break at Inchcape on Silver Sands Beach is a pitchy shore break and can fit all sorts of descriptions, from mushy to super clean, but it always is quite powerful. It seems to break 365 days a year and is the last break to check when nothing is happening anywhere else.