The beautiful tropical weather and cool breezes are a perfect match for outdoor activities, games and sports, which are all an integral part of the social life on the island. There are plenty of activities to choose from on Barbados, from cricket to golf or netball to soccer, fishing, diving or snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking or tennis. You can choose to participate, or simply be an observer, but don’t miss out on the local sporting scene.
This list is primarily "land-based" activities on Barbados, but below you'll find links to our page on Water Sports, Shopping, and other things to do.
Cricket
In the true British tradition, cricket is the leading sport both played - and watched - on Barbados. Matches are played from January to mid-July, both locally and on a regional level. School children, both boys and girls, can often be found playing in schoolyards around the island. You can watch both men and woman play cricket Thursday nights during the season at Grove Park in Charlestown.
Football (soccer)
This game is played during the months of September and October in Grove Park in Charlestown.
Golf
The 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course at the Four Seasons Resort on Nevis has been ranked the 7th best golf resort by CondeNast Traveler magazine. Except for the key holiday seasons in December and January, the course is open to play for people who are not guests of the Four Seasons. There is also a small course, Cat Ghaut Chip’n Putt, on Shaws Road in Newcastle. Run by Roger and Peggy Staiger, the 9-hole course is located on 15 acres, which includes a nature trail.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is one of the most popular spectator sports on the island, sponsored by the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club. Held each month at the Indian Castle Race Track, the races are a full afternoon event, with races, music, barbecue food, and a carnival-like atmosphere enjoyed by young and old. The horses are thoroughbreds and the competition is keen. Wages are calculated using a pari-mutuel system.
Mountain Biking
A very popular activity on Barbados, the island now has its own mountain biking team that completes regionally, Team Nevis, and is currently looking for major sponsorship for its team. Lead by Winston Crooke, who rents out mountain bikes (helmets are provided) at Oualie Beach, the team has also hosted races in the regional Caribbean Cup mountain biking series held each year, which brings dozens of riders and spectators to the island. Crooke developed the team, organizing racers young and old, which now races year round and participate in regional triatholons. www.neviscycleclub.com
You can rent bikes at Windsurfing Nevis at Oualie Beach (Crooke is also the island’s windsurfing guru), and head out for a day on your own. Or, Crooke will lead you on a fascinating trip off road, up into the hills, to see ruins, villages, sites and vistas not accessible by car. For reservations, call 869-469-9682. E-mail: windsurf@caribsurf.com
Netball
This popular sport, similar to volleyball, is played year-round. Traditionally a woman’s sport, it has now been opened for men and women. Tournaments are often held and players play daily at the courts in Charlestown.
Tennis
Several Nevis hotels have tennis courts available for play while on the island. There are also public courts located in Brown Hill and Grove Park.
Volleyball
Most Nevis hotels have volleyball courts on the beaches for visitors and locals to enjoy.
Horseback Riding
Nevis Equestrian Centre
More than 30 years ago, John and Ali Jordan-Gilbert began to dream of operating a horse facility full time. Little did they know this dream would become a reality-thousands of miles from where they began. In 1996, they opened the centre where John and daughter Erika lead riders. Erika gives riding lessons and coaches "Special Olympians" through a therapeutic riding program with her dad. Her Nevisian husband Cassidy trains racehorses. The Centre offers 10 different rides that include beaches, trails, and mountain slopes.
For reservations, call 869-469-8118 or 869-469-3106, or E-mail: alitalk@caribcable.com or jguilbert@caribcable.com
Hermitage Plantation Inn
Trail riding from the Hermitage on the southeast side of the island is a memorable experience, from the hills around Gingerland, for a breathtaking ride up to Saddle Hill, the saddle-shaped mountain that British Naval Admiral Horatio Nelson used as a look-out. A one-and-a-half hour ride is $55 per person. Or, relax in an antique carriage, and see the quiet road and villages around Gingerland. Cost is $50 for a half-hour trip for up to two adults and two children.
For reservations, call 869-469-3477, or E-mail: nevherm@caribsurf.com
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