Barbados Gears Up for 12th Annual Open Water Festival

Registration is now open for the 12th annual Barbados Open Water Festival (BOWF), taking place November 4–8, 2026. The event features five days of communal swimming alongside hundreds of nautical aficionados, athletes, amateurs, and those in between, in the turquoise waters of Barbados.

Since launching with 89 participants in 2013, BOWF has grown into one of the world's premier open-water swimming events, welcoming nearly 600 athletes of all ages and abilities in 2025.



“Over 12 years, we have showcased Barbados as a top-tier destination for nature, sport, and active travel to swimmers from 25 countries. We are also tremendously grateful for the dedicated support and engagement from our local swimming community,” said founder and Event Director Zary Evelyn.

“The festival is a standout event on the island’s robust and quickly expanding sports tourism calendar, attracting a high percentage of visiting participants, including Olympians, World Champions, Masters Champions, marathon swimmers, and more,” said Kamal Springer, Sports Manager at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., a major sponsor of the event.

• 

• 

As sports and wellness tourism continues to grow, travellers are seeking active experiences abroad that feel authentic, purposeful, and memorable. BOWF meets that demand by building community both in and out of the water through organised post-swim dinners, happy hours, and other social activities. That sense of connection brings many participants back each year, including Maine-based swimmer Ed Tsuzuki.

Participants take part in practice swims, including the “Just for Fun” 1.5K swim, for the first three days, followed by two days of 1.5K, 3.3K, 5K, and 10K races, where athletes compete for age-category trophies and awards. All swimmers receive finisher medals, including ‘Just for Fun’ entrants. Safety is BOWF's top priority. Lifeguards and a medical team patrol the swimming course, supported by volunteers on stand-up paddleboards and in kayaks. The Barbados Coast Guard and the Barbados Police Service also monitor the events.

Registration for the 1.5K, 3.3K, 5K, and 10K races closes at midnight on Wednesday, November 4.Registration for the 1.5K "Just for Fun" swim remains open until November 7. Visit www.barbadosopenwaterfestival.comfor details and to register.