Horse Bathing & Swimming Show: A Unique Barbadian Spectacle
Witness a unique Barbadian tradition: racehorses swimming in the turquoise waters of Carlisle Bay, a captivating spectacle blending equestrian heritage with stunning coastal beauty near Bridgetown.
Experience a truly unique Barbadian tradition at the Horse Bathing & Swimming Show near Bridgetown. Every morning, racehorses are walked from the nearby Garrison Savannah to Brownes Beach (part of Carlisle Bay) for a refreshing swim and bath in the sea. This practice, dating back to the island's horse racing heritage, offers a glimpse into the bond between these majestic animals and their trainers. It's a fantastic photo opportunity and a chance to witness a slice of local life, with the stunning backdrop of Carlisle Bay adding to the charm. The event is free, though tipping the handlers is customary if you interact with the horses. Arrive early to catch the best views and avoid crowds.
A brief summary to Horse Bathing & Swimming Show
- Brownes Ave, Bridgetown, Saint Michael, BB
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Arrive early (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) for the best views and to avoid potential crowds, as the activity is most vibrant in the early morning hours.
- Bring your camera to capture the stunning sight of horses swimming in the turquoise waters of Carlisle Bay; the vibrant colors make for excellent photos.
- While the event is free, it's customary to tip the horse handlers if you interact with the horses, take photos, or are offered a ride; the amount is at your discretion.
- Combine your visit with a relaxing day at Brownes Beach or a snorkeling trip in Carlisle Bay to explore the shipwrecks and marine life.
- Consider visiting on a Sunday or Thursday morning, as these are often the most active days for horse swimming, though the practice occurs most mornings.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Bridgetown, walk south along Bay Street. Continue past the Barbados Yacht Club and the statue of Sir Grantley Adams. Brownes Beach and the area where the horses swim will be on your left, approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Look for the horses in the water near Pebbles Beach. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
From either the Fairchild Street or Princess Alice bus terminal in Bridgetown, take a bus heading south along the coast. Any bus heading towards Oistins or the south coast will pass near Brownes Beach. Ask the driver to let you off at the stop closest to Pebbles Beach or the Radisson Aquatica Resort. From there, it's a short walk to the beach. The bus fare is BDS$3.50 (approximately US$1.75). Ensure you have local currency, as foreign coins are not accepted on Transport Board buses.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in Bridgetown, a taxi to Brownes Beach will cost approximately BDS$35-40 (US$17.50-US$20). Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Taxis are readily available throughout Bridgetown. Ride-sharing services like Uber are not available in Barbados.
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Driving
From Bridgetown, follow Bay Street south. Brownes Beach will be on your left. Limited parking is available along Brownes Avenue. Parking fees in Bridgetown range from BDS$1-2 (US$0.50-US$1) per hour. Be aware of parking restrictions to avoid fines.
Discover more about Horse Bathing & Swimming Show
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