Folkestone Marine Park & Museum
Dive into vibrant coral reefs and discover marine life at Folkestone Marine Park, a Barbadian gem for snorkeling, kayaking, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Folkestone Marine Park & Museum
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into vibrant coral reefs and discover marine life at Folkestone Marine Park, a Barbadian gem for snorkeling, kayaking, and family fun.
"Absolutely loved this place! I liked both beach and snorkeling even better than at Carlisle bay."
Bring Cash for Tours
Snorkeling tours are popular and often require cash payment ($50-60 USD). :moneybag:
North Beach is Best
For the best beach experience and direct reef access, opt for the north beach. :beachwithumbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artificial Reef Snorkeling
Offshore from the beach
Discover vibrant tropical fish, stingrays, and even sea turtles around a sunken ship reef.
Marine Museum & Aquarium
Onsite
Explore local marine life and learn about conservation efforts at this small but informative museum.
Coastal Boardwalk
Along the beach
Enjoy a leisurely stroll with stunning ocean views, perfect for catching beautiful sunsets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Snorkel Smart, See More
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Tours
Snorkeling tours are popular and often require cash payment ($50-60 USD). :moneybag:
North Beach is Best
For the best beach experience and direct reef access, opt for the north beach. :beachwithumbrella:
Turtle Spotting
Swim out to seagrass patches to find sea turtles, especially near tour boat areas. :turtle:
Check Museum Hours
The marine park and museum may have variable hours; confirm before your visit. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Tours
Snorkeling tours are popular and often require cash payment ($50-60 USD). :moneybag:
North Beach is Best
For the best beach experience and direct reef access, opt for the north beach. :beachwithumbrella:
Turtle Spotting
Swim out to seagrass patches to find sea turtles, especially near tour boat areas. :turtle:
Check Museum Hours
The marine park and museum may have variable hours; confirm before your visit. :clock1:
Hydration Station
Utilize the sponsored hydration station for water refills, perfect for active visitors. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the excellent snorkeling opportunities at Folkestone Marine Park, highlighting the accessible artificial reef teeming with marine life like fish, rays, and turtles. The park is also praised as a family-friendly spot with a playground and a pleasant boardwalk for sunset strolls. Some visitors noted that the marine park section might be closed at times, so checking hours is recommended.
"It is still very much a nice picnic and relaxing spot for the whole family on a bank holiday and any day for that matter, with a play park for the kids, a recreational area for your morning or evening exercises.
Nice boardwalk stroll along the beach in the evening to catch the lovely sunsets, popular sunbathing and snorkeling spot too with bathrooms and showers on site, the marine park section was closed on my visit but worth checking out."
Jules Cates (Jules)
"Absolutely loved this place! I liked both beach and snorkeling even better than at Carlisle bay. The artificial reef harbors plenty of tropical fish, stingrays and tapping come even up close to the beach and if you swim a little bit out (look for the tour boats) you can easily find the seagrass patches where you can see sea turtles. If you want to take a tour you better bring cash ($50-60, US Dollars). A few nice lunch options are around as well - we loved Calma Beach Club. The best snorkeling is just in front of the club."
Chantal Kuhn
"Great location, small beach, but good snorkelling just off-shore. Clean, clear water. Lovely helpful lady working there. Bar, clean loos, shower, gift shop, loungers"
John Marsh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Folkestone Marine Park is conveniently located right off the highway in Holetown, St. James. It's easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport. If you're coming from London, you can take a train to Folkestone Central and then enjoy a scenic 25-minute walk through Lower Leas Coastal Park.
Yes, there is shaded parking available at the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While Folkestone Marine Park is a popular spot in Barbados, if you're referring to Folkestone in Kent, UK, it's a great day trip from London. It's about an hour by train to Folkestone Central, followed by a walk.
For the best snorkeling, swim out from the beach towards where tour boats are often seen. Look for seagrass patches to increase your chances of spotting sea turtles.
The park features a boardwalk and is generally accessible. There are also bathrooms and showers on site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park and beach area is generally free. However, there's a nominal fee for a guided tour of the museum/aquarium.
The operating hours for the marine park and museum can vary. It's advisable to check in advance or upon arrival to confirm their opening times.
Yes, snorkeling tours are available and typically cost around $50-60 USD. It's recommended to bring cash for these tours.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for popular snorkeling spots to have rental options. It's best to inquire locally or bring your own gear.
The beach area itself is free to access, making it a great spot for a relaxing day.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of tropical fish, stingrays, and potentially sea turtles in the seagrass areas. The artificial reef is home to diverse marine life.
Absolutely! It's a nice picnic and relaxing spot with a play park for kids and a recreational area for exercise. The shallow waters near the beach are also suitable for families.
The park offers bathrooms, showers, a gift shop, and loungers. There's also a concession stand and a bar.
Yes, the reef is directly accessible from the beach, especially the north beach, without needing a boat.
The coastal boardwalk along the beach is a popular spot for evening strolls and catching beautiful sunsets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a few nice lunch options around the park. Calma Beach Club is a recommended spot, with the best snorkeling located just in front of it.
There is a concession stand on-site where you can purchase food and drinks.
Folkestone Marine Park is described as a nice picnic spot, so bringing your own food is a great option.
Holetown, being a popular area, offers various dining options, including beach clubs and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for photography, especially for capturing sunsets along the boardwalk.
Popular subjects include the vibrant marine life while snorkeling, the coastal boardwalk, and the picturesque sunsets.
Yes, with an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case, you can capture stunning images of the fish, rays, and turtles.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions mentioned for personal photography within the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more adventurous outing, the snorkeling is accessible even for beginners, with plenty of fish visible close to shore. Consider a short, guided tour of the marine museum to add an educational element to the day. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, or utilize the on-site concession for convenience.
🐠 Solo Travelers & Snorkel Enthusiasts
Holetown, where the park is located, is on the West Coast, known for its beautiful beaches and calm waters, making it a safe and enjoyable area for solo exploration. Consider bringing cash for optional snorkeling tours if you want a guided experience or to explore further afield.
📸 Sunset Chasers & Photographers
Beyond sunsets, the vibrant underwater world offers unique photographic opportunities. With an underwater camera or waterproof casing, you can document the colorful fish, rays, and turtles encountered while snorkeling.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Underwater World
For the best experience, it's recommended to swim out from the beach towards the area where tour boats often congregate. This usually indicates the prime spots for spotting the most abundant marine life. While you can snorkel directly from the beach, venturing a little further significantly enhances your chances of encountering turtles and a wider variety of fish.
Remember to bring your own snorkeling gear or inquire about rental options. For those who prefer guided experiences, several tour operators offer excursions to the reef, often including stops at other nearby snorkeling sites. Bringing cash for these tours is advisable, as many operators prefer it.
The Folkestone Marine Museum
Visitors can learn about the importance of protecting Barbados's precious seascape and the efforts being made to preserve its biodiversity. The museum often features exhibits on local fish species, coral reefs, and the challenges facing marine environments. It's a great place to deepen your understanding of the underwater world you've just explored or are about to explore.
A guided tour of the museum is available for a nominal fee, making it an affordable and enriching addition to your day. It's a perfect activity for families or anyone interested in learning more about the ocean's wonders.
Relaxation and Recreation
For families, there's a play park for children, making it an ideal destination for a day out with the kids. The recreational area also caters to those looking for morning or evening exercise. With amenities like bathrooms, showers, and even loungers available, visitors can comfortably spend several hours enjoying the beach and park facilities.
The park is also a great spot for a picnic, allowing you to enjoy a meal with a view. Whether you're looking for adventure in the water or a peaceful escape on land, Folkestone Marine Park offers a well-rounded experience for all types of visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit