The coastline on the northern edge of the town of Holetown is one of the most beautiful beach destinations – and, in particular, one of the best snorkelling spots – in Barbados. Folkestone Marine Park (sometimes also referred to as Folkestone Marine Reserve) is a ‘must-see’ destination for all lovers of the sea and the underwater world.

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The breathtaking experiences that await you underwater are complemented by the pleasant beach setting, with plenty of natural shade, as well as easy access.

Snorkelling and diving

The Folkestone Marine Reserve is the best snorkelling spot in Barbados and is certainly among the best in the Lesser Antilles. Admittedly, it probably can’t be compared to Indonesia, Palau or Belize, but it still holds a place of honour on the world’s snorkelling map.

The jagged coral reefs here cover a vast area and are easily accessible straight from the beach. All you need to do to go snorkelling is swim 10 metres out from the shore, and a veritable city of coral reefs will appear before you.

What’s more, a wide area around the beach is a protected zone where no boats are allowed, so snorkelling here is very peaceful and safe.

The best spot is at the northern end of the beach. If you arrive by car, walk about 50 metres to the right from the car park, where you’ll find an exceptionally comfortable sandy entry into the sea. On the left (southern side), snorkelling is not as safe, as the wide shallows mean there are larger waves which can scratch you badly on the coral.

In the area easily accessible from the beach, you’ll mainly see small and medium-sized fish, but you might also be lucky enough to spot some turtles.

The wreck of the MV Stavronikita

About 200 metres from the shore, at a depth of 35 metres, lies the wreck of the medium-sized Greek cargo ship MV Stavronikita, which ran aground off the coast of Barbados in 1976 whilst transporting cement from Europe.

The ship lies near a coral reef and is one of the best sites for divers, with hundreds of species of colourful fish and an abundance of turtles.

The Hightide diving school is based right by the beach and organises boat trips to destinations including the Stavronikita wreck.

Beach facilities

The beach at Folkestone Marine Park is covered in very fine white sand with no pebbles, and a paved pedestrian walkway runs across it. The beach is equipped with free toilets and fresh-water showers.

You’ll find a small bistro here, and further north there are luxury restaurants belonging to hotel resorts.

Although there is no sun lounger or parasol hire directly on the beach, mature trees provide shade. Further north along the promenade you will find hire facilities, but these are only available if they are not being used by hotel guests at the local resorts.

Accommodation by the beach

Right next to the Folkestone Marine Reserve, you’ll find only the more expensive hotel resorts:

• Colony Club by Elegant Hotels *****
• Coral Reef Club *****

Getting to Folkestone Marine Park

Folkestone Marine Reserve is one of the most easily accessible beaches by car on the entire west coast of Barbados.

By car

It is one of the few beaches to offer a small, free car park just a few metres from the water. Although this is usually completely full by 9.00 am, you can park on the grassy area by the local church, about 70 metres from the beach.

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The turn-off from the main road isn’t very well signposted, so do check a detailed map of the route from Bridgetown to google.com/maps.

By bus

You’ll find the bus stop on the main road, about 150 metres from the beach.

All buses and minibuses from Bridgetown heading towards Holetown depart from the Princess Alice / Cheapside bus station. The route from Bridgetown via Holetown and further north is very busy, and a bus or minibus (ZR) passes through here every 5 to 10 minutes on average.

• Bus route 1C (every 30 minutes) – Bridgetown, Prospect, Weston, Speighstown, Six Mens, Conneltown (Animal Flower Cave)
• Bus route 27 (mornings and evenings only) – Airport, Prospect, Weston, Speighstown
• Minibuses on routes 3J, 4A, 9A, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 46, 47, 89, 90, 91, 97
• Shared taxis (ZR) route 3O

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