DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Folkestone Marine Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
park
—°3
Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)

Weather…

Folkestone Marine Park, located on the west coast of Barbados in St. James, was established in 1981 to safeguard the island's nearshore coral reefs. The park is divided into distinct zones, including a scientific area and a recreational zone popular with visitors. A major highlight for advanced divers is the wreck of the 'Stavronikita', a 365-foot Greek freighter that was intentionally scuttled in 1978 following a fire; it now rests in 120 feet of water as a thriving artificial reef. For snorkelers, an underwater trail marked by buoys lies just offshore, offering easy access to view sea fans, brain corals, and a variety of colorful reef fish like tangs and wrasses. The on-site visitor center features a small marine museum and interpretive displays focusing on the island's coastal ecology. With its calm waters and public amenities, including picnic benches and changing rooms, the park is an excellent spot for families to experience the island's marine heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272828282828282827
Rain mm34191928527274959813210749

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Situated along the western coastline, this underwater park is typically reached by traveling along Highway 1, with the adjacent beach serving as the primary launch point for snorkeling and marine exploration.
📅
Best season
The clearest underwater visibility and calmest sea conditions are usually experienced during the dry season, making the months between December and May particularly favorable for aquatic observations.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The environment here transitions from sandy coastal beaches directly into a dynamic marine ecosystem featuring an artificial reef structure, requiring visitors to be comfortable swimming in open ocean currents.
🎒
What to bring
Essential equipment includes a well-fitting snorkeling mask, fins, and a snorkel to observe the corals; bringing a rash guard for sun protection and a waterproof bag for belongings on the beach is also advised.
🅿️
Parking
Parking facilities are generally available near the visitor centre and the adjacent beach area, providing a straightforward transition from your vehicle to the sandy shore and the marine park itself.
⚠️
Safety
Swimmers and snorkelers must remain acutely aware of local boat traffic, respect the delicate artificial reef by never touching the corals, and only enter the water when sea conditions are visibly calm.
⏱️
Time needed
A typical visit involving snorkeling around the reef and relaxing on the adjacent beach generally occupies about two to three hours, depending entirely on personal endurance and marine interest.

Geography

Coordinates
13.19100, -59.64100

Facts

  • Established in 1981.
  • Area: 6.5 hectares.
  • Artificial reef consisting of 5 sunken ships.
  • Maximum water depth: 12 meters.
  • Includes 2 beach sections.
  • Annual visitors: approximately 50,000.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

HoletownHoletown<1 km · NWExplore →
Alleyne's BayAlleyne's Bay1 km · EExplore →
Fitts VillageFitts Village2 km · WExplore →
Sion HillSion Hill3 km · NEExplore →
Cobblers Cove ReefCobblers Cove Reef3 km · EExplore →
OxnardsOxnards3 km · NWExplore →
Spring Garden Industrial ZoneSpring Garden Industrial Zone4 km · WExplore →
VaucluseVaucluse5 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Folkestone Marine Park (3)

Bellairs Research Institute📍 landmark

Bellairs Research Institute is a research facility in Barbados studying marine biology.

St. James Church, Barbados📍 landmark

St. James Church is a historic Anglican church in Barbados dating from the 17th century.

Holetown📍 landmark

Holetown is a town in Barbados, known as the island's first English settlement.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there good snorkeling?
Yes, there is an artificial reef just offshore that is good for snorkelers.
Is there snorkeling gear rental?
Yes, masks, snorkels, and fins can be rented at the visitor center.
Are there public toilets and showers?
Yes, the park has well-maintained restrooms and outdoor showers.
Is there a fee to enter the park?
Access to the park and beach is free; the small museum has a minor fee.
Are there shaded spots on the beach?
Yes, there are plenty of trees and picnic tables that provide natural shade.
Folkestone Marine Park: where is it located?
Folkestone Marine Park is located in Barbados.
Folkestone Marine Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bellairs Research Institute, St. James Church, Barbados, Holetown.
Folkestone Marine Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Folkestone Marine Park: why is it worth visiting?
Folkestone Marine Park, located on the west coast of Barbados in St.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America

Nearby cities

Husbands — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Husbands
Husbands is a growing residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint James.
Prospect — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Prospect
Prospect is a coastal neighborhood in the parish of Saint James.
Wanstead — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Wanstead
Wanstead is a quiet residential community in the parish of Saint James.
Oxnards — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Oxnards
Oxnards is an established residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint James.
Saint Stephen — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Saint Stephen
Saint Stephen is a residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Cave Hill — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Cave Hill
Cave Hill is best known as the site of one of the main campuses of the University of the West Indies.
Grazettes — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Grazettes
Grazettes is an important industrial and residential area in the parish of Saint Michael.
Fairfield — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Fairfield
Fairfield is a residential suburb north of Bridgetown in the parish of Saint Michael.
Green Hill — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Green Hill
Green Hill is a centrally located residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Spring Garden — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Spring Garden
Spring Garden is an industrial and coastal area north of Bridgetown.
Clermont — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Clermont
Clermont is a residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Tudor Bridge — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Tudor Bridge
Tudor Bridge is a busy commercial and residential area in the parish of Saint Michael.
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village
The former home of Sir Grantley Adams is now an open-air museum showcasing traditional Barbadian architecture.
Bush Hall — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Bush Hall
Bush Hall is a historic residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Warrens — Folkestone Marine Park (Barbados)
Warrens
Warrens is a major business and commercial district in the parish of Saint Michael.