Folkestone Marine Park
Key facts: St. James · Free · Sunday 9AM-5PM, Monday 9AM-5PM, Tuesday 9AM-5PM, Wednesday 9AM-5PM, Thursday 9AM-5PM, Friday 9AM-5PM, Saturday 9AM-5PM · Ages: all
Folkestone Marine Park is a protected marine reserve in Holetown, St. James, Barbados, managed by the Coastal Zone Management Unit. It has a small aquarium, a beach area, and a snorkeling trail over the wreck of the Stavronikita, a Greek cargo ship deliberately sunk in 1978 to create an artificial reef. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent.
About Folkestone Marine Park
Folkestone Marine Park is a government-managed marine reserve on the west coast of Barbados in Holetown, St. James. The park protects the coastal reef and marine life of the area and provides visitor facilities that include a small aquarium displaying local marine species, a beach for swimming, and a marked snorkeling trail. The headline feature for many visitors is the Stavronikita, a 111-metre Greek cargo ship sunk in 1978 at a depth that makes its upper decks accessible to snorkelers and its hull to scuba divers.
The park is open Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5PM, with reduced access on weekends. Entry is free to the beach and grounds; snorkeling equipment and glass-bottom boat trips are available at additional cost.
Why Families Go
Folkestone is one of the best options on the island for introducing children to marine life in a safe and accessible way. The small aquarium sets the context for what children will see in the water, and snorkeling over a wreck is a memorable experience even for children who have snorkeled before. The glass-bottom boat is a good alternative for children who are not yet confident enough to snorkel independently.
What to Know Before You Go
Open Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM. Entry to the park and beach is free. Snorkeling equipment rental and glass-bottom boat trips have separate costs. The phone number is +1 246-536-0648. The park is in Holetown, St. James, approximately 20 minutes by car from Bridgetown.
Family Fit
Suited to families with children aged 5 and up. The aquarium works for very young children. Snorkeling over the wreck is best for children aged 8 and up who are comfortable in open water. Allow two to three hours.
Questions parents ask
What is the Stavronikita?
The Stavronikita is a 111-metre Greek cargo ship deliberately sunk in 1978 off Folkestone to create an artificial reef. Its upper decks are accessible to snorkelers.
Is Folkestone Marine Park free?
Entry to the park and beach is free. Snorkeling equipment and glass-bottom boat trips have separate rental or tour fees.
What are the opening hours?
Open Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5PM. Weekend access is reduced.
Can children snorkel at Folkestone?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent and the marked trail is suitable for children aged 8 and up who are comfortable in the water. A glass-bottom boat is available for younger or less confident children.
Where is Folkestone Marine Park?
In Holetown, St. James, on the west coast of Barbados, approximately 20 minutes by car from Bridgetown.
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