Overview

A bottle of The Real McCoy Rum lies in ocean foam on the beach.
Photo by The Real McCoy Rum on Pexels
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Folkestone Marine Park: Where Barbados’ Marine Heritage Meets the Caribbean Sea

Experience the island’s premier protected marine reserve. From the “artificial reef skyscraper” of the Stavronikita to the tranquil Bellairs Fringing Reef, discover a world-class destination for snorkeling, conservation, and family adventure.

Established 1981
Protected Waters 2.1km²
Monitoring Site Barbados Sea Turtle Project
Curated Experiences

Book Your Coastal Adventure

Select from the top-rated excursions across Holetown and the Platinum Coast.

Best Seller Barbados Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure

Barbados Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★ 4.8 (915+ reviews) | Flexible

Join us aboard Tranquility Cruises a Snorkel Boat for our 90 minutes turtle & shipwreck adventure. The cruise departs from our. Dock in the Careenage in Brid…

Top Rated Barbados Shore Excursion Snorkel cruise and Beach Day

Barbados Shore Excursion Snorkel cruise and Beach Day

★★★★★ 4.4 (442+ reviews) | Flexible

Hop on our shuttle to Savvy on the Bay and board our vessel Tranquility with ease and join us on our 1.5 hour Turtle & Shipwreck adventure in Carlisle Bay. …

Top Rated Cruise Passanger Beach day in Barbados with shuttle transfers

Cruise Passanger Beach day in Barbados with shuttle transfers

★★★★★ 4.2 (117+ reviews) | Flexible

There is no better place in the world to spend a day at the beach than Barbados. Carlisle Bay has silky white sand with stunning turquoise blue sea. It is …

Best Seller Original Bajan Walking Food Tour

Original Bajan Walking Food Tour

★★★★★ 4.8 (1377+ reviews) | Flexible

Eat like a local with Barbados’ first walking food tour as we take you on an exciting journey through the streets and by-ways of this island’s largest and mo…

Best Seller Discover Rum Barbados Tour

Discover Rum Barbados Tour

★★★★★ 4.8 (178+ reviews) | Flexible

Explore some of the rums of Barbados, discover how the rum is made and best of all, taste the flavors of award winning rum.

Top Rated Folkestone Coral Reef Clear Kayak Tour

Folkestone Coral Reef Clear Kayak Tour

★★★★★ 4.2 (20+ reviews) | Flexible

Take in some of the most picturesque shoreline on the west coast of Barbados as we set off from Surfside beach and head to Folkstone Marine Park. Here you wi…

Vibrant school of Sergeant Major fish swimming underwater in clear ocean water during daylight.
Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels

Snorkeling & Activities

Dive into the vibrant Bellairs Reef or explore the sunken barge. Our underwater world is designed for discovery.

Dive Deeper →
A breathtaking drone shot of Holetown Beach, Barbados, showcasing turquoise waters and golden sand.
Photo by Lorilee E on Pexels

Plan Your Logistics

From gear rentals to opening hours and getting to Holetown, we have your logistics covered.

Essentials →
Serene black and white sunset scene with silhouette of person on a Barbados beach.
Photo by Shel Dan on Pexels

Museum & Heritage

Uncover the legacy of Lord Folkestone and the scientific importance of the McGill-affiliated Bellairs Research Institute.

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A Legacy of Conservation

The Founding Vision of 1981

Established under the Designation of Restricted Areas Order 1981, Folkestone Marine Park was born from a need to preserve the “Platinum Coast’s” fragile ecosystems. It represents the pinnacle of the National Conservation Commission’s (NCC) efforts to balance tourism with strict reef protection.

This isn’t just a beach; it is a living laboratory. Housing the Bellairs Research Institute, it serves as one of the most scientifically documented reefs in the Caribbean. The park carries the name of Lord Folkestone, a nod to the deep-seated history of St. James, now reclaimed as a sanctuary for nature.

Scientific Research Zone

Offshore sanctuary for marine study.

Recreational Zone

The primary area for snorkeling and swimming.

Sailing boats anchored peacefully at sunset in Holetown, Barbados.
Photo by Emily Carter on Pexels
Protecting the vibrant Sergeant Major schools of the West Coast.

Beyond the Reef: Explore Holetown

Folkestone is the central pillar of the St. James experience. Explore nearby attractions that define the West Coast lifestyle.

Drone capture of a lone boat sailing in the crystalline turquoise waters near Barbados.
Photo by Darrin Dalley on Pexels

Limegrove Lifestyle

The “Fifth Avenue of the Caribbean” is just a 5-minute walk away, offering luxury retail and world-class dining.

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