Folkestone Marine Park is situated on the West Coast of Barbados in the parish of St. James. Located just north of Holetown, its accessibility makes it a prime destination, whether you are staying in a luxury villa nearby or travelling from the bustling South Coast. Navigating here is straightforward, provided you understand the island’s unique transport ecosystem and the specific terminal layouts in Bridgetown. Understanding these logistics is a vital part of your trip preparation, ensuring you maximise your time on the marked underwater snorkel trail.
Arriving via Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI)
International travellers landing at Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) should prepare for a cross-island journey to reach the West Coast. While the Route 27 bus offers a direct link, it is infrequent; most visitors find it necessary to take a taxi or transfer in Bridgetown. The park is approximately 25 kilometres from the airport, a journey that traverses the southern corridor before heading north along the coast. For those who prefer a structured arrival, booking a Barbados Full-day Private Tour can often include a direct transfer and park visit as part of a broader itinerary.
Authorized Taxis
Available immediately outside the arrivals hall. A trip to Folkestone typically takes 35 to 45 minutes. It is the most direct way to reach the park without navigating the Bridgetown bus terminals. Rates are regulated by the government but should be confirmed with the driver before departure.
Public Transport
For a budget-friendly option, take a bus from the airport to the Fairchild Street Terminal in Bridgetown. From there, it is a 15–20 minute walk through the city to the Princess Alice Terminal, where you can board a northbound bus (marked Holetown or Speightstown). Note that the blue government buses require exact change (BDS $3.50); drivers cannot provide cash back.
| Transport Mode | Route | Approx. Cost (BBD) |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi | BGI to Holetown | $80 – $90 |
| Public Bus | Any Route | $3.50 (Exact Change) |
| Cruise Terminal Taxi | Port to Folkestone | $30 – $40 |
| ZR Van | Bridgetown to Holetown | $3.50 |
The Cruise Passenger Gateway: From Terminal to Trail
Cruise visitors docking at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal are only 11 kilometres south of the park’s underwater snorkel trail. Upon exiting the terminal, you can easily find taxis at the official rank; the regulated government fare to Holetown is BDS $62 (approx. $31 USD).
If you prefer the local experience, a 15–20 minute walk toward the city centre brings you to the Princess Alice Bus Terminal. This terminal serves as the primary hub for northbound transport along the West Coast. Once there, look for the blue government “Transport Board” bus marked Route 1C (Connell Town) or any Route 1 (Speightstown) option. These are the most direct public links, travelling along Highway 1 and stopping directly at the Folkestone gates. For passengers with limited time in port, booking a private shore excursion with round-trip transfers offers a streamlined alternative to public navigation.
Understanding Local Transport: check our guide here.
Driving Directions & On-Site Parking
If you are renting a car, Folkestone Marine Park is located just off Highway 1. Drivers coming from the south should follow the ABC Highway until the Redman’s Village exit, then head west toward Holetown. Upon reaching the junction at Highway 1, turn right (north). The entrance is clearly signposted on the left-hand side, just past the historic St. James Parish Church. If you are exploring nearby attractions like the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, the park is less than a two-minute drive north.
Local Tip: The park offers free on-site parking, but the 30-car lot often fills by 11:00 AM on weekends and public holidays. On high-traffic days, the St. James Parish Church provides overflow parking; however, visitors must ensure there are no active religious services before leaving their vehicle there.
Pedestrians already in Holetown can reach the park via the Holetown Boardwalk. The boardwalk begins near Surfside Restaurant and provides a scenic coastal route. It terminates approximately 200 metres south of the park boundary, requiring a brief walk across a sandy beach path to reach the snorkel trail entry point. If you wish to arrive by sea, the Folkestone Coral Reef Clear Kayak Tour offers a unique perspective of the reef from the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to take the bus to Folkestone?
The flat fare for all public transport—including blue government buses, yellow minibuses, and white “ZR” vans—is $3.50 BBD ($1.75 USD) per person, per trip.
Yellow Minibuses & ZRs: These vehicles have conductors who can provide change.
Blue Government Buses: These require exact fare only. You do not strictly need coins (bills are accepted), but the driver cannot give change.
Is there parking available at Folkestone Marine Park?
Yes, there is a dedicated free parking lot on-site for visitors, though it frequently fills up by mid-morning on weekends. If the main lot is full, overflow parking is often available at the adjacent St. James Parish Church. However, please respect local etiquette and ensure no weddings, funerals, or services are taking place before parking there.
How far is Folkestone from the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal?
The park is approximately 7 miles (11 km) north of the cruise terminal.
Travel Time: While it can take 20 minutes in clear traffic, you should realistically allow 30 to 45 minutes by taxi. Traffic through the Eagle Hall and Black Rock choke points often slows down significantly during morning and afternoon peaks.
Which bus route should I look for to get to Holetown?
You should look for buses labelled “Speightstown” or “Holetown” departing from the Princess Alice Terminal in Bridgetown or traveling north along Highway 1.
Top Pick: The Blue 1C route is the most reliable government service; it stops directly at the Folkestone Visitor Centre entrance.
Can I pay for the bus in US Dollars?
It depends on the bus type:
Yellow Minibuses & ZRs: generally will accept USD paper notes (not coins) and will give you change in Barbados Dollars.
Blue Government Buses: generally require Barbados Dollars. Their fareboxes are designed for local currency, and drivers may refuse entry if you only have foreign cash. It is highly recommended to carry local $1.00 and $0.25 coins or small BBD bills.