| Facility | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Centre & Museum | Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Park Grounds & Boardwalk | Daily | 24 Hours |
| Beach & Snorkel Trail | Daily | Sunrise – Sunset |
| Museum & Gift Shop | Weekends/Holidays | Closed |
Optimal Arrival Times and Peak Season Strategy
To experience the marine park at its most tranquil, early arrival is highly recommended. The atmosphere shifts significantly as the morning progresses, particularly during the winter cruise ship season when groups arrive in large numbers from the Bridgetown terminal. Arriving shortly after the 9:00 AM museum opening ensures first access to rental equipment and the best choice of shaded picnic spots before the midday heat and larger tour groups occupy the shore.
If your goal is to explore the underwater exhibits without the churn of heavy boat traffic, aim to be in the water by 9:15 AM. Those interested in a Folkestone Coral Reef Clear Kayak Tour should note that visibility is often highest during these early hours before the sand is disturbed by high-volume activity. By 11:00 AM, the park typically reaches its peak density.
Pro Tip: Arrive by 8:45 AM if you are visiting between December and April to beat the tour buses from the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal.
On-Site Parking
Folkestone Marine Park offers a dedicated on-site parking lot directly adjacent to the visitor centre. However, this lot typically reaches full capacity by 9:00 AM during the peak season. If you are travelling by rental car, securing a spot within the park gates requires punctuality; once full, the narrow access roads offer no safe alternative for roadside parking.
St. James Parish Church Overflow
If the main lot is full, reliable overflow parking is located just 70 metres away at the historic St. James Parish Church. For those not driving, the park is easily accessible via the blue government buses or the iconic yellow ‘reggae’ buses—simply ask for the Folkestone stop in Holetown. For more detailed routes from the airport or cruise port, consult our full transport guide.
| Service / Equipment | Estimated Price (BDS) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Museum Entrance | $10.00 | Adults (Children half price) |
| Snorkel Mask & Fins | $20.00 – $30.00 | Available at the interpretation centre |
| Locker Rental | $5.00 | Small deposit may be required |
| Beach Chair & Umbrella | $30.00 – $40.00 | Standard rate from beach vendors |
| Glass Bottom Boat (Shamon Too) | $70.00 – $80.00 | Per person for a 2-hour excursion |
Safety Protocols & Accessibility
Safety is a priority at Folkestone and is governed by strict marine reserve regulations. The snorkeling zone is clearly marked with buoy markers to protect swimmers from motorized boat traffic. Within the Recreational and Scientific zones, a mandatory 5-knot (no wake) speed limit is enforced for all vessels.
If you are venturing out to the designated snorkel trail, be aware that the northern boundary is demarcated by the Bellairs Research Institute marker. Beyond this point, motorized craft are strictly prohibited without a research permit.
- Lifeguards Professional lifeguards are typically on duty from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM; always check the tower for flag conditions before entering the water.
- Accessibility The museum and coastal boardwalk are fully wheelchair accessible. However, beach access remains limited for traditional mobility aids due to the depth of the sand.
- Dive Safety Boats are legally required to maintain a 50-metre (approx. 165 ft) distance from any “diver-down” flag. For your safety, ensure you stay within 30 metres (approx. 100 ft) of your vessel or float at all times.
- Hydration A sponsored water-refill station is available on-site. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bottles to support the park’s conservation efforts detailed in our Marine Heritage section.
Eco-Tips & Tours Before packing your gear, review our Barbados packing checklist to ensure you have reef-safe sunscreen. Protecting the coral from chemical bleaching is essential for maintaining the biodiversity of the park.
If you prefer a guided experience, look for certified Folkestone Reef Snorkel Tours.
Note: While the famous SS Stavronikita shipwreck is located within the park, it lies at a depth of 120ft (36m) and is accessible only to Scuba divers. Snorkelers looking for shallow shipwrecks should visit Carlisle Bay, while Folkestone offers superior coral reef views.
Book Your Holetown Adventures
Barbados Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure
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…
Barbados Shore Excursion Snorkel cruise and Beach Day
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. …
Cruise Passanger Beach day in Barbados with shuttle transfers
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 …
Original Bajan Walking Food Tour
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…
Discover Rum Barbados Tour
Explore some of the rums of Barbados, discover how the rum is made and best of all, taste the flavors of award winning rum.
Folkestone Coral Reef Clear Kayak Tour
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an entry fee for the park? Access to the Folkestone Marine Park grounds, the coastal boardwalk, and the beach area is entirely free of charge for both locals and tourists. However, a modest fee of $10 BDS is required to enter the indoor museum and interpretation centre exhibits.
- Can I visit the museum on a Saturday or Sunday? No, the Museum and Visitor Interpretation Centre are strictly operating on a Monday to Friday schedule from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. While the beach and snorkeling areas remain open 24/7, the indoor educational displays and whale skeletons are inaccessible on weekends and public holidays.
- Is there sufficient shade for a full day out? The park features several picnic tables and benches positioned under mature mahogany trees, providing excellent natural shade. These spots are highly sought after and usually occupied by 9:30 AM, so early arrival is essential if you do not plan on renting a beach umbrella.
- Are there public restrooms and showers available? Yes, the facility includes clean, maintained restroom and shower blocks located near the main visitor centre. A small maintenance fee is sometimes requested for use, and they are generally accessible daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Is snorkeling gear provided with park entry? Snorkeling gear is not provided for free, but high-quality masks, snorkels, and fins are available for rent at the on-site shop for approximately $20 to $30 BDS. For those planning to visit multiple sites, it may be more cost-effective to purchase your own gear in Holetown at the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre or nearby boutiques.
Visitor Insights & Geographic Reference
For those navigating via GPS, the park is located at coordinates 13.1896° N, 59.6424° W, situated approximately 800 metres north of the Holetown Monument. While a physical map is displayed at the visitor centre entrance, the park layout follows a linear path along the coastline, with the marine reserve extending 400 metres seaward from the high-water mark.
Analysis of visitor feedback on platforms such as Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor indicates a high level of satisfaction regarding the park’s proximity to the Bridgetown terminal. Frequent visitors recommend the site for its freshwater showering facilities and the density of the inner reef. Reviews often note that while the beach area is narrower than those found at Carlisle Bay, the exclusion of motorised craft in the snorkel zone provides a safer environment for families. To ensure a comfortable entry over the coral limestone near the shore, reviewers consistently advise the use of reef shoes.