Folkestone Marine Park is a popular beach destination on the west coast; representing the hub for scientific research conducted by the Barbados Marine Reserve. It features an artificial reef, that was purposefully formed by sinking the Stavronikita – a ship that now sits at a depth of 120ft, approximately half a mile from the shoreline. As a result, examining the greek vessel is recommended for experienced divers only with an official diving company. The inshore reef however is approximately 500 metres offshore so it is easier to access as a strong swimmer/experienced snorkeller. It is also home to an abundance of marine life including sea anemones, corals and sponges.

The Reef at Folkestone is a calm protected area where boat traffic, jet-skis, fishing, pollution and dumping of fish carcasses is prohibited. This makes these tranquil, clear waters appealing to Kayakers, Paddle Boarders, Swimmers, Divers and Snorkellers alike, as they can continue their recreational activity without the fear of being struck by a high speed jet-ski or boat. The site is marked off with buoys as further protection, and a lifeguard station is positioned here for safety.

We strolled the boardwalk with its views of the infinite aquamarine ocean and the refreshing gentle sea breeze sweeping through our hair. We headed right at Folkestone Park and passed two large hotels: the Coral Reef Club and Colony Club with numerous umbrellas and loungers arranged directly in front of their attractive properties.

We continued a little further along the beach and reached a beautiful sandy beach free of beach furniture, positioned directly in front of Lord Bamford’s impressive residence. This is where we frequently love to reside for a quiet afternoon swim, particularly due to its proximity to our home. This beach feels so serene with the sound of waves crashing against the shore line and birds chirping in the trees – the provide much-needed shade. Despite be situated only moments away from the larger hotels, we were blown away by the tranquility of this particular beach. It is absent from beach sellers and the commotion of swathes of tourists. No incessant chatter could be heard. Bliss. It was my go to place to be inspired and write.

Heron Bay ticked many boxes for us – with its long stretches of tree-lined beach, allowing you to shade from the midday sun. Beach loungers, bar/restaurant access and facilities were available at both the Colony Club, Coral Reef Club and Folkestone Marine Park. The beautiful clear waters were ideal for swimming and the reefs dotted around the bay made snorkelling a treat, as we shared the waters with an abundance of large iridescent fish.

We spent many afternoons watching the luxury boats on the horizon bobbing up and down on the glistening waters and used the diving platform to practice summersaults that even Tom Daley would applaud, (ok, that’s perhaps an exaggeration!) We proudly watched Arlo as his confidence grew with each excited leap, fully immersing himself in the deep sea.

Just under and around the driving platform nibbling on the algae were hundreds of Sergeant Major Fish – instantly recognisable from their black and white stripes and a shimmer of yellow across their backs. As I disappeared into the deep coral reef with my flippers allowing me to glide gracefully through the sea, I followed big shoals of electric blue Parrot Fish, Trumpet Fish, Blue Tang, Clown Fish and Razor Fish amongst many others, whilst they navigated the reefs.

One lazy afternoon whilst I was reading on the beach, I heard a scuffling sound beside my beach bag. I turned expecting to see a crab rearing its beady eyes and snapping its little claws at me – but much to my amazement it was the cutest of hatchlings. There were empty turtle shells around the beach so my assumption is that this little fella had gone the wrong way and got himself lost in the bushes behind me.

Arlo was delighted, now somewhat of an expert, he gently picked him up and popped him back into the sea. But the continuous waves pushed the hatchling back to the shoreline. This time Arlo swam with him into the sea as far as he could manage and reluctantly released him. He raced back to the shore hoping that his little friend would re-emerge but was saddened by the fact he had been successful in his mission getting him deep enough into the sea to safely be on his way to his new life in the ocean.

The sea with its gentle waves forming made it fun for Arlo to skimboard; gliding across the shoreline and momentarily being pulled back into the sea, to then be propelled along the wave back onto the sandy beach. He passed several hours amusing himself with this game and we felt confident that he was safe due to the calmness of the waters here and the soft sandy seabed beneath.

We played games creating treasure trails amongst the trees outside the Coral Reef Club, hiding gold coins and using stones to mark out an ‘X’ for our very own Pirate Arrrrlo to hunt.

All this activity was thirsty work, so we resided in the Colony Club beach bar with some Fruit and Rum Punches all round to watch the sunset. A beautiful Mermaid perched elegantly constructed from sand and there were remnants of various sea creatures arranged around the loungers, slowly disappearing as the tides came further in – washing over them. Sand sculptures are regularly commissioned by the Colony Club so you might just be lucky enough to capture some impressive sand art if you pop by.

It rained on one occasion at this beach and even then, there was something magical about the sound of the rain hitting the umbrella we hid beneath; watching the ripples forming on the sea’s surface. It seemed like nothing could ruin the moments captured here.

THE SPECIFICS

Folkestone Museum: Slightly hidden away on site is the Folkestone Museum which is a visitor education centre. This features an aquarium with an abundance of popular marine life and some more rare species, alongside a photographic exhibit. $5 adult / $3.50 child.

Gift Shop: There is a little Souvenir Shop onsite for gifts, snorkelling equipment and refreshments such as ice cream, snacks and drinks.

Opening Times: 9am – 5pm everyday. (Relates to toilet facilities). Museum open Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm.

Playground: Folkestone Marine Park has a small, well-maintained playground situated behind the car park with swings, slides, seesaws and climbing frames which always excites Arlo – reminding him of home. Although the playground is in part shade, you may want to choose a cloudy day to visit or early morning/late afternoon – so the heat is not too overwhelming for the children and you don’t have burnt bottoms from whizzing down the slides!

Toilets & Showers: There are some good clean washrooms with showers and changing area at Folkestone Marine Park should you want to dry off and have a costume change. You can use the facilities available at the hotels if paying for refreshments.

Tennis & Basket Ball Courts: Available for use at Folkestone Marine Park.

Loungers & Umbrella Hire: At Folkestone you can hire loungers/umbrella for $20USD for the full day. Or you can use the hotels facilities free of charge should you be purchasing refreshments with them.

Dining:

• The Gift Shop at Folkestone Marine Park offer drinks, snacks and ice-creams.
• Beach Shack Bars: You will also find two beach shacks selling drinks and snacks with plenty of picnic tables shaded by tall trees, overlooking the beach.
• The Colony Club and Coral Reef Club offer food and drinks all day.

Diving Platform: This is for use of guests of the Colony Club. So join them for refreshments so you can use this facility.

Parking: Ample free parking at Folkestone Marine Park or you can use Colony Club or Coral Reef Club carparks if you are spending money with them.

Location: Folkestone Marine Park, Holetown, St James, Barbados.