An insiders guide to snorkeling in
Barbados
Experience the excitement of a
Barbados snorkeling adventure it is one of the best ways
to experience the spectacular world hidden under the
islands turquoise waters... You can snorkel at some
amazing shipwrecks, coral reefs and even swim with some
amazing turtles.
The island has been blessed with perfect temperatures,
calm waters, high visibility and beautiful coral reefs
swarming with a fascinating variety of marine life. These
attributes along with natural barrier and fringe reefs
that run parallel to the island's beautiful west and south
coast provide the ideal
ideal environment for a very diverse group of marine life.
Step in the water once it is calm and you are sure to have
an underwater adventure filled with juvenile fish, like
snappers, Sergeant major fish, angel fish, parrot fish, a
variety of soft and hard corals and host of other sea life
will leave lasting memories.
The fringes and reefs found mainly off Barbados west and
south coast are flourishing with healthy sponges, coral
and plant life. There are several types of reefs, each one
unique in its own special way. The barrier reefs, located
1/2 - 2 miles from shore feature some large coral heads
which form the habitat for thousands of beautiful fish and
are perfect for snorkeling.
You'll also find larger organisms on these reefs, feeding
on the smaller fish. The Hawksbill turtle can also be
found on these reefs. The fringes and patching reefs
located closer to shore have smaller coral formations and
more abundant plant life then the barrier reefs. These
reefs are home to Sea Horses, Frog Fish, Giant Sand Eels
and many other marine creatures..
Where to Snorkel in Barbados
There are three designated
Barbados snorkeling areas on the island. Two of them are
located on the west coast in the Folkstone Marine Park and
the third on the south coast in the Carlisle Bay Marine
Park. The Folkstone Marine reserve was established in 1981
for the promotion of scientific use. This reserve consist
of a Scientific Zone, Northern Water sports Zone which
facilitates water skiing, jet skiing, para-sailing etc.
A Recreational Zone which facilitates snorkeling, fishing,
swimming etc and a Southern Water sports Zone
which like the Northern zone also facilitates water
skiing, jet skiing, para-sailing. You will find that the
inshore reef found in the Recreational Zone of the Park is
ideal for snorkeling. Also of benefit is its close
proximity to the shore. It is located about one-third of a
mile offshore.
This reef is home to schools of brightly coloured fish and
other marine life, including sea anemones, sea lilies,
corals and sponges. The second designated snorkeling area
is also located in the recreational zone at the Folkstone
Marine reserve is set up a little way from the beach at
Holetown. There is an artificial reef in this second area
which was created from a barge that has been sunk in the
reserve.
This area has already attracted a wide variety of marine
life such as chubs, snappers and squirrel fish. The third
designated Barbados snorkeling area is located at the
Carlisle Bay Marine Park on the south coast. In this
reserve there are no natural reefs... But you will find a
number of exciting shipwrecks. All swarming with a
plethora of beautiful tropical fish. And other marine life
such as Frog Fish and Sea Horses and other more common
reef fish.
Barbados Snorkeling Adventure
This Barbados snorkeling adventure take you on an
exciting powerboat ride along the scenic west coast of the
island. On this trip you'll experience the best underwater
life the island have to offer. Snorkel over shipwrecks, a
tropical reef flourishing with healthy sponges and of
course swim with some amazing sea turtles.