Beach Snorkeling

[boomboom51]

I'm surprised to have difficculty finding more snorkeling information.

 

Could some one please advise to the best beach with snorkeling accesss directly from the beach?? As always the more opinions the better!!!

 

Thanks in Advance

[rampage]

Snorkeling varies due to weather conditions.

Usually the best snorkeling is on the West Coast of the island, but for the past 2 weeks the south coast has been increadible.

It is difficult to tell you where to snorkel as there are sometimes strong currents at different times of the year.

It's always safe to do a tour with a company which provides snorkel vest & quality snorkel equipment & they will have local knowledge on where to snorkel on the day depending on sea & weather conditions.

I would not recommend walking down a beach & setting out snorkeling on your own.

Enjoy your visit to the island.

[jakedoc]

Folkstone beach is a marine park that offers snorkeling. Admission is free and you can rent gear for around $10.00. There are bathrooms/changing rooms and showers. We took the bus from the terminal( .75 each way compared to $20.00-$30.00 one way by taxi) with no problems and buses run every 10-15 minutes.

[chrisie703]

Jakedoc,

 

which side of the island is this beach on? And how long was your

bus ride. Thanks so much! Leaving in 1 week! Also is there a Bar?

:)

[Snoopy Too]

Just got back from our cruise yesterday, we did the Thriller Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkel. If you like you can read the thread Thriller Ocean Tours Teriffic & see for yourself. You don't need to take a cab or bus to folkstone & then rent snorkel equipment for $10 & snorkel on your own.

Thriller is just $40 & you get to snorkel with the turtles as well as on shallow shipwrecks as well as a beach stop & thats not all your beer, rum punch & sodas are all included in the price. This is what i call a real deal! I found their e-mail on the boards thriller-ocean-tours@caribsurf.com

[jakedoc]

Chrisie- beach is on the western part of island near all the resorts. Bus ride lasted about 1/2 hour. Nice people on the bus. Take the #1 bus. Get ready to listen to some "jammin" on the bus -great. Bus follows the western beaches north. We bring our own snorkle gear so the day costs us $3.50 plus drinks at the bar at the beach-$2.00 Banks beers. Have fun!

[boomboom51]

Jakedoc,

Forgive me for the additional questions, but you know how us cruise critic folks are!!!

 

Did you also catch the bus BACK to the ship? Was there a regular bus stop at the park?

 

How would you rate the snorkeling? We too take our own gear so no problem there.

 

If there are reefs are they close to shore?

 

Also is it easy access to the water from the beach?

 

Thanks so much for your replies.

[ESaylor]

The best snorkeling really depends on where the calm waters are. We beach snorkeled off Oistins Bay at a nice reef. Normally the west side of the island is the calmer side, but this week the winds from the north made the surf in that area really rough so we snorkeled the south side. Check the local weather conditions when you arrive if you don't want to book an excursion a head of time. Otherwise, I would recommend Silver Moon (http://www.oceanadventures.com). They take you to some great snorkeling spots.

[jakedoc]

boomboom-yes we caught the bus back to the ship, Bus stop right across the street from Folkstone-remember that they drive on the wrong side of the road so you have to catch the bus on the "wrong side" to go back to town. If you have any questions if the bus goes back to the terminal just ask-they are very willing to help. Reefs are real close to shore-just stay clear of the reef to the left where there are waves breaking the reef-tumble time. There are lifeguards present also. The snorkeling gets pretty good towards the right and out maybe 80 yards from shore. Not as good as Cozumel or belize but pretty good snorkeling. The access to the reef from the beach is great-nice sand beach. If you want a really nice beach to lay out on just go around the rocks (easy) to the right. All the beaches on Barbados are public, even in front of resorts and hotels.

[boomboom51]

Jakedoc,

Thanks much for your replies, I think I am convined this is for me!!!

[Dluke]

Anyone know about snorkeling at Boatyard? Where is this beach located? Is it a good place for beginners as well as experienced. Good fish or too many people. I hear they also do tours?

[boomboom51]

Jakedoc,

I forgot to ask you; Can you use American money or do you have to have local currency for the bus?

 

 

Thanks

[jakedoc]

They will gladly take U.S. currency but thet will give you back Barbados coins. Use dollar bills.