FOLKESTONE MARINE PARK

Marine Reserve The National Conservation Commission also has its part to play in the development of the tourism product and presently manages the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve.

Located on the west coast of the island, the Folkestone Marine Park consists of a Recreational Facility, Visitor Centre and a Marine Reserve. The facility also consists of a play park, a picnic area, Souvenir and Watersports shops. The area stretches 2.2 kilometers, extending at its widest point to 950 kilometers off shore. It was established in 1981 for the promotion of scientific use, and also to provide recreation.

The Marine Reserve, which is regulated by the Marine Areas (Preservation & Enhancement) Act CAP 232A, is divided into four (4) zones -

  • Scientific Zone
  • Northern Watersports Zone e.g. - water skiing, jet skiing, para-sailing etc.
  • Recreational Zone e.g. - snorkelling, fishing, swimming etc.
  • Southern Watersports Zone e.g. - water skiing, jet skiing, para-sailing etc.

Stavronikita To ensure the stability of the marine reserve, several activities have been prohibited. These include -

  • Dynamiting of the reefs.
  • Emission of waste into the marine environment.
  • Fishing and harvesting of coral.

The Reserve is constantly patrolled by our Park Naturalist staff, who ensure that laws governing it are upheld, to maintain the various buoys which are deployed in the area and also to ensure that persons using the area do so in the designed fashion, with minimum conflicts, and, in safety.

Patrons to the facility are encouraged to view the Stavronikita, a vessel which sank many years ago. Several field trips are organised to educate persons, especially the youth on the importance of the Reserve and underwater life.


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