Overview:

is a protected area that stretches along the southern coast of Barbados and is the oldest marine park in the Caribbean. It encompasses a large area of coral reef, seagrass and sandbeds, and serves as an important habitat for fish, sea turtles, sea birds, and other marine life. It is an important spot for recreational diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Along the shoreline at Carlisle Bay, there are over 175 species of fish, as well as 37 species of coral. It is also home to 11 species of sea turtles, including the endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Visitors can explore the park by renting kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and jet skis, or partake in a variety of organized activities, such as sunset cruises and underwater dives. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

• Submerged reefs with abundant coral and colorful fish • Wreck of a freighter and several tugboats located offshore • Boats and rafts that can be hired for snorkeling or diving • Miles of pristine beaches and natural swimming pools • Dozens of palm trees and other tropical flora • Visitor's center containing interactive displays about marine ecology and the history of the area • War Museum dedicated to the contribution of the Caribbean region of Barbados to the First and Second World Wars • Scenic boardwalk and bike trails • Picnic facilities and BBQ areas • Variety of endangered wildlife species, including turtles, monk seals, and manatees. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

The Carlisle Bay Marine Park was established in 2004 to protect, preserve, and sustain the biodiversity of the Carlisle Bay sea area on the south coast of Barbados. It was the first-ever marine protected area (MPA) established in Barbados, and it is important for sustaining marine biodiversity, recreational activities, and coastal communities in the area. The Carlisle Bay Marine Park covers over 1200 hectares of sea surrounding Barbados and Bridgetown. It was established with the help of several government and private partners including the Coastal Zone Management Department of the Ministry of Environment and Drainage, the Barbados Sea Grant Program, the Global Environment Facility, the Inter American Development Bank, and the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program. The park was created to protect a wide variety of marine life, including several threatened species like the hawksbill sea turtle, parrotfish, green turtles, and spiny lobsters. It also protects important habitats like coral reefs, sea grass beds, and mangrove areas. The park provides a range of recreational activities for locals and tourists, such as fishing, snorkeling, and swimming. It also offers educational and research opportunities for students who are interested in learning more about the marine habitats of Barbados. The Carlisle Bay Marine Park has helped to improve the overall health of the island’s marine ecosystem. It has also helped to create a sustainable tourist industry, which in turn has generated income for local communities. The park has become an important asset to the people of Barbados and has been praised for its conservation efforts. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Carlisle Bay Marine Park is the only protected marine area for the east coast of Barbados and is located within Carlisle Bay near the capital of Bridgetown. 2. It is home to over 35 species of coral and over 40 species of fish, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. 3. The park features protected mangroves and seagrass beds, providing sanctuary for resident fish species and offering the opportunity to observe a variety of marine life. 4. The seagrass beds also play an important role in the support of the reef system, acting as a nursery for many species of invertebrates and providing important food sources for juvenile fishes. 5. The shallow water of Carlisle Bay Marine Park provides ideal conditions for observing both day-active and night-active species that are often not encountered on deeper dives. 6. In recent years, the government of Barbados has actively involved key stakeholders to protect the marine resources, for example by removing old fishing gear and invasive species in the park. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era