The Folkestone Marine Reserve is a top spot on the West Coast for snorkelling, with a couple of areas over the inner reef cordoned off for the purpose. The lesser known spot is off the beach at Sunset Crest, whereas the main site, with bathing and picnic facilities, and children’s playground is at Folkestone – once the site of a gun battery.

The reef is not in the best condition overall, but you can expect to find some decent patches with several types of coral and sponges and plenty of kaleidoscopic fish. Further offshore, but still within the reserve, is the sunken dive wreck of the Stavronikita, a popular destination for experienced divers.

If diving and snorkelling isn’t for you, glass-bottomed boat and kayak tours are alternative ways of appreciating this tropical marine world.