At the Coconut Court Beach Hotel in Hastings, a member of Barbados' Green Hotel Association, a new Marine Educational Program has been instituted free of charge for guests of all ages. 

According to the hotel's management and Barbados Marine Trust, the program was begun because today's travelers want to "experience first-hand why it is necessary to protect the marine environment and understand the importance of being more environmentally friendly and knowledgeable, not only let materialistic thoughts dominate our lives." We can't help but endorse their motivation: "Let's start thinking about the future of our children and grandchildren." 

The complimentary Marine Education Program, which will be offered daily, weather permitting, at low tide, begins with 10- minute video of the basic "Do's and Don'ts" of the marine environment, followed by a guided Snorkeling Safari (appropriate for swimmers or non-swimmers) to see interesting species of fish, coral, sponges, and organisms just offshore. 

Then, guests will be able to feed fish within Coconut Court's own marine reserve. Management provides snorkeling gear but requests that participants wear sturdy running shoes. The marine environment certificate your graduates receive may well be the best souvenir ever. 

Depending on your kids' ages and inclinations, they'll be able to implement their ecotourism ideals by assisting with beach clean-up, storm drain maintenance and erosion control, or simply relax in the supervised kids' program (five days per week, complimentary for hotel guests with the exception of some activities and excursions), join in ongoing activities like dominoes on the pool deck, or play beach cricket. 

For more information about the resort and reservations, contact the Coconut Court Beach Hotel, at  246/427-1655; fax 246/429-8198.