Want to explore underwater worlds without having to invest in lots of technical (and often expensive) equipment? Qualified SCUBA and snorkel instructors and authors Emma and Gordon Taylor share their advice on how to start snorkelling in Britain.
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What are the benefits of snorkelling?
Snorkelling provides all the physical and mental-health benefits of open-water swimming, while also opening up a new underwater world to explore – all you need is a mask and snorkel to get started. A wonderfully inclusive activity for families, beginners, experienced swimmers and everyone in between, it’s a great way to experience the wonders of our living seas.
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Can you snorkel in Britain?
Did you know that more than 60% of the British population lives within 10 miles of the sea? This means that more than 42 million of us are a short drive from one of the most dynamic marine habitats in the world. And it doesn’t stop there: you can snorkel sea lochs, rocky reefs, shipwrecks, tidal pools and kelp forests, and see seals, scorpionfish, octopuses, cuttlefish and sharks.
How to start snorkelling
Snorkelling is easy to learn, but aim to progress slowly. Try out new equipment or test your skills in a swimming pool, tidal pool or sheltered cove before trying more challenging environments. For training, contact your local diving club or one of the following: Professional Association of Diving Instructors; British Sub Aqua Club; or Scuba Schools International SSI.
When is the best time of year to snorkel in Britain?
Throughout the year both water temperature and water clarity (visibility) vary, though the best conditions tend to coincide with the summer months. While it is possible to snorkel in just a swimming costume, regulars tend to reach for a wetsuit to maximise the time they can comfortably spend in the water. Fabulous snorkelling conditions can be had all around our coastline but are most reliable in the south-west of England and along the west coast of Scotland.
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What kit do you need for snorkelling?
To begin your marine explorations all you need is swimwear and a pair of goggles, but the addition of a snorkel and a well-fitting mask will make the experience more relaxing and comfortable. Always purchase snorkelling equipment from a reputable source, as cheap, poorly designed kit bought from beach-side vendors can often be uncomfortable or, worse, unsafe. Fins (or flippers) are optional while you stay in shallow water but they are essential for safety when there is any sort of current.
Where can you go snorkelling?
Selecting a site can feel tricky for beginners, which is why we wrote our book Snorkelling Britain to help. If you want to pick your own sites, consider currents and tides, the specific conditions on the day and what the coastal terrain is like. Coastlines that are good for rockpooling also tend to be ideal for snorkelling. It is always a good idea to check with lifeguards or locals for any site-specific safety information.
What can you see when snorkelling in Britain?
Likely sightings will be determined by your choice of site: pick a rocky reef to spot spiny starfish, colourful fish, crabs and snakelocks anemones. Head for a kelp forest or seagrass meadow if you want the experience of hovering over its mesmerically waving foliage. Or visit a shipwreck for a mix of history and marine life.
What are the risks of snorkelling?
Like any outdoor activity, snorkelling should be undertaken with an appreciation of the risks. While experienced sea-users may be familiar with many safety elements, there are also snorkelling-specific aspects – find out more about accessing training through your local diving club, or by emailing snorkelling@bsac.com. Good advice for beginners is to stay in standing-depth calm water and well within your comfort zone. Or even better, join a snorkel safari arranged by a marine centre.
Top tips for snorkelling:
- Go slowly and gently. Beginners often feel compelled to swim around frantically, arms flailing and fins splashing, but the beauty of snorkelling lies in the fact that the slower you go the more you’ll see. Relax, take slow breaths, avoid fast movements and use only occasional fin strokes to propel yourself gently forward one kick at a time, embracing the peaceful, mindful experience.
- Once you’ve glimpsed the underwater world, you will no doubt want to help protect this precious environment. Be sure to follow the DEFRA Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code, avoid damaging habitats, be careful with your litter, use sea-safe products and respect the marine life. If you want to do more, there are many marine conservation citizen science projects looking for volunteers.
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Top image: snorkelling in Loch Na Keal, in the Isle of Mull. Credit: Getty
