Whenever we think of snorkelling, we imagine warms seas
filled with tropical colourful fish. While there’s no denying those locations
are very appealing, it should be remembered that Britain has a lot to offer. I
decided to become a marine biologist based on being fascinated by the
underwater world I discovered in Devon. I thought it would be good to write a
blog about snorkelling in the UK to help inspire and engage people with UK
marine wildlife...I remember being in Cornwall and dipping my head below the
surface and coming face to face with a blennie, at the surface SUPers and
swimmers unaware of the amazing world beneath.
I am always discovering new snorkelling sites but some of my
favourites over the last few years are summarised
below. One thing I would recommend is getting a mask that is tempered glass to
avoid fog ups and carrying a dive knife in case you come into contact with
discarded fish lines which can tangle around seaweed and can become an
invisible danger. Please research properly, I have summarised some advice, but you are responsible for your own safety. This is particularly important whenever you are interacting with or going into the sea.
More Cornish wonders include Swanpool and Grebe beach.
Grebe offers a contrast with seagrass being the main attraction, look out for cat sharks and other species like compass jellyfish. At certain times of year bioluminescent plankton can be seen by those braving icy cold water in the darkness.
Wembury, Devon has been featured on TV for rockpooling but there are plenty of species to to be seen when snorkelling. I have seen pipefish even in the estuaries, seastars and further out to sea, spider crabs, shanny and tompot blennies. The areas at sea are best explored with a boat. Care must be taken as large waves can meet the rocks abruptly, and boats use the channel. Using an A flag and surface marker buoy can help keep you visible.
Hallsands, Devon is a great location at high tide. There are coves of large barnacle encrusted rocks, compass jellyfish and large slabs carpeted with soft green seaweed, creating some great reflections. Juvenile fish are visible around the bay and the larger dark slabs above the water can be great for warming up on a sunny day afterwards.
Sheringham, Norfolk is a great place to snorkel in Norfolk. The conditions need to be ideal for this area and its best to explore the Sheringham Snorkel trail webpages. Remember low tide is essential in order to see anything along the Victorian sewer pipeline. Wind direction is an important factor to avoid swell and allow good visibility. If you are lucky you will see the crabs famous in this area next to bright green seaweeds on the shelving beach.
Snorkelling is great way to start exploring the marine environment.
Make sure you have the right kit, you’ve checked the conditions and never go
alone. If the world beneath is particularly fascinating, keep an ear and eye
out for boats using shallow waters. The tinny hum of the engine is a good
indicator. If you can purchase fins and equipment that are brightly coloured, this
will make you easy to spot for passing vessels. Always pay close attention to
information boards found on beaches or at entry points. These can highlight invisible dangers you may not be aware
of at the site.
Fishing line is often designed to be invisible for fish and its hard to spot. Always keep a keen eye out for submerged hazards/ litter, wreckage and lines. I take a dive knife for safety and luckily haven't needed to use it. I try and collect litter but only collect it if you have a safe place to store it and it will not entangle you. . Your safety comes first.
Here you can see the kit I wear to snorkel in the UK. I have summarised my kit preferences below:
Mask and Snorkel - these are essential pices of kit. I would not use goggles or similar. A mask allows you to see so much in the marine environment. Tempered glass is a MUST. This stops fog ups and the best masks have a silicon edge. I wear one that has no bar between the eyes to help me see more. My snorkel has a filter and a valve. The filter at the top stops pesky pieces of seaweed broken up by the waves getting into my mouth, and the valve helps you easily expel water that may leak in or after a duck dive.
Fins - these are dive fins. I prefer to wear boots and put my fins ontop. This means you can walk in to the water without the danger of stepping on weaver fish or sharp objects, or tripping on your fins. This is personal preference as dive fins can be heavier. Yellow means I am more visible.
Dive Knife - as mentioned above I take a knife to make sure I can escape nets and lines.
Boots - I like boots that zip up with robust base to allow me to confiently enter the water without damaging my feet on fish or rocks.
5mm wetsuit - is ideal for Bristish waters. This is becuase alot of the snorkelling time is spent looking, not swimming. Thinner wetsuits are used for more active sports.
Gloves - these are a must for snorkelling in warmer climates as there can be algae and corals which can sting. In the UK they are great for keepng you extra warm and if you need to hold onto a rock for stability your pruney skin is protected from sharpness.
Hood - once you have snorkelled in a hood you will never go back. The hood keeps your head and ears deliciously warm as you warm the water inside . An added bonus as it is hilarious watching your buddy put on a hood! PUSH,PULL!
HAVE FUN!
