Where to go Snorkelling 🤿

Where to go Snorkelling?

where to snorkel spots in UK waters? - Possibly a bit too cold at time of writing (Jan 2024) but if making plans for the summer! Read on for some top spots, fun facts and advice on how to enjoy a swim in the sea.

If you're looking for some fantastic snorkelling spots in the UK, here are some top recommendations:

• Stackpole Quay in Wales
• Prussia Cove in Cornwall
• Fairy Cove in Devon
• Loch Long in West Scotland
• Porth Castell in Anglesey
• Craig-y-Mor in Wales
• Studland Bay in Dorset

Each of these locations has its own unique charm and marine life to explore, from colourful fish and corals to kelp forests and anemones. So pack your mask and fins and get ready for some underwater adventures!

What about best snorkelling spots in Europe?

Europe is full of breathtaking snorkelling spots, but here are some of the best:

• Elafonisi Beach, Greece - Known for its pink sand, clear waters, and abundance of fish.
• Cala Coves, Mallorca - A hidden gem with stunning rock formations and marine life.
• Playa de las Americas, Tenerife - Home to colourful corals and abundant tropical fish.
• Ieranto Bay, Italy - A secluded bay with clear waters and colourful marine life.
• St. Abbs, Scotland - Known for its kelp forests and diverse marine life.
• La Cala del Pino, Ibiza - A sheltered cove with crystal-clear water and plenty of marine life.
• Île d'Orléans, France - A small island in Brittany with plenty of colorful fish and sea stars.
• El Palmer, Gran Canaria - A stunning beach with crystal-clear water, abundant fish, and sea turtles.

  

and more about snorkelling and scuba diving spots around Britain?

Snorkelling and diving around Britain can be quite challenging due to the cooler waters and rougher conditions. However, there are still some great spots to explore:

• St. Abbs in Scotland - Known for its stunning kelp forests, diverse marine life, and a historic shipwreck.
• The Sound of Mull in Scotland - Home to corals, sea lochs, and even the occasional seal.
• Lundy Island in Devon - A marine conservation area with fish, anemones, and even basking sharks.
• The Farne Islands in Northumberland - These islands offer clear waters, diverse marine life, and even puffins.
• The Isles of Scilly in Cornwall - These islands offer warmer waters, fish, and even shipwrecks.

Remember to always check local conditions and dive safely. 

Fun facts about history of snorkelling

Here are some fun facts about the history of snorkelling:

• The word "snorkel" comes from the German word "Schnorchel," which was the name given to a breathing tube used by German World War II U-boat sailors when they had to stay submerged for long periods of time.
• Ancient Greek and Roman swimmers used reeds as breathing tubes, which is considered one of the earliest forms of snorkelling.
• Modern snorkelling was popularized in the 1940s and 1950s by Jacque Cousteau and Hans Hass, who developed and marketed masks and breathing tubes specifically for underwater exploration.
• The first commercially produced diving mask was created in 1933 by Guy Gilpatrick, an American diving enthusiast, using two pieces of glass, some rubber, and a breathing tube.
• Early snorkeling was often used for military purposes, such as scouting enemy positions or clearing mines. It wasn't until the 1950s and 1960s that it became a popular recreational activity.

Here's a basic guide to snorkeling:

• Choose the right gear: Make sure your mask fits properly and doesn't leak, and invest in a good snorkel and fins.
• Find a good location: Look for calm, clear waters with plenty of marine life to explore.
• Know the basics: Before entering the water, know how to clear your mask of water and how to equalize your ears to prevent discomfort.
• Enter the water safely: Walk into the water slowly and carefully to avoid harming marine life, and swim slowly and calmly to avoid startling fish.
• Explore and enjoy: Relax, breathe normally through your snorkel, and enjoy the underwater world around you.
• Practice good snorkelling etiquette: Avoid touching or feeding marine life, and be mindful of your impact on the environment.