Is it too cold to snorkel in Britain?

Not at all. In the summer the water temperature can reach 20°C or higher in the south of England. A wetsuit is recommended for year-round snorkelling or colder months, and cold water swimming can have [link:beneficial health effects,/blog/the-health-benefits-of-snorkelling].

Is there any marine life to see snorkelling in Britain?

Yes! The British coastline is one of the most rich and diverse marine habitats in the world. You could see [link:great spider crabs,https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1753], [link:small-spotted catsharks,https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1493], [link:tompot blenny,https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1725], [link:sea slugs,https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1982], [link:ballan wrasse,https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1739], not to mention the wide range of seaweeds and wracks, and the beautiful anemones that can only really be appreciated from underwater. If you are willing to snorkel at dusk, you could also be treated to [link:cuttlefish,https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1098] or [link:conger eels,https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/2126]. In short, there is no end to the wonderful marine life that inhabit our coastlines, and what better way to explore than with a mask and snorkel?

Is snorkelling in Britain safe?

Snorkelling comes with risks but can be enjoyed safely by developing skills slowly, testing kit in a pool first, and progressing to shallow sheltered water sites. Professional instruction through organisations like [link:BSAC,https://www.bsac.com] is recommended.

What are the best snorkelling sites in Britain?

The most abundant locations tend to be those with rocky seabed and healthy currents. Always check tides and currents before visiting. Our book [link:Snorkelling Britain,/#snorkelling-britain] features 100 favourite snorkelling sites in England, Scotland and Wales.

Is it "snorkelling" or "snorkeling"?

The [link:Oxford English Dictionary,https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/snorkelling] gives "snorkelling" as the correct spelling in British English, so we've tried to follow that convention in our website and book.

How did you find the name Snorkelology?

We wanted a made-up name so it would be easy to find a domain name - that's a primary concern in this day and age - but we also wanted something that sounded fun and a bit quirky.

What does Snorkelology mean?

Snorkelology is a made-up word that combines "snorkel" with the suffix "-ology", which is from the Greek meaning 'study of'. So in a playful sense, Snorkelology could be interpreted as "the study of snorkelling".

Photo of child walking up a beach holding snorkelling gear with blue-green sea behind

Welcome to Snorkelology

Discover the wonders of British snorkelling for all the family

Snorkelling Britain

Find out about our new guidebook to 100 British snorkelling sites

Photo showing children pointing at marine life while snorkelling in a rock pool

Learn about British snorkelling

Explore our content to discover a fascinating underwater world

Welcome to Snorkelology

Discover the wonders of British snorkelling for all the family

British Snorkelling Articles

Here we share our experience of snorkelling and diving around the UK since the early 2000s. You'll find articles on the best places to snorkel, marine life identification, underwater cameras and photography, gear reviews and practical tips to keep you safe in the water. So whether you're new snorkelling or just looking for your next adventure, have a browse, and check back regularly as we are adding new articles all the time.

Snorkelling Britain

Your essential guide to snorkelling in Britain! Buying from snorkelology means buying direct from the authors and supporting the three years of painstaking research that went into its creation.

Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures by Emma and Gordon Taylor — Your essential guide to British snorkelling.

Packed with detailed route-finding advice, inspirational photography and a comprehensive introduction covering snorkelling safety, sustainable snorkelling, getting started and essential gear, Snorkelling Britain is the definitive guide to where to snorkel around the UK coastline. A perfect gift for any snorkeller or open water swimmer who wants to take the next step on their marine adventures.

Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures book cover 3D

100 British Snorkelling Sites

Sites for all abilities — from family-friendly rock pools to advanced open-water snorkels
Rocky reefs, shipwrecks, kelp forests, tidal pools and sandy beaches
Detailed directions, parking and access information for every site
Tailored safety advice including tides, currents and hazards
Covering the best snorkelling locations in England, Scotland and Wales

Snorkelling Britain book extract showing evocative photography and clear site-finding advice

Packed with Supporting Info

Comprehensive introduction covering planning, equipment, safety and underwater photography
Foreword by Sophie Rennie, BSAC's National Diving Officer and Head of Snorkelling
Illustrated guide to British marine life and species identification
Ten curated 'Best For' lists including Urban Access, Tidal Pools, Families and Beginners

Snorkelling Britain book extract showing essential information on how to get started

Welcome to Snorkelology

Snorkelling Britain

Learn about British snorkelling

Welcome to Snorkelology

British Snorkelling Articles

Snorkelling Britain

100 British Snorkelling Sites

Packed with Supporting Info

Snorkelling Britain Flick-Through