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
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
Snorkelling in Britain
Welcome to Snorkelology, a website all about British snorkelling and the vibrant, diverse underwater world you can experience right on our doorstep with just a mask and snorkel. Browse to discover the best snorkelling sites using our unique British Snorkelling Map, learn about equipment, safety, snorkelling photography and gear through our in-depth articles, or simply purchase our book Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures to get detailed descriptions of our favourite British snorkelling sites.
The British coastline is one of the world's most dynamic, thriving marine habitats.
This diversity is driven by the combination of high tidal range and strong currents around our shores, which bring warm, nutrient-rich waters from the Atlantic to the surface, promoting plankton growth - the foundation of the marine food chain.
When conditions are right, snorkelling in Britain brings a connection with marine life that can equal any tropical location.
The sheer variety on offer is stunning: you can snorkel Scottish sea lochs, sheltered bays, shipwrecks, tidal pools, kelp forests, sandy seabeds and rocky reefs; witness sharks, seals, scorpionfish, octopus, and cuttlefish; watch the sun rising through sea arches or spy conger eels hunting in the dusk; immerse yourself in the miniature world of the many and various sea slugs and marvel at the unimaginable enormity of the oceans.
In-Depth Snorkelling Articles
Covering British snorkelling news, science, gear advice, and field notes to inspire your next underwater adventure.
Snorkelling Britain
Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures by Emma and Gordon Taylor is your essential guide to British snorkelling.
- 100 accessible snorkelling sites across England, Scotland and Wales.
- Detailed route-finding, access notes, and practical safety context for each location.
- Supporting chapters on gear, planning, underwater photography and marine life.
- Illustrated guide to British marine life focussing on likely snorkelling finds.
The perfect gift for the snorkeller or open water swimmer in your life!
Snorkelology Shop
Visit our shop to buy Snorkelling Britain direct from the authors.
Snorkelling Britain
Your essential guide to 100 of the best snorkelling sites around the British coastline, packed with maps, photos and honest site reviews.
Snorkelling Britain Signed
A personally signed copy of Snorkelling Britain — makes a perfect gift for the ocean lover in your life.
Snorkelling Map of Britain
Explore our unique interactive snorkelling map of Britain, with personally curated and validated information on the best snorkelling sites in Britain along with a growing database of snorkelling clubs and organisations to help you with your next underwater adventure.
- Personally curated map of the best snorkelling sites in Britain.
- Each site personally validated by the authors with onward links for more information.
- Discover nearby retailers, instructors and guides with our unique organisations layer.
- The perfect guide to help you plan your next British snorkelling adventure!
British Snorkelling FAQs
Find quick, practical answers to the questions people ask most before heading out around the British coastline. From water temperature and marine life to safety and site choice, these frequently asked questions bring together the essentials in one place and link you through to the full archive whenever you want to go deeper.
Who or what is Snorkelology?
Is it too cold to snorkel in Britain?
Is snorkelling in Britain safe?
Our Snorkelling Partners & Collaborators
Throughout our journey writing about British snorkelling, we have connected with outstanding snorkelling clubs, marine conservation charities, underwater photographers and outdoor publishers across the UK. These organisations share our commitment to promoting snorkelling in Britain and protecting our coastal marine environments.
Jethro Haynes Photography
Professional underwater photographer documenting marine wildlife and coastal environments across the UK.
Snorkel Wild
Snorkel Wild offer guided snorkelling adventures based around in Eyemouth and Coldingham in the Scottish South East.
Wild Things Publishing
Independent publisher of outdoor adventure guides including the popular Wild Guide series, and publisher of Snorkelling Britain.
Marla Blue
Marla Blue is a new app which gives marine visibility forecasts around the UK, helping snorkellers and divers find the best conditions for exploring underwater.
Rebecca Douglas Photography
Photographer, filmmaker and drone operator specializing in capturing the wild edges of earth, sea and sky.
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Scotland's leading nature conservation charity, running snorkel trail programmes to connect people with marine habitats.
Wild Running
Jen and Sim are authors of Wild Running and many other outdoor adventure guides, and were the inspiration for our book writing journey.
Chris Taylor Photography
Norfolk based award-winning underwater and wildlife photographer featured in publications including National Geographic, BBC Wildlife and The Guardian.
Macduff Marine Aquarium
Award-winning aquarium in Aberdeenshire showcasing the marine life of the Moray Firth and north-east Scotland.
Saltwater Life
Founded by the lovely Dr Lauren Smith, Saltwater Life is passionate about the study, conservation, and protection of sharks, skates, and rays.
St Martin's Watersports
Guided snorkelling and watersports experiences in the Isles of Scilly, one of the UK's best snorkelling destinations.
BSAC
The UK's national governing body for scuba diving and snorkelling, offering training, clubs and events nationwide.
The Ocean Studio
Award-winning underwater photographer and author of Snorkel Dorset, a guide to the best snorkelling sites along the Dorset coast.
Scottish Seabird Centre
Marine conservation and education charity based in North Berwick, dedicated to protecting Scotland's marine wildlife and host to a wonderful snorkel trail.