Latest news with #snorkelling
South China Morning Post
19 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Looking for a luxury eco-getaway in Fiji? Try the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort: named after the famed oceanographer, its 25 secluded bura cottages and award-winning kids club have even made Pink a fan
'Bula!' The Fijian greeting is the first thing I hear as my car pulls up to the entrance of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. A woven necklace is placed around my neck and a fruity drink pressed into my hand as a guitar serenade starts up. 'Welcome home.' Check into enough resorts and it might be easy for such receptions to feel run-of-the-mill – but there's something in the wideness of my welcoming committee's smiles that has me smiling back at the genuine warmth. 'Bula' is the standard Fijian greeting, literally meaning 'life' or 'good health'. It's a word I hear hundreds of times during my stay. The phrase I hear almost as much? 'Fiji time' – referring to the laid-back, unhurried pace of island life. Advertisement The resort boasts 25 bures, Fiji's traditional wood-and-straw cottages. Photo: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort And, indeed, as I'm shown to my accommodation for the week – one of 25 bures, or wood-and-straw cottages, sitting on the resort's seven hectares facing the South Pacific – I can already feel my worries melting away. It's simply impossible to get stressed out while surrounded by birdsong and the lapping of the waves, with my biggest decision of the day being whether I want to go on a snorkelling trip or lounge by the pool. The island nation of Fiji is well-known for its richly diverse sea and reefs, lovely green islands and, of course, the way beaming smiles seem to be a national trait. Fiji's largest island is Viti Levu, where its capital and largest city Suva, its two international airports, and most of its residents – and tourists – are found. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is located in the town of Savusavu on the second-largest island, Vanua Levu, which is lauded by The Lonely Planet for its diving and traditional villages. Savusavu's population is just over 3,000, and its sleepy vibes are a far cry from the relatively hectic energy of the capital. The coastline is dotted with hotels as well as sprawling private villas. Snorkelling sites are a quick speedboat ride away from the resort's pier. Photo: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Only this hotel carries Jean-Michel Cousteau's name, though. There might be newer and fancier resorts in Fiji, but ocean lovers and scuba divers will recognise that you won't see a stronger diving pedigree than this, considering that Jean-Michel's father essentially single-handedly invented the pastime. Jacques Cousteau, French naval officer and oceanographer, co-invented the Aqua-Lung breathing apparatus in the early 1940s, which revolutionised underwater diving. Jean-Michel himself is also a famed oceanographer, educator, film producer and environmentalist. Although it's a private equity firm that owns the resort, Jean-Michel and his long-term partner Nan Marr work in partnership with the owners through the Ocean Futures Society, the education and conservation organisation they co-founded in 1999.
Times
25-05-2025
- Times
15 of the best things to do in Mauritius
There's more to Mauritius than beautiful beaches, calm seas and swaying palms — as mesmerised by these as you may be at first. As well as these draws, there's some beautifully practical sides to a holiday here. This Indian Ocean idyll is a direct 12-hour flight from London and has a three-hour time difference to keep even the grumpiest holidaymaker happy. Should you fall head over heels with the place — and are able to work remotely — you can also work from the beach thanks to the country's free Premium Visa scheme. Those purely here to switch off will find a wide range of diversions in this English, French and Mauritian Creole-speaking republic. Venture inland and discover a wild interior of walks and climbs to keep thrill-seekers enthralled. Head to the capital, Port Louis, to discover rare stamps and rarer birds in its museums. Munch on spicy gato pima while browsing the shops, then head back to the beach for a cocktail to toast a spectacular sunset. These are some of the best things to do in Mauritius. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Mauritius is heaven for water babies with opportunities to spot everything from shoals of yellowfin goatfish to blue but always cheerful-looking parrotfish nibbling on coral. Snorkelling is a must for any holidaymaker but, for a closer look at the underwater world, book a scuba diving trip. The combination of cruising and scuba — admiring the scenery from above and below the water — adds an extra level of appreciation for this fabulous island. You can explore shipwrecks in the Belle Mare and if you're really lucky you might even spot a turtle. • Discover our full guide to Mauritius Some of the earliest visitors to Mauritius were Arab sailors in the Middle Ages, who named it Dina Arobi or 'Desert Island'. Get a sense of what they might have seen by voyaging around the Northern Isles including Gabriel Island, Flat Island and Coin de Mire. Whether you're a budding skipper or simply happy sunning yourself on the deck, a catamaran makes for a sensible craft. Be sure to keep an eye out for spinner dolphins racing through the waves — they really do jump and spin. • Best hotels in Mauritius Truth be told you could easily spend your Mauritius trip doing nothing but water sports — paddleboarding in the calm waters of Flic en Flac, windsurfing in Anse La Raie or commandeering a Hobie cat in Mont Choisy. For even more splash-filled times, venture to southwest Mauritius to kayak the River Tamarin. Expect a peaceful few hours gliding up and down the outflow of Mare aux Vacoas, the country's largest reservoir. Admire La Tourelle mountain and the lush canopy and abundant riverside wildlife, from crabs and ducks to flying foxes and long-tailed macaque monkeys. In nearby Tamarin Bay you may also see some dolphins. A little like artichoke, cabbage and bamboo shoots, palm heart is the delicacy that one chef told me was 'Mauritian caviar'. One restaurant that serves it with knockout views is Le Chamarel, while other top spots include La Table du Château (French and Creole) and Le Château De Bel Ombre (in a colonial villa). Seafood fans are very well served here — Creole Shack in Flic En Flac serves up authentic Mauritian food in laid-back surroundings; Asian fusion favourite Sunshine Fusion in Poste Lafayette is as cheerful as its name; and you'll find immaculate sushi at Hasu in Belle Mare. • Best time to visit Mauritius: when to go and what to do If you're visiting Mauritius for the first time you're probably going to want to stick to the beach, but if your dream holiday is action-packed, one of the easiest places to explore is Black River Gorges National Park in the south. A hike is a great opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna such as the national bird, the Mauritius kestrel, and macaque monkeys. There are two information centres, 37 miles of hiking trails and plenty of picnic spots. Be prepared for all weathers and make sure you wear mosquito repellent to guard against bites. Those who favour a civilised stroll over an energetic trek should head to the north. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, also known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, was created in 1767 and is named after the first prime minister of Mauritius. Admire giant water lilies, the red national flower of Mauritius, boucle d'oreille (trochetia boutoniana), the spice garden and a huge variety of palms in the 81 acres of grounds. • Mauritius honeymoon ideas: the 10 most romantic places to stay Those long fascinated by the dodo in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland can flock to the Natural History Museum in Port Louis to see a complete dodo skeleton and learn about the bird that became the country's national emblem (it features on money, stamps and in many a gift shop in cuddly toy form). The Blue Penny Museum, which houses the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, is a must for philatelists, while the Postal Museum's 200-year-old building is as much of a draw as its contents. In the south, the Mauritian poet Robert Edward Hart's coral-stone house turned museum is worth a look — or you can watch giant tortoises and discover a frankly terrifying collection of insects at La Vanille Nature Park. Sugar cane fields are part of the landscape and the island is known for its light muscovado and rum. To learn more about the history of sugar production in Mauritius visit L'Aventure du Sucre in the north. It's in a former sugar factory and has interactive exhibits and trails for all ages, along with information on the part sugar cane plays in green energy today. After your tour, stop off at Le Fangourin restaurant — named after a now rare type of sugar cane juice — to sample traditional Mauritian cuisine and signature rums. It's not cheap and it's weather-dependent — but taking to the skies in a helicopter is a unique way to see Mauritius and is the stuff of photographers' dreams. If you're lucky you'll be able to spot the underwater waterfall optical illusion near Le Morne Brabant. Even if not, you can take in everything from Triolet in the north to Chamarel in the south, viewing the island's many mountains, waterfalls, forests and patches of multicoloured earth as you go. With its Instagrammable Umbrella Square and designer labels this is unashamedly a tourist trap. But so what? Sometimes retail therapy makes for a fun day out. Here you'll find modern coffee shops and brands including L'Occitane and Hugo Boss alongside art shops selling locally produced crafts. You can also take in a show at Caudan Arts Centre, a 430-seat venue staging concerts, ballets and plays. Meanwhile, films for all ages are screened at the cinema, Star Caudan, in British and French. If street food is your thing you'll love exploring Port Louis central market with its fruit, herbs and spices. Although you could wander round on your own, for more insight into the African, Indian, Chinese and French influences that combine to create Mauritian food — and the lowdown on where to find the best curries, pickles and gato pima (chilli bites) — try a guided tour. Later, toast your day's discoveries with a locally produced Phoenix beer or Grays rum. Novice climbers and children getting to grips with it for the first time will love the outdoor artificial climbing wall at Long Beach Mauritius. The experienced can progress to one of many expeditions scaling the island's mountains, swimming in local pools and even climbing up or abseiling down waterfalls. Those who want the views without the slog, meanwhile, should head to the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth geopark to see Chamarel Waterfall, which is the country's tallest. Hinduism is the main religion in Mauritius and the island is studded with temples and murti (images of deities), such as the 33m (108ft) red Lord Shiva statue and the largest in the world of Durga Maa (also 33m, she is depicted with her golden lion). Visit Grand Bassin, a sacred lake that lies in the crater of an extinct volcano in the south, to pay your respects, but remember to dress conservatively. A guided tour is your best bet for learning more about the sites, the gods and the most commonly celebrated festivals in Mauritius. Île aux Cerfs is a 200-acre island about 20 minutes by boat from the mainland. It makes a great day out for golfers who can tee off among the palms and tropical plants at the Île aux Cerfs Golf Club, where the 18-hole course was designed by Bernhard Langer. If golf's not your thing make a beeline for the beach, which is one of the best in Mauritius and perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Take a picnic or, for an upmarket alternative, try a privately booked barbecue lunch on the beach. Mauritius was colonised by the Dutch in 1638 and named after Maurice of Nassau, Prince of the Netherlands; later the island came under French rule and then British, before becoming independent in 1968. Slave labour was used on the sugar plantations and at Le Morne Brabant, a peninsula in the south, you can find a reminder of the island's brutal past. Runaways found refuge at Le Morne mountain but, when slavery was abolished, in 1835, legend has it that they saw soldiers, assumed the worst and jumped to their deaths. Another theory is that they were massacred. Le Morne Cultural Landscape is now a Unesco world heritage site and the International Slave Route Monument marks the fight for freedom of enslaved people and their tragic deaths. • Mauritius v the Seychelles: which is better?• Best beaches in Mauritius
The Independent
19-05-2025
- The Independent
From secluded bays to family-friendly shores, discover the Costa Dorada's bucket-list beaches
Whether you prefer your sunbathing broken up by a spot of snorkelling, experiencing local culture, or simply blissfully uninterrupted – the Costa Dorada (locally known as Costa Daurada) has the perfect beach for you. With 50 miles of coastline, and 26 Blue Flag beaches, it doesn't matter if you're after calm waters, family-friendly facilities or adventurous water sports – there's a sunspot that caters for every traveller. What's more, with Jet2holidays flying to the Costa Dorada from 12 UK airports and a range of two to five-star accommodation, it's easy to get your beach break sorted. Jet2holidays is always giving you more, to help make planning and booking as smooth as possible. That goes for the PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments** option, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, and return transfers† that are included. Look out for Free Child Places***, and infants under two go free‡. Here we pick out just some of the region's gorgeous shores to delve into… Relax on the stunning sands of la Pineda Platja, in Vila-seca In one of the most picturesque and lively parts of Costa Dorada sits this almost two-and-a-half mile stretch of beach, lined with palms as well as the famous pine trees that give the area its name. It's fab for everything from gentle strolls and paddles to more active games of volleyball, sand football and tennis. Other activities on offer include everything from shoreside Zumba classes to yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions. The slow slope of sand into sparkling waters makes it ideal for families with young children, while for the real water babies, the exhilarating Aquopolis waterpark is only a short walk from the beach. With plenty of bars, restaurants, toilets and shower facilities lining the pretty promenade, there's no reason not to stay all day. Explore the calm coastline of Cambrils With over five miles of Blue Flag beaches, all with gentle waters, Cambrils makes an excellent family-friendly break. Great for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing – especially at the pristine Platja del Cavet Beach, where the Escola Nàutica water sports centre offers windsurfing lessons. For something more laidback, head to Platja de la Llosa for a series of smaller, but equally beautiful, beaches and coves. Then why not potter around the picturesque, cobbled alleyways of the old town to sample delicious local dishes? While you're in the area, take the opportunity to visit neighbouring Platja de la Pixerota in Mont-roig on the southern border of Cambrils, to enjoy breathtaking views out to the Gulf of Sant Jordi and learn about the fascinating Spanish Civil War bunkers situated in the middle of the beach. Enjoy family-friendly fun in Salou As the tourist capital of the Costa Dorada and the epicentre of amusement and entertainment, Salou's beaches are home to good times for kids and adults alike. And being so close to PortAventura World (one of Europe's largest theme parks) means double the fun, when so many of Jet2holidays ' Experience More hotels include park entry, meaning staying and playing is on the cards. Don't miss the stunning Llevant Beach, dotted with colourful sunloungers and umbrellas, where the sea is filled with kayaks and jet skis. In between sunbathing and water sports, you can also enjoy wandering along its pretty promenade of shops, restaurants and bars. For something a little more secluded, take the coastal path to the sand dunes, pine trees and shallow crystalline waters of Platja Llarga, which is great for snorkelling. This charming beach town is as much a magnet to those looking for lazy beach days as it is for history lovers. A medieval castle forms the backdrop to a swathe of fine golden sand at Platja d'Altafulla, and it's a stone's throw from the famous Roman ruins at Tarragona. You can even borrow a book from the Bibliomar beach library, which also organises workshops and storytelling, or join a yoga or Pilates class on the sands. Walk down to neighbouring Tamarit Beach, which has its own castle dating back to the 11th century, as well as some friendly beach bars for a cheeky cocktail. Also in the area is family-friendly Coma-ruga Beach in El Vendrell. Its clear waters, palm-lined promenade of restaurants, bars and shops, and natural thermal springs, make for a balanced beach break. The soft, sloping sands make Platja La Paella a super-safe option for families with children who love spending all day in the sea. As for water sports, there's a designated area for surfers, and a bespoke exit and entry point for jet skis. The nearby marina offers scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing and boat trips. For those who prefer being on terra firma, there are kids' playgrounds, and a sports zone with four volleyball courts and three beach football pitches, often hosting championships. In summer, sports camps and gymnastics sessions are held here. Discover nature and seclusion at Platja de l'Arenal in l'Hospitalet de l'Infant One of the most unique beaches in the Costa Dorada, the sugar-like sands and translucent waters of l'Arenal are split into two parts. There's the northern section with its promenade and the Base Nautica water sports resort, which offers dinghy sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. Then there's the southern part, which can only be accessed via a listed Blue Trail footpath. Here you can enjoy magnificent dunes, marshlands and white pine woodlands around a more tranquil shore. With Jet2holidays, you can book your trip to the Costa Dorada with lots of package perks thrown in to make getting away even easier. From a low £60 per person deposit* to PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments**, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage per person to return transfers†, it's all included. Families can make the most of Free Child Places*** while infants under two go free‡. And with flights included and the choice of two to five-star hotels, Jet2holidays is always giving you more. For more Costa Dorada travel inspiration, and to find and book your ultimate holiday, visit Jet2holidays. Plus, right now, myJet2 members can save £100 per person§ in The Big Jet2 Price Drop (correct at original publish date). *On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. **Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under £2,000, departing within ten weeks. ***One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see for further details. †Unless otherwise stated. ‡Applicable for all infants under the age of two years on the date of return. Infants are not entitled to a flight seat (they must be seated with a parent or guardian) or a 22kg baggage allowance. §£100 per person off holidays for myJet2 members departing until 15 November 2026. myJet2 members will need to be logged into their account at the time of booking for the discount to automatically apply. Book online, via our app, through our call centre or with your travel agent. Please note the discount is not applied to children travelling on a free child place. Terms and conditions apply, please see for details.
The Guardian
12-05-2025
- The Guardian
10 of the best places to snorkel on the UK coast
The British coastline is a thriving marine habitat, with a biodiversity that's driven by high tidal range and strong nutrient-rich currents. When conditions are right, snorkelling in British waters brings a connection with a variety of species and stunning terrain: sea lochs, sheltered bays, shipwrecks, tidal pools, kelp forests, sandy seabeds and rocky reefs. You might see sharks, seals, scorpionfish, octopus and cuttlefish. These are our 10 favourite spots. Treyarnon, near Padstow, is a great place to combine a family day at the beach with a spot of rockpooling or snorkelling. The tidal pool here is large enough to snorkel around, but shallow enough that even the most wary can wade in confidently, don a mask or goggles, and peek at the wonders below the water's surface. Particularly good for introducing kids to the underwater world, the pool is mostly natural, with a small concrete barrage complementing its otherwise watertight rocky walls. The beach can get very busy in the summer, but that popularity has its benefits – an ice-cream van is often parked at the top of the beach for post-snorkelling refreshments. An 18-mile (29km) shingle tombolo formed by the accumulation of pebbles over 7,000 years, Chesil Beach is significantly exposed to stormy weather from the south and west. At its southernmost end is Chesil Cove. As with the rest of the coastline here, the cove's exposed aspect results in variable visibility, oscillating between nil and fabulous depending on the weather. Pick the right day, however, and it's a perfect place to snorkel. The best area to explore is at the far south of the cove, where uniform small pebbles give way to larger rocks and boulders covered in kelp and other seaweeds. Here, you'll find sand eels, wrasse, bass and, on occasion, wonderfully prehistoric-looking john dory. Cephalopods such as cuttlefish and their less commonly seen cousins, squid and octopus, are also occasional visitors to the area; keep your eyes peeled for these masters of disguise. Originally built in the late 19th century, and restored after a fire in 2014, Eastbourne pier makes a pleasant focal point for a snorkel in calm weather. Shingle beaches along this stretch of the southeast coastline are relatively inhospitable: the churning action of the waves gives marine life little chance to establish itself on the pebbles. However, the pier pilings provide a more stable footing and are covered with barnacle-encrusted common mussels and patches of sea lettuce. In turn, the mussels attract predators such as starfish, crabs and dog whelks. The regular presence of fishers on the pier suggests this site also attracts its fair share of fish – so watch out for those lines! You may catch a fleeting glimpse of sand eels which, in turn, draw in larger fish such as bass. Swimming around the pier at sunset is an atmospheric way to end the day. Geology and strong currents (particularly at high tide) mean snorkelling opportunities are few and far between on this stretch of coastline but, in calm conditions, after a spell of settled weather, Boggle Hole is an excellent spot. There is so much life to see, even in the shallows. The shoreline is laced with ledges of exposed rock that provide a fantastic habitat for smaller marine life such as blennies, gobies and smaller crabs. Larger boulders, meanwhile, are covered with a patchwork of molluscs, clinging on against the ebb and flow of the tides, plus vivid patches of purple algae, and shoals of small fry dart among the seaweed. When we visited this site in August, hundreds of hermit crabs were also present, some snoozing, some tussling over shells, and some just taking a walk along the seafloor. Charlie's Garden is a distinctive sandstone sea stack sitting on the tidal foreshore of Collywell Bay. Local lore has it that the rock is named after one Charles Dockwray, who cultivated a garden on the rock in the mid-19th century, when it was still part of the mainland. A fabulous place for rockpooling at lower tides, the rock now forms a permanent feature of the bay, which is broad and shallow, with a rock and sand seabed that's home to seaweeds of all types as well as barnacles, limpets, gobies, blennies and other bottom-dwelling species. Seals are also known to visit the bay – a wonderful sight if they choose to swim nearby. As with much of this coastline, water visibility can take some time to clear after storms, but in sunny, settled conditions it's a wonderful place to experience east-coast marine life. This centre, in North Berwick, is a great place to get your fill of nature, both above and below the waves. Looking out towards Bass Rock, home to the 100,000 birds that make up the largest northern gannet colony in the world, the centre is a conservation and education charity that also operates as a visitor attraction, and organises nature-based sightseeing trips. It's also a brilliant spot for snorkellers. For beginners and younger marine explorers, the neighbouring tidal pool – home to hermit crabs, limpets, barnacles, snails, seaweeds and the odd anemone – is a great place to start. More experienced snorkellers can head to the rocky gullies of the headland. Here, barnacled rocks decorated with kelp gently descend to a sandy seabed, providing habitat for crabs and small fish species. A great day out for marine life enthusiasts, the town of Macduff is home to both a recently refurbished aquarium and High Shore Beach. Like some of the other locations in this list (the Scottish Seabird Centre and Gruinard Bay), High Shore features in one of the Scottish Wildlife Trust's snorkel trails. Visit the Macduff Marine Aquarium to gen up on the underwater habitats of the Moray Firth and learn what to look out for, then hit the water to explore for yourself. Directly in front of the aquarium is a line of rocky fingers projecting into the sea. These form a series of parallel reefs and a maze of kelp-filled gullies packed with life. As you peer into cracks in the rocks, watch for the red eyes of a velvet swimming crab, or a starfish slowly walking over the reef or seabed – orangey-pink common starfish, knobbly white spiny starfish and common sunstar have all been spotted here. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion The approach to Gruinard Bay from the south, as the road crests Cadha Beag peak, is spectacular. At the lowest of tides, the beaches at Gruinard are joined, but the incoming waterline soon makes it impossible to move between them without getting wet. The best snorkelling is at the northernmost end of the beach, around a small islet just off the shore. Here, rocky reefs and seagrass meadows exist side by side and provide excellent shelter for various fish and shellfish. Look out for sea slugs and hermit crabs making their way slowly along blades of seagrass, and for flatfish burrowing their way into patches of sand to protect themselves from predators. Watch also for spiky, vivid purple maerl, a hard seaweed that deposits lime in its cell walls as it grows, creating a brittle skeleton. Maerl is very fragile and slow-growing, so take care not to knock into it. Porth Castell is a small bay that's sheltered from the open sea by a large offshore island. This fortuitous natural layout provides a wealth of snorkelling opportunities around the rocky reefs that surround the island and run up the bay edges. Arrive at high-ish tide and you can swim through a magnificent narrow gully on the left-hand side of the bay, between the shore and the island. Look into the recesses in the rocks as you go to spot vibrant orange and blue spiny squat lobsters, and more common residents such as crabs and blennies. If you're very lucky, you might encounter a small-spotted catshark; these are relatively common in British waters but not often glimpsed by snorkellers because they spend relatively little time in the shallows. A quiet place to be at one with nature and to get away from the well-worn tourist spots of Devon, Rockham Bay is an excellent example of the stratified rock formations that typify this stretch of the north Devon coastline. The unforgiving nature of the sea is apparent here, with the remains of the steamer ship SS Collier strewn over the intertidal rock; wrecked in 1914, there's not much left to see but the remains of rusted chainworks, a well-weathered winch assembly and other miscellaneous metalworks. Low tide is a good time to explore by land, with the wreckage exposed and the complex rock formations forming tidal pools packed with marine life. Snorkelling around the rocky extremities reveals kelpy reefs: watch out for small spotted catsharks dozing on the sandy seabed as you move from one rocky spur to the next. The nearest car park is at Mortehoe. Like open water swimming, snorkelling comes with risks that should be considered when planning your adventure. While experienced swimmers will already be aware of many of the considerations, here are 10 safety tips: 1 Assess your fitness to snorkel before getting in the water2 Consider undertaking formal snorkelling qualifications3 Always snorkel with a 'buddy'4 Know how to use your kit and ensure it's in good condition5 Assess the site and conditions before entry6 Regularly monitor your position in the water7 Use a swim buoy so that boats can easily see you8 Never swim into underwater structures or caves while snorkelling9 Get out of the water before you feel cold, and especially before shivering10 Immediately leave the water if you feel excessively fatigued or short of breath Just as important as your own safety is that you don't cause harm to the eco-systems you're exploring. Here's how to snorkel without doing any damage: 1 Follow the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs's marine and coastal wildlife code2 Avoid damaging habitats: refrain from stepping on, touching, or holding on to coastal habitats or species3 Dispose of litter responsibly4 Use eco-friendly products such as sun cream that's compatible with the marine environment and, ideally, invest in swimwear that's been produced by sustainable means5 Respect marine life, particularly when snorkelling among seals and seahorses, which should not be disturbed Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures by Emma & Gordon Taylor is published by Wild Things Publishing (£18.99). Readers can receive a 20% discount and free postage and packaging with discount code 'TheGuardian' at
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Pictured: The best places to snorkel in Britain - including beautiful sealife in one of the 'UK's worst seaside towns'
A fascinating new guide to Britain's best snorkelling hotspots is diving deep beneath the waves to uncover the country's 'secret underwater world'. 'Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures' shows off the best of the UK's coastline with maps, tips and advice for keen snorkellers. Written by SCUBA and snorkelling instructors Emma and Gordon Taylor, the book has been designed to help readers 'add new depth' to their next sea swim. The breathtaking guide brings the British coast to life with 'evocative photos capturing the full magic of the recommended sites'. It even highlights the incredible marine life snorkellers can see in Bognor Regis, previously named one of Britain's 'worst seaside towns'. Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures is published by Wild Things Publishing and available to buy on Amazon, WH Smith and other major retailers. From beautiful Devon to spectacular Orkney find out what lies below Britain's waters... Chesil Cove in Dorset, pictured above in this breathtaking photo, is found at 'the southernmost end of the iconic Chesil Beach' and was 'formed by the accumulation of pebbles over a staggering 7,000 years' The Churchill Barriers on the Orkney islands were initially 'constructed to protect the maritime base at Scapa Flow'. The writers say the Barriers now provide a 'hugely rewarding artificial marine habitat' to explore The writers say the area has been 'largely reclaimed by the sea and sealife'. Visitors are able to 'snorkel any of the four barriers' and each 'has its own character' Located at the Scottish Borders, Coldingham Bay's waters have 'long been recognised as having extraordinary marine diversity'. The experts say snorkellers will find a 'rocky wonderland covered in seaweed' along the bay London Bridge Arch is 'less than a mile from Torquay town centre' and a 'fascinating' spot for snorkelling. The experts say the arch's walls are 'packed with marine flora and fauna' Larmorna Cove's 'rocky perimeter' has 'exceptional underwater vistas' for the 'more adventurous' snorkeller Taken by Paul Boniface, this image offers a colourful glimpse of the 'wonderful snorkelling experience' adventurers can have at Bognor Rocks in Bognor Regis Mellon Charles Abandoned Pier is located in the West Highlands and the experts say 'it's quite rare to be able to snorkel an underwater structure as large and close to shore as this' The experts explain that 'the pier itself when viewed underwater, is spectacular'. At 'the right time of year', tourists might even spot a lion's mane jelly in the water at Mellon Charles Located in Cornwall, Roskilly Rocks is a 'rocky shoreline ideal for marine exploration. At Roskilly, snorkellers will find an 'incredible array of fish' among 'the coloured seaweed and the submerged rocks' Margate's Walpole Tidal Pool is the largest artificial tidal pool in the UK and was built in 1937. Nowadays its a 'focal point for sea-loving locals of all ages'
