Andy Torbet considers the appeal of snorkelling offshore sites in the UK and beyond
TORBET ON THE TUBE
The wreck of HMS Port Napier rises from the surface off Skye
Head for the horizon!
Andy Torbet considers the appeal of snorkelling offshore sites in the UK and beyond
We normally associate snorkelling with the shore. Certainly, the vast majority of the examples offered in this column over the years begin and end on dry land. Whether it’ s the seashore, lakeshore or riverside, the principle remains the same. In fact, I’ ve often used shore diving guides to find snorkel spots in unfamiliar( to me) parts of the UK. However, we are no more limited to a fixed, terrestrial entry and egress than any other diver. We can grab our snorkels and head for the blue horizon.
Our means of reaching these offshore locales can vary, but needless to say the traditional means of conveyance is a boat. That may seem obvious, but I’ m aware of snorkelling taking place from a hovercraft, after skydiving and even by helicopter. I used the latter to access the shores of a glacial lake in Greenland, so technically that doesn’ t count as an offshore dive!
I have reached dive sites several miles out to sea on a kayak. However, this is not something I’ d recommend unless you’ re skilled and equipped for such endeavours. The ocean is big, and you are vulnerable in your small plastic craft when the weather turns. The most sensible and obvious way is do what the other divers do. Take a boat.
Kitted-up and ready to go
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Sharing the Pacific with a shortfin mako shark