simpler than karst or other natural cave systems. They are normally one straight fault line. But still … always take a torch.
Duck-diving in the window of a sea cave’ s entrance
Resident wildlife: One of the reasons to explore caves is for the wildlife. We can observe two marine walls at once. However, I have found that grey seals like to hang out in caves, in fact I’ ve come face-to face with them on several occasions. It can be a fantastic, if initially intimidating, experience but we want to minimise wildlife disturbances. Give the seal enough space to get around you, or consider turning back and avoiding it altogether.
Avoid the queue: If you are out snorkelling as a group, consider the size of the channel. A narrower cave may encourage a‘ onesnorkeller-at-a-time’ strategy to avoid being blocked in by your buddy.
Boat traffic: Very unusual in the UK and most caves but I have seen tourist boats enter large sea caves, especially abroad. The cave that leads out from the Inland Sea in Malta is a prime example of this. Stick to the walls and the boats will leave you alone. Or find somewhere else.
Back beaches: Some sea caves, especially at low tides, can actually develop small beaches at the furthest inner areas. As nice as it is to get out of the water and explore this temporary terrestrial locale, rubbish and rotting kelp often accumulate here as well as
PHOTO: DAN BOLT
Andy Clark relaxes on a small beach revealed by an ebbing sea single or multiple seals. We have caves in Cornwall where more than 40 male grey seals have been recorded chilling on the beach at the back of a large sea cave. The most I’ ve seen is about 12 to 15. It was dark, and it was a shock.
Know your tides: Rising and falling tides can also affect the entry and exit to caves. A low ceiling on a cave could become an impassable‘ sump’ as the tide rises.
Any diving, from the simple snorkel to the trimix technical, requires an appreciation for risk and the ability to avoid or mitigate it. Or, if neither can be achieved to a satisfactory degree, call the dive off. Cave snorkelling safely can open up yet another new environment to explore around our coastline, but it demands proper planning to stay safe. �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac. com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club? Find out more at bsac. com / snorkellinginstructor
Swimming under a shallow archway into a sheltered pool
PHOTO: DAAN VERHOEVEN
PHOTO: DAAN VERHOEVEN
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