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First Time Family Snorkel in Ireland

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This summer Mike and I were fortunate enough to have some family visiting, including our niece Norah, after not seeing each other since pre-pandemic times.  We were lucky to get some lovely weather and of course that meant heading to the coast!

Our niece is a good swimmer and would like to learn to scuba dive one day.  We mentioned that snorkeling was a really good start for getting used to using a mask and fins and also great fun.  Having gotten her equipment for the trip, Norah practised in the pool before her arrival and was excited to try things out in the ocean.

We live within a 90 minute drive of several lovely bits of shoreline on the west coast of Ireland, and chose to start off our adventures at Dunmoran Strand in County Sligo.  Here there is a sandy beach bordered by rocky shore, with shallow calm waters.  A great starting point for snorkeling in the sea for the first time! Norah kitted up remarkably quickly as I struggled into my wetsuit, but we were soon in the shallows ready to go.  We had an initial swim to get a feel of it and then gave Norah some tips on clearing her mask, snorkel and some finning techniques and we were off exploring the rocks.  Almost immediately we came across some large colourful jellyfish and swam carefully around to observe them without any contact.  After a good 45 minutes of seeing wrasse, crabs, sand eels and anemones we returned to the beach to dry off and warm up with huge smiles.

A few days later we headed out to the tidal swimming pool at Rosses Point, near Sligo.  Here by the yacht club is a man-made pool that opens out into the sea.  From the pool you can follow the coast and snorkel the rocks to the right side with an easy entry and exit at the pool.  Care must be taken NOT to swim out of the pool to the left, as the aptly named “Dead Man’s Point” has some fierce currents.  Arriving on a cooler, breezy day, we checked Norah was up for the challenge of snorkeling in a slight swell and we headed out right along the rocks.  Norah coped brilliantly with the slightly tougher conditions and was soon zooming around spotting crabs all over the place.  We even got to see a small dogfish dart out from between the rocks and out into the kelp.  We took care to watch the waves and make sure we turned round early to get back to the tidal pool before we got chilled or tired and spent a happy last few minutes jumping off the poolside at the deep end before heading home.

For our last trip we went to Old Head Beach in County Mayo, which has a Blueway Snorkel Trail. As depicted on an informative sign by the car park, the trail starts from the left side of the pier, following a rocky coastline in sheltered, shallow water away from local boat traffic.  On our visit the sun was out again and the waters were an inviting, almost tropical blue.  As we swam around and through the thick kelp we spotted plenty of wrasse, a couple of large compass jellyfish, a pipe fish and a flying gurnard.  Norah perfected her duck diving and we had an enjoyable time dropping our snorkels for her to retrieve from the sandy bottom.

We had some excellent snorkels and though sadly the family had to return home, it was a great visit.

After our adventures, we asked Norah a few questions to get her perspective:

What was your favourite thing?

Snorkeling with jellyfish and not getting stung!

What was the biggest challenge?

The salt stinging my eyes when the mask leaked a bit.

Where was your favourite snorkel spot?

Old Head had the most colourful water, Rosses Point had lots of crabs and we saw a tiny shark!

What new skill did you learn that you found most useful?

Putting toothpaste on a new mask to stop it fogging up.

What are you most proud of?

Snorkeling in the ocean for the first time and coping with waves and some current.

Do you want to go snorkeling again?

Yes!

Mike and I love the water and to be able to share this activity with our niece was brilliant. Ireland has a great system of established snorkel trails called The Blueway (https://diving.ie/blueway/).  These Blueway trails can be snorkeled or kayaked and are safe routes with maps and above water signage on the points of interest.  The west coast of Ireland really is a great place for some snorkel adventures!

For more information on water activities in Ireland check out: www.discoverireland.ie/things-to-do/on-the-water

CJ and Mike are dive instructors who have travelled all over the world pursuing their passion for the underwater world. CJ is a PADI MI and DSAT Trimix instructor with a degree in Conservation biology and ecology, who has been diving for 15 years. She loves looking for critters and pointing them out for Mike to photograph. Mike is a PADI MSDT who got back into diving in 2010. He enjoys practicing underwater photography and exploring new and exciting dive locales, occasionally with more than one tank. Follow more of their diving adventures at www.facebook.com/bimbleintheblue.

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Dive Worldwide introduces a pair of snorkelling-only liveaboards for 2025

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In response to a growing trend amongst its customers for snorkelling-specific itineraries, specialist operator Dive Worldwide is introducing two new snorkelling trips for 2025. The new liveaboard holidays, to the Coral Triangle and Maldives, offer the same exceptional marine encounters and adventurous spirit as a traditional diving holiday, but with greater accessibility for those that are unable to dive.

Commenting, Phil North, Dive Worldwide’s Brand Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer these two fabulous adventures aimed solely at snorkelling enthusiasts. From iconic animals like whale sharks and manta rays to vibrant coral reefs, much of the magic in our oceans happens in the shallows, and these wonderful experiences are now as accessible to snorkellers as well as divers.

Dive Worldwide has the largest programme in the UK of tailor-made and small group liveaboard and resort-based diving holidays.  It features over 200 destinations worldwide, catering for beginners and experienced divers alike.

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NEW SNORKELLING TRIPS FOR 2025

Coral Triangle Snorkelling Adventure

This small group cruise on Indonesia’s Coral Sea is aboard the new and environmentally-friendly Bugis, which sleeps just eight guests. Made from reclaimed teak and serving locally-sourced meals, the boat aims to have the lowest environmental impact as possible, with no single-use plastic on board, and run by a synthetic fuel made from plastic waste. The Bugis offers different itineraries throughout the year, timed for the best wildlife encounters. From May through to September, the focus is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo. Here, enjoy the kaleidoscopic beauty of shallow tropical reefs, swim with manta rays, and take on land expeditions to see Komodo dragons and Pink Beach. Between November and late March, the vessel is in Raja Ampat, the marine biodiversity capital which is also culturally rich on land. Highlights include colourful reefs bustling with hard and soft corals, and interaction with pelagic species.

Price: from £3,495pp based on 2 sharing, including 8 nights’ accommodation (1n Jakatra, 7n liveaboard), all meals, transfers and return flights from the UK. Departures from March 2025.

Maldives Snorkelling Conservation Cruise

These departures, exclusively for snorkellers, provide the ultimate marine life encounters with a focus on conservation and environmental awareness, all while sailing through the beautiful waters of the Maldives. The cruise’s dedicated itineraries focus on either manta rays or whale sharks, and are run in partnership with the Manta Trust and the Maldives Whale Shark Program. This allows snorkellers to encounter these magical pelagics on an intimate, immersive level, slipping all but silently into the waters next to them, and nimbly following them. Alongside the wonders of the water, there’s the chance to experience the local culture and participate in data collection in Citizen Science projects too.

Price: from £2,545pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ liveaboard, all meals, activities, guiding, transfers and return flights from the UK. Depart: 2 February, 2 March, 23 March 18 August, 4 October or 21 December 2025.

For further information visit Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com, 01962 302087).

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Exclusive Shark Diving Adventure in the Maldives – Last Female Space Available!

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Oyster Diving is offering one final opportunity for an unforgettable shark diving experience in the Maldives. From February 9-16, 2025, this exclusive trip, led by renowned marine biologist Dr. Elke Bojanowski, will take place aboard the luxurious Horizon III liveaboard. As a special offer, the last remaining female space is available with a £300 discount.

An Unparalleled Diving Experience

Diving enthusiasts will have the chance to explore some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites while gaining insights into shark behavior and conservation from Dr. Bojanowski. Known for her expertise in shark research, Elke will guide divers through encounters with these magnificent creatures during the Maldives’ renowned ‘Shark Week.’

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Luxury Aboard Horizon III

The Horizon III liveaboard is designed to provide the ultimate blend of comfort and adventure, featuring:

  • 12 well-appointed cabins accommodating up to 22 divers
  • A restaurant serving gourmet buffet meals
  • A fully stocked bar
  • A spa and sundecks for relaxation
  • An open-air hot tub for post-dive unwinding

Top-Tier Dive Support

With a dedicated team of four experienced Divemasters, divers will benefit from an outstanding 1:6 ratio, ensuring personalized guidance and safety throughout the trip.

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Limited Availability – Book Now!

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive alongside sharks under the mentorship of a leading marine biologist. With just one female space left, interested divers are encouraged to book quickly.

For more information and reservations, click here.

Oyster Diving
📧 info@oysterdiving.com
📞 +44 (0)1273 384971
🌍 www.oysterdiving.com

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