When it comes to spotting spectacular marine life, the UK might not be the first place that springs to mind. We’ve travelled to some pretty exotic locations to catch a glimpse of rare species, and had experiences that were unforgettable every single time. However, recent months have proven that you don’t always need to jet off for marine life sightings. From sea turtles to orcas, the waters off the UK coast have delivered bucket-list moments for a lucky few.
While we cannot guarantee that you’ll always be able to spot the same UK marine life, recent sightings have really inspired us to get out to local waters and explore closer to home. You don’t need to be a qualified diver to get involved either, as a mask and snorkel offer a very accessible route to our aquatic visitors.
If you’re feeling as inspired by UK marine life as we are, we’ve pulled together this guide on what to do and what to look out for as you get your snorkelling gear out this summer.
Recent UK Marine Life Sightings
The range of recent marine life sightings in the UK is truly music to our ears, with the following headlines really inspiring us to get closer to the water:
Leatherback Turtles
In June, a stunning leatherback turtle was spotted just off the coast of Seaton in Devon. The species (the largest species of sea turtle in the world) was photographed by an unsuspecting paddleboarder, with the sighting being particularly rare as leatherback turtles are usually found in much warmer seas.
Despite just how rare this UK marine life sighting was, it’s possible these turtles could be spotted again in the coming months as we are approaching the time of year where they feed on summer blooms of jellyfish. Keep your eyes peeled!
Octopus
Multiple sightings of octopuses have been reported along the Devon and Cornwall coast in recent months, with experts believing that warmer temperatures and an increase in food availability could be bringing them closer to shore.
These highly intelligent creatures are typically hard to spot and blend into rocky seabeds or hide in crevices, so make sure you pay close attention if you are on the lookout as simply catching a glimpse of an octopus is sure to be a memorable encounter.
Orcas
In what might be one of the most remarkable UK marine life sightings, a pod of orcas was recently spotted off the coast of the Isles of Scilly. These powerful animals are rarely spotted in this part of the world, so this was a particularly exciting encounter for those who were lucky enough to witness it.
While orcas will remain an uncommon sight, particularly in the South West, their appearance shows just how surprising UK marine life can be. If you’re snorkelling in the area, keep your camera close. You never know what you might see.
Tips For Picking Your Snorkelling Spot
If you’re planning to dust off your mask and snorkel with the hopes of seeing some great UK marine life, there are a number of things you’ll want to bear in mind. Firstly, choose your location wisely. As the sightings above have shown, the waters in Devon and Cornwall are particularly bustling at the moment, but this isn’t to say you won’t have an incredible encounter elsewhere.
Do your research and look out for quiet coves and sheltered bays that could offer the conditions needed for marine life to thrive. Check the tide times, too. High tide usually offers better visibility beneath the surface, particularly on a calm and sunny day.
What To Take
To make the most out of any UK marine sighting, you’ll need to make sure you have the right kit. Having suitable snorkelling equipment will ensure that you can actually see what’s around you properly and are comfortable doing so.
Start by considering your mask and snorkel. Both of these bits of kit are essential and need to be well-fitting to ensure you can breathe without your field of vision fogging up. Good fins will also help you cover ground more efficiently, helping you to explore larger areas.
Have a think about how you want to remember the experience, too. A waterproof phone case or underwater smartphone housing will help you capture the creatures you might spot.
And don’t forget to be respectful of your surroundings! If you are taking pictures, do so from a safe distance and without disturbing the marine life or its habitat. Keep your movements slow and admire, never touch.
We hope that these tips will help guide you towards a UK marine life encounter that you’ll never forget. If you are lucky enough to see a spectacular sight, please do let us know and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any more advice before you set off.