Newquay Snorkelling

[chrisw]

Has anyone got any suggestions for good snorkelling sites close to Newquay. I am down there in a couple of weeks time and planning to try Porth Joke. Hopefully avoiding Surfers and Riptides.

[spookylee]

Hi

I am very new to snorkelling, but live in Newquay.

I have been recommended Vault (sometimes known as Bow) beach and Hemmick beach ,both just outside St.Austell (20 miles from Nqy)

hope this is of use to you

cheers
Lee

[graham griffiths]

I personnally don't know sites by Newquay, but there are several good sites further down by the Lizzard if you are prepared to travel that far. For example Prussia Cove and porthkaris near St Keverne.
Contact me at south.sdo@bsac.com if you want more details

[MSDdan]

seal cove. by the old lifeboat station on Newquay headland. all the diving schools use this area.

there are 3 entrypoints
1) climb down the cliff to the beach (take care its easier then it looks)
2) walk down the slipway at high tide. warning this is dangerous if the surge/swell is over 6 inches so consider it a last resort
3) by the toilet block there is a path follow it down and there is a natural slipway.

the local seal play in this area (always worth a look) look but dont touch!

[adkinsoman]

Chris
I don't really know the Newquay area but most of the beaches ae quite exposed - surfing good, snorkelling bad. I can confirm I have spent many happy hours snorkelling off Vault and Hemmick Beaches. Other good sites are Port Quin & Port Gavern on the north coast. The south coast really opens things out - Porthpean, Trenarren (off the beaten track but excellent), Mevagissey (on the seaward side of the left hand side of the harbour looking out to sea), Falmouth submarine site, Porthoustock, Lamorna Cove, etc.
Have fun
Nevil

[chrisw]

Many thanks for all your suggestions. Unfortunately as things worked out, I was mainly restricted to the Newquay area. In total I was able to snorkel on 4 occasions at different locations. Holywell Bay beach was the first location where once past the breakers the water was calm and clear. There were occasional schoals of small fish and the odd lone larger fish but I did observe a Weever fish as it buried itself into the sand. The next day I had an early start at Porth Beach with similar fish sightings but not the best swim of the week. On Thursday based on MSDdans advice and snorkelled just outside Newquay Harbour. As you pass the Harbour View Resturant you come to walled viewing area with steps into the sea. At high tide there are about 4 sheltered cove inlets here that can be explored.c:\Newquay Snorkel There are usually people fishing here so you just need to be aware of fishing lines. I kitted up and and descended the steps into the water. Within Minutes of being in the water I felt something touch my fins, I looked back and saw a lone seal who had decided to join me. She circled around me playfully for about a minute and then disappeared. I continued the swim exploreing the small coves observing Wrasse and Blennies for about 40mins. My final Snorkel was on my journey home. We decided to visit Boscastle, so I took the oppurtunity for a snorkel. Beyond the harbour walls there is a sheltered inlet, I entered the water within the harbour and followed the wall out as this seemed to be safer. The inlet has plenty of fish life mainly Wrasse and I found a car wheel left over from the flood 2 years ago. The main hazard to be aware of was the occasional boat entering or leaving the harbour but keeping to the edges should be enough to avoid them.
I'm home now and wondering when I will next be in the water.