Good Snorkelling Stes in Bournemouth / Poole

[Craig]

I will shortly be off on my annual no diving holiday so I would like to know if there are any good Snorkelling sites in the Bournemouth / Poole area. I'm staying in Ringwood so anything that is within a decent driving distance for a day on the beach from there would be ideal.

Thanks.

[Finless]

As that is close to the "The West Country" you may find it worth a try asking on:-

http://www.southwestmafia.com/forumswm/

A nice bunch of people .......well, they would be, they are divers too!

[Alan Ewart]

craig I live in Poole. There is not really any snorkelling (or shore diving) in the area you describe. The nearest is around swanage or weymouth & Portland.

[chrisw]

I once snorkelled at Studland Bay and it wasn't very inspiring. If I was in your shoes I would consider driving 23miles to the west and spend the day in and around the Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door area. I have never had the chance to snorkel these areas but have always wanted to explore the possibilites there.

[graham griffiths]

Craig

Just across from Sandbanks (on the chain ferry) is Shell bay - walk to the end of the beach at the headland their is an artifical reef(near the warning naturists 400 yds ahead sign!) OS Outdoor lesiure 15 SZ 042 860 . Snorkelling between the shore and the reef and over the reef is good. Lots of marine life and good range of fish. However do not go seaward of the reef as the boat and jet ski traffic is heavy. SMB's are a must.

This is the closet good site that I know to Poole . It is possible in theory to snorkel in some parts of Poole harbour but the vis is poor.

Slightly further from Poole is Swanage . The area around the peir SZ 034 787is one of the best snorkelling sites in the country. A good dive is through the new peir to the old pier and exploring this area.
Not to be missed is Kimmeridge bay marine reserve SY 908 788. There are several good snorkel dives around here

Hope this helps

Graham Griffiths
South Snorkel Development Officer