Snorkel Safari Guide Plymouth Sound and Estuaries is a European Marine Site because of its amazing underwater marine life. Snorkelling offers the chance to see some of the rocky reefs and seagrass beds off the shores of Plymouth. This guide is an introduction to some easily accessible sites that are fun to explore for everyone!
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Although there is lots of fun to be had whilst snorkelling, there are many things to consider:
Before you go...
► Check the tide times You can check the tide times and water temperature at www.bluesound.org. During different tides you’ll see different marine life, and knowing whether the tide is in or out will help you plan your day.
► Currents There are strong currents around some areas of the Plymouth sound, and these are stronger during spring tides (when the tide goes up and down more than 5m!). Surface Marker Buoys (S.M.Bs) can be useful to show boats etc where you are whilst snorkelling.
► Take a friend Always go with a friend, and let people know where you are.
► Check the weather and temperature Remember suncream on sunny days and warm clothing on cold, windy days.
► Visibility This can vary, but is often lower when it has been stormy in recent days.
Once you are there...
► Knowing your surroundings Double-check that you won’t get cut off when the tide comes in and don’t stray too far from the shore. Keep a watch out for boats because you may be hard to see in the water and some craft (yachts, windsurfers and kayaks) are silent.
► Watch out for rubbish You may find fishing lines or strange metal objects which you should avoid. Take blunted scissors to cut fishing line (in case you get caught).
► If you get tired, take a break Stretch out any cramps, warm up when you feel cold and have something to eat and drink when you need to.
► Look out for jelly fish and weaver fish Although unlikely to happen to you, if you tread on a weaver fish, put the stung part in hot water for 15 minutes. Jellyfish stings can be treated by removing any tentacles, rinsing the area throughly with sea water and then applying an icepack. Contact a doctor if it still hurts.
If you have any concerns, you can call the Coastguard on 01803 882704
... e k a t o t If you want to go Things
snorkelling all you really need is a swim suit, towel, mask and snorkel but below is a list of things you might need to consider.
Hood
Mask
Snorkel
Wetsuit Dive scissors Gloves Warm clothes
Towel
Boots
Weight belt Fins S.M.B
Drink
Great British Marine Animals Paul Naylor
Food
'Great British Marine Animals' by Paul Naylor
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► Driving and Walking Follow Union Street until just before the Stonehouse Bridge and turn left onto Durnford Street. Go past Nazareth House and join Admiralty Road. Devil’s Point Beach is on the left.
► Bus The 34 Citybus Service goes to Royal William Yard, where you can turn right to join Admirality Road. Devil’s Point Beach is on the left. Timetable and route map are available from www.plymouthbus.co.uk.
► Facilities • • • • •
Free parking at the end of Admiralty Road Toilets 07.30 until 15.30 (Oct - Easter) and to 18.30 during the Summer Small café at beach Mobile reception is good Nearest shop is at Cremyll ferry Seagrass bed
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► Driving
From the City centre, drive down Union Street, following signs for the Torpoint Ferry. The ferry runs a 24hr service (weather permitting). A car will cost £1.50. Once on the Torpoint side follow the A374 (Antony Street). Follow signposts for Kingsand and Cawsand. Car parking available in Kingsand for £1 for 6 hours.
► Ferry
The Cawsand ferry runs from 1st April 2011 until October, on weekends and school holidays, and can be reached by the Plymouth Landing Stage, next to the Mayflower Steps on the Barbican. It lands at Cawsand, very close to Kingsand (¼ mile). Adults pay £4 each way whilst children pay £2. This service can be affected by bad weather.
► Facilities • • • •
Restaurants by beach. Shops nearby and on road out of town Toilets located by the clock tower and the Halfway House Inn Some shops will offer cashback (‘Premier’ on road out of town) No phone box. Mobile signal good on beach, weak in town
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► Walking
Walk to the Barbican, to the Plymouth Landing Stage next to Mayflower steps and catch the Mount Batten Water Taxi. Adults £1.50, children 50p (prices subject to change). During Winter ferry runs: 07.45-18.15 Mon-Thurs; 07.45-23.00 Fri; 08.45-23.00 Sat and 08.45-18.15 Sun. During Summer ferry runs: 07.15-23.00 Mon-Fri; 08.45-23.00 Sat and 08.45-22.30 Sun. Ferry runs approx every 30 mins. Once at the Mount Batten jetty, go onto Lawrence Road, turn left and follow for 3 mins. There are some steps onto the beach on the right.
► Driving
Batten Bay is on Lawrence Road opposite the Gallery Café. The postcode for the nearby Mount Batten Hotel is PL9 9SJ.
► Bus
The 2 First Service goes from Royal Parade (Shelter A8) to Mount Batten. Visit www.firstgroup.com for more information.
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For further reading please see 'Great British Marine Animals' by Paul Naylor
Blue Sound is working to connect more people with the marine environment. There are lots of different marine activities happening through this project, find out more at www.bluesound.org.
Follow the snorkellers code ► Do not remove seaweeds or animals from the rock or from their homes. ► Take care not to kick sealife with fins or stand on delicate animals. ► Observe animals where they live and don’t take anything away with you. ► Take your litter home with you.
Get an official snorkelling qualification! Why not do a British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) snorkelling course to further your skills and get recognition of your achievement? BSAC is the governing body of snorkelling and scuba diving in the UK and has the following subsidised training facilities in Plymouth: Marine Biological Association (tel: 01752 633336) and The Zone (tel: 01752 206626). For more information on BSAC snorkelling and details of other training facilities visit www.bsac.com/snorkelling or call 0151 350 6203. With thanks to Louise Tadhunter, John Readman, Stuart McGhee and the Blue Sound Action Group
