Simply Snorkel are pleased to announce they are sponsoring Kimmeridge Snorkel Trail in Dorset

Snorkelling at Kimmeridge

Kimmeridge Bay has long been a favourite destination of divers and rockpoolers, but it is also the perfect place for snorkelling, and in recent years more and more people have been taking advantage of the often crystal clear waters and amazing variety of marine life.

The huge assortment of seaweeds create a colourful backdrop, from the carpets of pink corallina and vibrant blue rainbow wrack to the impressive stands of golden bootlace and sargassum seaweed. The seabed offers a wide range of habitats for a multitude of inhabitants white sandy patches reflect sunlight onto shimmering shoals of sandeels while rocky reefs provide cover for all manner of crustaceans including the red-eyed velvet swimming crabs, spiny spider crabs and even the occasional lobster.

In summer, the water in the bay is usually a degree or two higher than the open sea and is an ideal nursery area for juvenile fish such as pollack, bib and mullet. It is also home to surprisingly large ballan wrasse and numerous corkwing wrasse that build their seaweed nests in late spring.

A new Underwater Snorkel Trail guides swimmers over a variety of seabed habitats, from light-dappled anemone gardens, over barnacle encrusted rocks and sandy areas to kelp-topped rocky ledges. The 400m trail is best dived during neap tides and has a maximum depth of 3.5m although much of it is little more than standing depth.

A waterproof ID guide directs the snorkeller around the 5 numbered buoys and tells what sealife to look out for. These, along with masks, snorkels and underwater cameras are available from the marine centre where the wardens are very interested to hear what marine life you have seen.

To check tides, visibility and sea conditions contact the Marine Centre on 01929 481044 or email kimmeridge@dorsetwildlife.co.uk. You can also check the website for latest sightings at www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk/kimmeridge . 

So get to Kimmeridge - youll never look at British waters the same again!