Gordon Taylor

The British coastline is one of the world’s most dynamic, thriving marine habitats. When conditions are right, snorkelling in UK waters can bring you face to face with underwater life that equals any tropical location. The variety of terrain can be hard to get your head around: from sandy seabeds and shipwrecks to tidal pools, kelp forests and rocky reefs. Marine life, too, is endlessly varied, whether you want to spot seals, octopus, rays or tiny sea creatures.  Snorkelling is also a wonderful way to find a sense of calm: dip under the surface and a peaceful watery world awaits. All you need is some swimwear, a pair of goggles and the curiosity to explore the wonders of the ocean. After all, authors Emma and Gordon Taylor would know – these qualified scuba instructors have spent the past 20 years wild swimming all over Britain’s abundant and varied coastline. That’s why they’ve written Snorkelling Britain: 100 Marine Adventures, a new guide to exploring the UK’s waters. Here they recommend the best places to go snorkelling near London.