IT'S AMAZING!

We're so lucky to have these amazing snorkel sites right on our doorstep! The Farnes are a group of around 30 small islands and rocky outcrops a couple of miles off the Northumberland Coast. They're home to one of the biggest colonies of Grey Seals in the UK (some 5,000!). The place is home to a vast range of other wildlife too including guillemots, puffins, gannets and if you're really lucky you might even spot a dolphin or two!

The seals are super friendly. You'll learn about responsible interaction during your briefings. Snorkellers are not allowed to touch or stroke the seals... however... that doesn't mean they won't touch you! They are very curious and like nothing better than getting nice and close to snorkellers. They'll nibble on your fins, get eye to eye with you - you might even get a hug!

This trip is an amazing way to get in the water with all the marine life that calls the Farnes home. If you're interested in learning more about sea birds, the history of the Farnes or taking a tour of the islands, check out the trips provided by our friends at Serenity Farne Islands Boat Tours. They're our skipper for your trip, but they're out exploring the Farnes every day.

You don't need to be experienced to snorkel with seals, but it is important that you know how to swim, you're comfortable in the sea and you have a reasonable level of fitness.

There's some important things to be aware of:

• Although we visit shallow, sheltered snorkelling sites we are still open to the elements.
  • You will jump off the boat into deep water, and swim back to the boat to exit using a lift.
  • You will not be able to stand up during your snorkel. You will be able to see the bottom once you swim away from the boat, but we encourage all our snorkelers to stay on the surface of the water rather than disturbing the kelp and creatures that live in very shallow water.
  • Some days conditions can be a little bit rougher than others. You may experience surge, current and/or waves.
  • You may need to swim against the current for short periods of time, and there may be some waves that splash over your snorkel.
  • In the very unlikely event that the current shifts you and your group away from our snorkel area, you are not in trouble! The boat can easily pick you up.
  • We will never snorkel in dangerous conditions, but depending on your comfort levels, you may find some situations challenging.
• Your wetsuits are super floaty and your guide will have a tow float that you are more than welcome to hold on to. You should be prepared to swim during your tour but your guide can pull you along for a short while if necessary.
• You will be in the North Sea - it can be nippy. The water temperature will be around 12°c but your wetsuit, hoods and gloves will keep you toasty warm.

If it's your first-time snorkelling or you think this adventure sounds a little bit out of your depth, why don't you have a look at our snorkel lessons. You can jump in our training tank at the dive centre and build your confidence first.

All of your snorkelling equipment is included in the tour. Before your snorkel safari, you need to get in touch to let us know your shoe size, your dress or t-shirt size and your height. This way we can make sure that we bring the right equipment for you to try and get comfy!

You will wear:

• A thick 5mm - 7mm wetsuit
• Hoods, gloves and wetsuit boots
• Fins
• A mask and snorkel
• A weight belt (for those who would like to do some duck diving)
• A buoyancy aid (for those who want to remain firmly at the surface)

Anyone from the age of 12 years old can snorkel with the seals. Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

Yes! If there are those in your group who aren't keen on getting in the water with the seals, they can watch them from the comfort of the boat.

The cost of a spectator ticket is £30.00 per person and includes hot choc and cookies.

We recommend that they bring lots of warm clothes as it can get nippy topside.

If you know you're prone to seasickness, please take some appropriate medication before your trip. The journey out to the Farnes takes about half an hour, and we tend to spend some time touring the sites to choose the most suitable for your safari.

Once in the water, we find that most of our snorkellers feel much more refreshed and the sickness subsides, but worst case scenario, there is a toilet on board or head to the side of the boat!

We'll meet on Seahouses Harbour at 5.00pm.

If you're lucky, you can park on the pier itself. Not to worry if there's no spaces though, there's a couple of big carparks at the top of the hill. Regardless of where you park, it's all pay and display.

It works best if you come with your swimming cozzies already on underneath as we get changed into suits on the harbour before we get on the boat. For afters, changing robes or a big towel work well.

The trip out to the islands takes about half an hour, maybe we'll see some puffins, guillemots and even dolphins on the way! When we arrive at the site, your guides will give you a safety briefing and also go over how to interact with the seals responsibly. You'll jump in and if you want, your guides can give you some coaching on snorkelling techniques too. Then you'll head out for your guided tour and get up close and personal with the cheeky seals! We're usually in the water for about an hour but the boat is moored close by if you need it.

Depending on the site we visit, the total trip takes about 3 to 4 hours.

You can find more details about our cancellation policy plus all the other terms and conditions here.