Snorkelling for Marine Biology

Please take a look at the example timetables on this page as the course content will differ slightly depending on location.

Our young people residentials deliver a wide-ranging, enriching experience and give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. This can be great to include in higher education and job applications.

Around core themes of nature and landscapes, active learning, and personal and social skills, our courses promote nature connection, environmental understanding and responsibility, health and wellbeing, working well with others, resilience and curiosity.

If you are a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participant, this course is also an ideal way to complete the Residential section of the award.

See our Residential FAQs page if you’d like to know the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.

Field Studies Council has partnered with The Marine Biological Association (MBA) to offer participants attending our snorkelling for marine biology course at Dale Fort Field Centre a free years membership to the MBA.*

The MBA is one of the world’s longest-running societies dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life they support.  The MBA is the voice of Marine Biology and supports Marine Biologists throughout their journey, from those just starting out, to professionals and those who are leading the way forward in this dynamic field.

* All members will gain access to The Marine Biologist Magazine, have the opportunity to attend events and talks both in person and online, discounts and much more. Excludes residentials taking place at Millport Field Centre.  For full details visit Our Membership | Marine Biological Association.  

The category of membership will be determined by individual circumstances, existing members will get a year added to their subscription.

As an Approved Activity Provider for DofE, our opportunities meet all the requirements for DofE. We do however always recommend checking suitability with your DofE assessor before booking a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential.

Day 1 – Introduction to course and local area

Arrival 12pm

Afternoon – Participants will receive an introduction to the centre, followed by icebreakers and team games. There will also be an opportunity to explore the area and familiarise yourself with the local environment.

Evening – Introduction to the course and the marine biology of the local area and equipment used throughout the course.

Day 2 – Snorkelling familiarisation 

Morning/afternoon – Spend time understanding the equipment and signals needed to snorkel safely. Followed by your first practical session of snorkelling, getting comfortable in the water.

Evening – Look at the species you are likely to encounter over your course, learning how to correctly identify them and where to look for these species.</p>

Day 3 – Marine exploration

Morning/afternoon – Develop your snorkelling skills with a new environment impr

ov

ing you comfort and buoyancy. Look out for urchins, starfish and crabs.

Evening – Evening talk with guest speaker to learn more about the in-depth world of our oceans. Find out how to develop a career in the marine industry.

Day 4 – Marine biodiversity 

Morning/afternoon – Using your developing snorkelling skills, take the opportunity to look at different areas of biodiversity and species adaptations. You may complete a survey of the species you find.

Evening – Gather around a campfire, toast a marshmallow, sharing stories and experiences.

Day 5 – Final snorkel adventure

Morning/afternoon – An opportunity to plan your last snorkel, focussing on areas of interest using skills gained throughout the week. Followed by reviews and reflections from your course and gain your qualifications!

Depart 3pm

Please note, these programmes are an example of what may be covered during a course. Centre specific programmes will vary based on location, time of year and experience. Detailed programmes for each course will be sent to participants upon booking. For more location information please reference ‘opportunities to attend this course’ below.

• 
  Expert Tuition
• 
  Free Wi-Fi
• 
  Full Board Accommodation
• 
  Hot and Cold Drinks
• 
  In Course Transport
• 
  Lunch

• Expert guidance by fully trained Field Studies Council staff
• Rigorous health and safety procedures including 24-hour emergency cover
• Full board accommodation including a cooked breakfast, lunch,  and an evening meal
• All activities and transport during the course

Millport only – Before attending this course, please read and fill out the fit to snorkel form.

This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 – 18 years old at the time of attending.   

We want to ensure participants get to share their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges).

When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.  If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.

When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.

Prior to the course, you will receive the following:

• A full kit list. Any technical equipment required will be provided so you will just need typical kit for a residential stay and being outdoors.
• An introduction to the staff delivering the course and information about the centre so you know what to expect on arrival.
• A detailed itinerary for the course, including arrival and departure instructions. On some courses there may be the opportunity to book a train station pick up and/or drop off.
• A link to an online photo consent form.
• The expectations of young people attending our courses.
• A form to share any specific dietary or medical needs.