This immersive beginner to intermediate snorkelling course will give you an opportunity to discover the world beneath the waves, observing, identifying and learning about the animals we encounter along the way.
This course will include:
- An introduction to the marine environment and Millport’s history of marine biological study
- Snorkel skills training and guided snorkel tours from SSI instructors
- Workshops on the study and identification of marine organisms in the lab



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Dive a little deeper into coastal ecology on our course to discover Millport’s underwater world. Our seas are full of amazing marine life, hidden just beneath the waves in the bright clear waters of the Firth of Clyde. This course will give you the opportunity to walk (and swim!) in the footsteps of over a hundred years of marine biologists at Millport, discovering the wonders of fascinating underwater world.
By the end of the course, you will have:
- Gained skills and confidence in responsible and safe snorkelling.
- Learned to identify organisms from several marine phyla.
- Developed an understanding of marine ecosystems and organisms’ adaptations to the coastal marine environment.
Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists, anyone with an interest and passion for marine life
Knowledge Level – Beginner to intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors.
Prior Knowledge – No prior knowledge required, only an interest in coastal marine biology or snorkelling. Attendees should be confident swimmers and comfortable with swimming in cold water. Wetsuits and snorkelling gear can be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. Please see the ‘What’s Included’ section for information on accommodation and meals.
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
About the Tutor
Amy Hopley
Amy is a wildlife enthusiast and educator with a background in marine biology and seabird conservation and monitoring. She spent several years working in wildlife conservation, raising awareness to protect coastal habitats from Aberdeen to the Solent, before becoming an educator at Field Studies Council. Now based at Field Studies Council Millport, Amy has the privilege of working beside the Clyde and introducing groups to the wonderful creatures we share the seas and coasts with. Whether observing with binoculars on shore, rummaging around in rockpools, or leading snorkelling groups to explore the world beneath the waves, she is always finding new ways to connect people to nature.
Example Timetable
This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.
If you are not purchasing accommodation, lunch is not included so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided for all.
Example Timetable:
(please note that this timetable may change)
Day 1:
- 9:30 am start. Introduction to the marine environment, basic snorkeling skills classroom introduction
- 11am Introductory Snorkel at Kames Bay
- 12:30pm Lunch
- 1:30pm Species identification workshop
- 3:30pm Second snorkel at Bell Bay
- Day ends 5pm
Day 2:
- 09:30 am Introduction to rocky shores and zonation followed by hands-on rocky shore exploration
- 12:30pm Lunch
- 1:30pm Third snorkel at White Bay
- 3:30pm Plankton microscopy and its role in the marine environment
- 4:30 pm Reflections and summing up of course
- Course ends 5pm
What's Included
The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.
The course includes:
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
- Refreshments (tea/coffee)
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
Accommodation and meal options
We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.
For some course runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options:
- Non-Resident
- Resident (Sole Occupancy)
If you choose a Non-Resident booking, this only includes course tuition and refreshments (tea and coffee). Please bring your own packed lunch.
If you choose a Resident (Sole Occupancy) booking, this includes accommodation with your own bedroom for two nights (starting the night before the course) and meals throughout the course (including an evening meal on the night before the course through to a packed lunch on the final day). You will be able to check in from 4 pm on the day before the course.
If your booking has more than one person and you would like a shared room, please email [email protected] to inquire.
Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable. Please also note that bathrooms may be shared.
Bursaries and Subsidies
Student Discount
This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.
Natural History Bursaries
There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.
Before You Attend
What to Bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- If you have your own wetsuit (we recommend at least 5-7mm) or snorkel gear feel free to bring your own
You should bring a kit bag each time you go snorkelling – this should include:
- a towel
- warm layers for getting out of the water into (dry robes work brilliantly)
- flask for hot drink
- flip flops/crocs
When you sign up you will receive a medical form which needs to be filled in and returned 2 weeks before the course, and we will also ask for measurements to help us make sure we have a wetsuit that will fit you.
There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.
Opportunities to attend this course
-
Sat 14, June 2025 09:30 - Sun 15, June 2025 17:00
- Non-resident Booking- please arrive for 9:30 am on the Saturday.
- Resident (Sole Occupancy) Booking- check in from 4 pm on Friday with accommodation Friday and Saturday night.
No current dates for this course? Click here to view all the upcoming Natural History courses.
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Progress Your Learning
This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.
If you have any questions about our courses please check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
Group Bookings Made Easy
If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses. Find out more!
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be at your fingertips. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.