SNORKEL HIRE
The waters around the Isles of Scilly are among the clearest in Britain. Visibility of 5 metres or more is common on a calm day, and the seabed around St Martins is home to an extraordinary variety of marine life –starfish, crabs, fish, seagrass beds and the occasional curious seal.
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Snorkelling is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to explore this beautiful underwater world. St Martins Watersports offers snorkel hire from the beach, so you can dive straight in without having to lug your own gear across the country. Being an island, there is always a sheltered beach to snorkel from.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Mask and snorkel
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Fins from Child shoe size 3 to Adult size 12
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Tow float for safety
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A recommendation on the best snorkelling spots for conditions on the day
HIRE DURATIONS AND PRICING
WHAT WILL I SEE?
The Isles of Scilly sit in the Atlantic Ocean, which gives the waters here a richness and clarity that's hard to find elsewhere in England. The sandy seabed, kelp forests, and rocky shorelines around St Martins support a wide range of species.
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Regular sightings include anemones, wrasse, starfish, prawns, pollack, spider crabs, and – if you're lucky –grey seals.
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We'll always tell you where the best spots are for conditions that day, and point you away from any areas where currents or boat traffic make snorkelling less suitable.
DO I NEED TO BE A STRONG SWIMMER?
You should be a confident and competent swimmer to snorkel in open water. The sea around St Martins is sheltered compared to the open coast, but it is still an open-water environment with tides and currents. We ask that all snorkellers are comfortable swimming in the sea before hiring equipment.
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Children are welcome to snorkel, but we ask that they are supervised by a responsible adult in the water at all times.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
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Location: Par Beach, opposite Higher Town Quay
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Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 9:30am–5pm, (April to October)
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Booking: walk-ups welcome, advance booking recommended in the summer holidays
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​What to bring: swimwear, a wetsuit if you have one, sun cream, a towel
BOOK YOUR SNORKEL HIRE
Just turn up and we'll get you kitted out – or book in advance online to guarantee availability in peak season. You'll find us on Par beach opposite Higher Town Quay.
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Not sure which activity is right for you? Take a look at our kayak hire and paddleboard hire options too – or why not hire a bit of everything and make a full day of it.
Paddleboard hire
St Martin’s is the perfect location for a paddleboarding adventure. Whatever your experience, paddle over crystal-clear water, have fun and see the island from a different perspective.
Kayak hire
Give yourself the freedom to enjoy the beauty of the islands with a kayak hire on Scilly. Explore uninhabited islands, magical sandbars, ancient ruins and see incredible wildlife.