Basking Shark Map

Learn To Snorkel

learning to snorkel near Oban
Explore your adventure
  • Highlights
  • Logistics
  • Prices
  • Bookings

Highlights


Learn to snorkel with our experienced BSAC-accredited instructors. Gain a recognised certification to enjoy future snorkelling in Scotland and around the world. Through a mixture of progressive theory, pool and open water sessions, you will build your confidence and develop lifelong skills.

  • Develop practical skills in a controlled environment.
  • Feel confident with your highly experienced instructor.
  • Learn to safely plan your own snorkelling adventure.
  • Learn the best techniques to use your snorkel equipment.
  • Learn about the marine environment.
  • Open water session responsibly guided by a marine biologist.*
  • Discover cold water reefs, kelp forests and seagrass meadows.*
  • See colourful macro life to shimmering shoals of fish.*

*Open water sessions included in Snorkel Diver course only

Logistics


As a BSAC snorkel school, we run a variety of training courses, with our Snorkel Diver and Dolphin Snorkeller Programme being our most popular. The course aims to prepare you with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, allowing you to confidently plan and safely conduct snorkelling around the UK coast. Your new skills will open up a whole world of underwater adventures, and be the first stepping stone into scuba diving.

Your course will be based in Oban, with a mix of classroom, pool and open water sessions. You will be provided with full details upon booking.

For more information on travel and staying in Oban please see our FAQs.

Your Instructor

With over 20 years of experience in the dive industry, Shane has taught hundreds of people to snorkel and dive, you will be in the best company during your course. Shane is a BSAC First Class Diver and Advanced Instructor, with a background in marine biology – so you will learn plenty about our local marine life too!

Learn more about our wonderful team here.

The Course

Snorkel Diver (Ages 16 +)

Through a mixture of classroom-based sessions and pool sessions, we will build up your skills gradually before taking you out to explore the wonders of the underwater world. Our theory presentations will cover snorkel techniques, equipment, human physiology & snorkelling, snorkel planning, tides & weather, safety considerations and emergencies. Once you arrive at the snorkel site your instructor will meet you and guide you through your equipment. They will provide you with ample time to discuss and ask questions before getting in the water. We will help you change into your wetsuit, and demonstrate the use of the fins, mask and snorkel, as well as provide our top snorkelling tips!

The pool is the perfect place to first test out the equipment, and develop your new skills. We will spend most of the in-water time here, in this safe and controlled environment.

You’ll then be ready to finish your course exploring in the ocean, meeting the colourful marine life in the kelp forest.

Once out you can get dry, enjoy a hot chocolate and talk about all the amazing critters you saw and celebrate with your classmates.

To learn more about which species can be seen, check out our guide for snorkelling in Argyll

Dolphin Snorkeller (Ages 8 – 16 years, 8-week course)

They say the best divers are those who have learned early. This is a perfect course to progressively build skills, spend time mastering snorkelling and increase your water confidence. This course is aimed at younger children and introduces snorkelling via a series of eight progressive fun pool sessions. Each session is named after a different type of dolphin, and the completion of a session results in the award of the corresponding dolphin sticker. Once students have collected a complete set, they can be awarded the grade of BSAC Dolphin Snorkeller. Following completion of the programme, students can continue their snorkel training completing theory & exams to be awarded a full BSAC Snorkel Diver. A parent or guardian will be required at the course (spectator).

Who is the tour for?

  • 50m comfortable freestyle swim (not timed but you need to be able to do this with confidence)
  • Dive to 1.2m to retrieve an object without equipment
  • Complete a self-cert medical form
  • Suitable for you, if you are:
    • Very new to the sport.
    • Have limited holiday experience.
    • Have snorkelled previously but haven’t done so for a while.
    • Wish to progress your skills and perfect your technique.

The snorkel diver course is also great for those considering joining any of our wildlife tours. Whether that be a multi-day shark tour or even our orca & whale safari tour to give a good base level of experience. This will enable you to enjoy these tours far more with some solid experience under your belt.

Tour expectations

Our introductory snorkel sessions are for those who feel the benefit of guidance in the water, the focus is to develop confidence and basic snorkelling skills. We will search for marine life, the visibility varies depending on the site and conditions.

The water temperature ranges from 8°C in April – 14°C in September. Our hire wetsuits will keep you comfortable during your course.

There are no facilities at the snorkel sites, but we will provide you with an information booklet detailing everything you will need to enjoy your day.

Ready to join us on an adventure?

Prices


Tour prices

BSAC Dolphin Snorkeller

from £128

BSAC Snorkel Diver

from £275

Important Info Icon

Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Private group bookings can be arranged for up to 6 participants.

Snorkel Diver Course – What’s Included?

  • 4 theory presentations
  • 4 pool sessions
  • 1 sheltered open water coastal session
  • Guided by an expert instructor & marine biologist
  • Hot drink after open water session
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Use of information guides.
  • All BSAC course materials
  • Certificate on completion

Dolphin Snorkeller Course – What’s Included?

  • 8 x 1 hour pool sessions
  • Guided by an expert instructor
  • All BSAC course materials
  • Introductory talk on the course
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Certificate & badge on completion

Additional Considerations

  • Accommodation in Oban
  • Travel to the meeting point
  • Food and Drink
  • Additional ocean experiences or boat tours.

Cancellations

Please see our cancellation policy and terms and conditions here.

Please note this tour needs a minimum of 4 snorkellers to run. In the event of a missed session, this training can be rearranged at an additional cost.

 

Bookings


With small class sizes, these courses are popular and spaces fill quickly. Our snorkel courses are set dates, you can find our next available course here:

Hire equipment

If you are participating in our activities please check our hire equipment information. You will need to input your requirements and sizes at the time of booking – find our wetsuit size charts here.

Ready to Book?

After booking you will receive a confirmation email with a linked information document.

Please note this tour needs a minimum of 4 snorkellers to run, we will be in touch during your tour lead-up regarding capacity.