FAQ's, Information about your shark snorkelling trip

FAQ's

When is the best time of the year to snorkel with blue sharks?

The blue sharks visit our waters throughout June-October. It’s very hard to say a prime time as we’ve had incredible encounters throughout the season. It’s more a case of the weather. The sharks will be out there, it’s just a case of the weather gods being kind to us!

Am I guaranteed to see a shark?

We operate at the peak times of the year for swimming with blue sharks in Cornwall.

We have a 95% success rating and although it’s highly unlikely, there is a chance you may not see a shark – we are not a theme park with captive animals, nor would we want to be. Part of the excitement of this experience is being out on the open ocean not knowing what you are going to encounter. It’s what makes this trip so amazing.

Is there an age restriction?

We prefer not to take children under the age of 14. If your child is under 14 and a confident swimmer plus has experience in open water get in touch.

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied in the water with an adult/guardian.

Do I need experience?

This trip isn’t aimed at beginner snorkelers. If you are new to snorkelling then this trip might not be for you.

Please make sure you are comfortable using a snorkel and mask.

Do I need a dive certification?

You do not need a dive qualification to join our trips. This is snorkelling only. No diving.

Can I freedive?

Yes you can freedive within your personal capable limits. We wait for the sharks to get comfortable with our presence first and then we allow people to freedive if they wish.

Will there be a guide in the water with me?

Yes you will have a snorkel guide in the water with you at all times.

What is the sea temperature?

14-20 degrees centigrade.

JUNE average 14 degrees centigrade – Max 17

JULY average 16.5 degrees centigrade – Max 20

AUGUST average 16.5 degrees centigrade – Max 19

SEPTEMBER average 15.5 degrees centigrade – Max 17

OCTOBER average 14 degrees centigrade – Max 16.5

What happens once we reach the snorkelling site?

We normally head 10-20 miles off shore. The chum is dropped in the water by the side of the boat and then we wait.

The sharks may appear after 30 minutes or 3 hours. It can sometimes be a little rocky whilst we are stationary waiting in the boat, but once they appear they normally stay with us for a couple of hours.

Where do we meet?

MJ MARINE CHARTERS, Unit 4 Albert Pier, Penzance, TR18 2LL

Is there parking?

All day parking is available in the harbour car park. £8 for 24 hrs. Payable by card, cash or Just Park app.

Note: the nearby public toilets require a 20p coin.

Is there a toilet onboard?

Yes. We have a flushing toilet onboard the boat.

What should we wear?

When entering the water you MUST be dressed in a DARK coloured wetsuit or dry suit. (black/dark blue camo suits are also fine) YOU MUST WEAR a DARK FULL LENGTH WINTER WETSUIT, HOOD, GLOVES and BOOTS/SOCKS and you do so entirely at your own risk. Avoid anything white, yellow or shiny.

We ask you to wear dark colours so we blend into the ocean, not for warmth. These clothing rules are not optional.

We have a limited number of black snorkel and masks/fins/boots/gloves/weight belts available to hire. These need to be pre-ordered at the time of booking and are not available at the pier.

Hire Prices

CRESSI BLACK OPEN HEEL FINS £5
CRESSI SNORKEL/MASK £5
CRESSI SNORKEL/MASK/FINS £10
BOOTS/GLOVES/HOOD £10
WEIGHT BELT £10

SNORKEL/MASK/FINS/BOOTS/GLOVES/HOOD COMBO £25

*EQUIPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE LAUNCH SIGHT – PLEASE PREBOOK PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP DATE*

You can hire winter wetsuits at Porthminster beach St.Ives Surf School.

https://www.stivessurfschool.co.uk/hire

If you are looking to buy wetsuit/hood/wetsuit socks/gloves -head over to West Cornwall Surf.

http://www.tombstonesurf.com

Snorkelling equipment is available to buy at Watersports warehouse in Hayle.

https://www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk

My wetsuit has bright white/Yellow patches. Can I wear it?

If you can cover up your bright patches with a long sleeve black rash vest, then yes. The rash vest would need to stay in place and not ride up.

My snorkel and mask/Fins aren’t black, can I wear them?

Only black or dark coloured masks/fins are allowed. Camo is fine if it’s blue or dark green.

We have black snorkelling equipment available to hire at very reasonable prices.

Do you use chum?

Yes we use frozen blocks of chum. This is more of a taste than a meal. Our trips are irregular and not in the same location so the sharks won’t see this as a regular occurrence for a source of food. Plus blue sharks are open pelagic species which travel thousands of miles across the ocean – very different from resident sharks that stay in one area.

Will I be insured?

Our insurance only covers you when you are in the boat so if you require in-water cover you will need to arrange this privately.

You will be asked to sign a waiver at the time of booking.

Whats your cancellation Policy?

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

CANCELLATIONS DUE TO SEA CONDITIONS.

Blue shark snorkel has the right to cancel the scheduled charter at any point leading up to the trip due to adverse weather conditions.
If it is necessary to cancel the charter due to circumstances beyond Blue Shark Snorkels control, you can choose to reschedule for an alternative date or receive a full refund.
In the event of customer cancellation then Blue shark snorkel will try to re-sell the space/s/charter. If we are unable to resell then the following will apply;

Up to 20 weeks before the trip date – Loss of deposit

4 -16 weeks before the trips date – 50% payment will be taken.

Less than 4 weeks before the trip date – 100 % payment will be taken.

It is the individual’s responsibility to make sure they have read the details of our trip and snorkel/free dive within their own training limits and experience.
Blue Shark snorkel and all its associates will not be held liable for loss or damage of any personal belongings/equipment/camera equipment.
If one individual is booking the charter on behalf of others, it is their responsibility to make the other members of the group aware of the terms and conditions.
There’s no money back if we don’t see the sharks.

CANCELLATIONS DUE TO COVID-19

If Covid restrictions stop the trips from going ahead then you will receive the refund of your deposit.