Our partner: Celtic Deep

Celtic Deep is a social enterprise run by marine biologists and freedivers based in Pembrokeshire, the UK’s only coastal National Park. We’re adventurers, passionate about exploring our waters and putting you in position to encounter some of the UK’s most iconic marine wildlife.

The marine habitats of Pembrokeshire are home to an array of spectacular wildlife from puffins, seals and blue sharks to fin whales, dolphins and bluefin tuna.Year on year we’ve built up a range of unique, low-impact wildlife experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned freediver, underwater photographer or someone looking to dip their toe into our underwater world for the first time. We have an adventure for you.

What is special about travelling with Celtic Deep?

Our first trip was something that will forever stick with us. The anticipation as we threw off the bow lines. We were leaving a sheltered harbour, heading West to explore the Celtic Deep. To us a marine wilderness was within our reach. No way of knowing what we'd encounter, yet knowing that anything was possible. That's the spirit we want to keep at the heart of every expedition. So far so good.

Our trips look to explore the islands and offshore habitats in the stretch of water between Wales and Ireland. It is home for some of the UK's largest and most iconic marine megafauna. Sharks, whales, super pods of dolphins, even giant bluefin tuna. It's all out there. To enter the clear water of the open ocean and observe blue sharks 30 miles from the Welsh coast is an exhilarating experience.

We're passionate about sharing the wonders of our marine world and getting wet doing it. Celtic Deep is run by conservationists. Our aim is to collect information and pass on what we learn about the spectacular wildlife that pass through our waters so that decision makers can put right measures in place to protect it.

What is the philosophy behind Celtic Deep?

At Celtic Deep we know we have a unique opportunity to use our trips as a platform for real field research and as a source of inspiration for our outreach work in the local community.

We want to learn more about our marine habitats and the amazing animals they sustain. And we want to share the stories of our seas to leverage action in the form of greater protection. We are committed to giving access to this often overlooked environment to people who wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity.

What’s more we want to introduce people to the world of freediving. Our instructors will teach you that the ability to hold our breath underwater is innate in all of us, awaken it and you will not only be able to take your experience underwater to  another level, you will also unlock a skill set that will serve you in everyday life.

What programmes does Celtic Deep offer?

Full Day in the Celtic Deep:

10hr guided offshore snorkelling trip. The original offshore wildlife experience. Join us on a unique adventure where we explore the rich waters of the Celtic Deep 30 miles offshore. Our focus will be on encountering blue sharks but our wish list of possible species includes porbeagle sharks, sunfish, minke & fin whales, common & bottlenose dolphins and bluefin tuna. All have been sighted on this trip. Orca and humpback whales are also infrequently encountered in this area. July - October

Snorkelling with the Puffins & Seals of Skomer Island:

5hr Guided snorkelling trip. Join us for a 5-6 hr adventure as we embark on an exploration of our offshore and nearshore islands during their most vibrant season. We'll aim to snorkel with playful seals and introduce you to the wonderful world of 'snAUKling', swimming with Puffins, guilliemots and razorbills. Depending on conditions this trip might include Skomer and Skokholm. May - mid July.

Celtic Deep & Islands Weekend:

Be part of our 2-day guided snorkeling adventure in the Celtic Deep and around the islands. This trip offers the best value and variety for a wildlife-filled weekend in West Wales, with flexibility to accommodate different weather conditions.

On one day, we explore the rich waters of the Celtic Deep, 30 miles offshore, aiming to encounter blue sharks. Other possible sightings include porbeagle sharks, sunfish, minke and fin whales, common and bottlenose dolphins, and bluefin tuna. Orcas and humpback whales are also occasionally spotted. We depart by 8am and return around 6:30pm.

The second day focuses on Pembrokeshire’s nearshore habitats and islands. Swim with seals and seabirds around Skomer and Skokholm, and witness Grassholm’s 39,000 gannets. Dolphins, and sometimes whales and basking sharks, are seen on the Grassholm run. This day is shorter (6 hours), allowing for a relaxed start or an earlier finish, perfect for a pub debrief or early drive home. Available July to October.

Full day at Lundy Island: 8hr guided seal snorkeling trip (plus island visit)

Join us as we embark on an exploration of the waters surrounding Lundy Island; one of the UK's first marine nature reserves. We'll aim to snorkel with seals and fingers-crossed, basking sharks too! 8am Meet in Tenby Harbour and disembark for Lundy (approx 1hr crossing) Spend the morning guided by experts snorkelling with the fabulous grey seals within one of the UK's oldest marine nature reserves. The afternoon is yours, You're free to roam and explore the enchanting island of Lundy, have lunch at the famous tavern and indulge in a drink with a view. We'll aim to be back in Tenby by 4pm. Landing charge included. May, June & September

Freediving Courses

SSI Try Freediving: 4 hr course. The SSI Try Freediving course gives you a wonderful and quick glimpse into the world of breath-hold diving, whilst you go freediving with an SSI Professional in confined water. Start your journey today. With no bulky equipment, freediving lets you move underwater with ease. It is the purest form of diving and gives you an incomparable feeling of oneness with the ocean. In the Try Freediving program, you will go freediving from the safety of the shore and discover why freedivers truly love their sport. Join us today and discover your inner freediver!

Who’s this for? The Try Freedive is suitable for anyone 15 or over who is a comfortable swimmer and in good health. It’s an experience rather than a certification, so we’ll touch on the basics of freediving with a little theory, breathing, equalisation, and a maximum depth of 5m. It’s perfect for some who is curious about freediving and looking to see more of what’s under the surface when snorkeling. This activity requires a minimum of 2 people to run. If you’re looking for something a little more ‘in depth’, have a look at our SSI Freediver course!

SSI Freediver: 2-day course. (potentially 3 days depending on pool availability). The SSI Freediving Level 1 program is the best first step to take and certifies you to freedive with a buddy in open water to a depth of 20 meters!

Residential offers:

Deep Immersion: 3 week field placement. Get involved with every aspect of Celtic Deep’s research and outreach work. Includes island and offshore boat trips as well as coastal activities. This is a residential experience, where you will share accommodation with other immersive’s! So it’s an opportunity to live and learn alongside other like minded individuals whilst getting hands on with many different field research techniques and surveys, whilst also honing you snorkel and freediving skills in the beautiful Pembrokeshire National Park. You will be led by experienced practitioners from Celtic Deep as well as workshops with visiting experts. You will be expected to get involved with weekday activities, leaving the weekends free to explore the coast or relax.