Snorkeling on the Coastal Route

[Johnny"]

Hello pilgrims,
I am planning my Coastal Route from Porto and what I would like to ask, as I couldn't find it here already, have you done some snorkeling in the ocean on your coastal way?
I am a passionate scuba diver, who lives in Prague/Czechia, so no ocean around. Therefore I want to pack my mask and snorkel and enjoy it on my camino, somehow.
I also love the night snorkeling, when all the creatures are hunting. You don't need to go to a deep waters, it's enough to lay on the surface in 0,5m depth. I have a dive torch on my GoPro mount and love to observe the underwater night life.
Would be grateful for any tips for some good places. Plus if you know, what roughly temperature the ocean is in September.
Thank you, and safe travels!
Johnny

 

[oursonpolaire]

I,ve done the del Norte on several occasions and have yet to see a snorkelling pilgrim. Out of curiosity I googled and there are apparently a number of places, such as the playa de Silencio near Novellana. Google away and there are lots of suggestions. I have been solemnly warned by lifeguards and police about the powerful currents of the Bay of Biscay, so would suggest that you seek local advice and pay attention to it, no matter how experienced you might be.

As for temperature.... this year, all bets are off.

 

[karyn61]

I saw some surf shops and surfing schools along the Coastal earlier this spring, so ask there as you head north. I did not see anyone with fins, mask or snorkel. The wave action is pretty fierce and the water is intimidating. I bet if you found a place you might be able to rent gear. Good luck and buen camino!

 

[auburnfive]

I did not see any pilgrims or locals snorkeling or with snorkel gear on the coastal route, but please report back if you learn of any spots.

 

[lt56ny]

Hello pilgrims,
I am planning my Coastal Route from Porto and what I would like to ask, as I couldn't find it here already, have you done some snorkeling in the ocean on your coastal way?
I am a passionate scuba diver, who lives in Prague/Czechia, so no ocean around. Therefore I want to pack my mask and snorkel and enjoy it on my camino, somehow.
I also love the night snorkeling, when all the creatures are hunting. You don't need to go to a deep waters, it's enough to lay on the surface in 0,5m depth. I have a dive torch on my GoPro mount and love to observe the underwater night life.
Would be grateful for any tips for some good places. Plus if you know, what roughly temperature the ocean is in September.
Thank you, and safe travels!
Johnny

I have walked the Norte (Only the inland Portugues so I can't say). There are lots of surfers on the Norte and I mean a lot. I am sure it is the same for the Coastal Portugues. I too am a scuba diver and have done diving in the Atlantic and Pacific in the United States. The visibility on every dive was poor to almost non-existent. I can't say the same about the Coasts of the Norte or the CP but I would check that out first, if you already haven't.

 

[Wayfarer56]

We walked the Littoral route in May. In the section between Porto and Aquadura ( then we turned inland), there were small beaches nestled between the rocky shoreline, and there were people surf fishing and spear fishing. However, the water was quite cold (in May). You would need a wetsuit. Hope this is helpful.