Freediving with Cornish Seals - June

Freediving with Cornish Seals - June

In June 2025, I had one of my favourite experiences yet. I was diving off the Lizard Peninsula — one of the most rugged, dramatic stretches of coastline in Cornwall. It feels wild down there. Cliffs, swell, and the kind of landscape that feels a little more intimidating than other spots I’ve explored.

I knew this spot well and knew that it's a hotspot for big Spider Crabs, and I’d set out hoping to find a decent-sized one to take home. The visibility was about five metres, and as I surfaced for air, I noticed a seal keeping its distance. It was a smaller female, curious but cautious. Back down I went, and once I finally found a big spider crab, everything changed — three seals surrounded me, one of them a tagged male clearly used to humans. His confidence brought the others in closer too.

I ended up swimming with them for around 45 minutes. Easily one of the best wildlife encounters I’ve had. To top it off, I spotted my first blue jellyfish of the season drifting through the water — a reminder summer’s really here.