Rangatahi Snorkel Programme with Epic Dive and Scuba

We held a rangatahi snorkel day at Enclosure Bay on 6 December 2025 & 11 January 2026. We had 20 tamariki, along with 10 additional who joined us to snorkel the bay and complete their SSI level one snorkelling certificates with Epic Scuba.

The confidence was evident on their return and awesome to see. Their duck diving and swimming allowed them be in the water for an hour. They saw squid, kina, rimurimu and nudibranch slugs.

So many moments of friendships developing and the love of the moana as we all enjoyed a stunning day together of learning, exploring and being. Setting a good standard for kaitiakitanga in our next generation of explorers.

Our tamariki were thrilled to get back in the water for their second snorkel session with Dylan from Epic Scuba on January 11th.

The group ventured out beyond the reef at Enclosure Bay. Sixteen energetic tamariki headed out, supported by our excellent kayak support team, Ami and Michelle. The use of weight belts allowed for easier descent, and the children's confidence was visibly boosted. The whanau onshore happily watched the departure, knowing their children were in safe, experienced hands.

Maia and Emily from our Kelp Gardeners team joined the rangatahi snorkel day on the 11th January, bringing their expertise to educate, create, and guide our tamariki.

They ran engaging workshops on seaweed identification and watercolour painting. The children also explored the anatomy of two kina that Maia and Emily harvested during their snorkel, learning about the whole life cycle of this taonga species and connecting with all life around the bay.

Following this, the group headed into the Mackenzie Reserve. There, alongside the wonderful Becky and Callum from Experience Marine Reserves, they discovered hidden taonga species and identified various fish, taking full advantage of the beautiful natural space provided.