Snorkeling Certification
Protecting marine life through small guided groups, minimum viewing distances and no touching, feeding or collecting wildlife. Preventing waste at sea and respecting workers’ rights.
Certification for guided snorkeling services, covering group supervision, wildlife encounters and operating practices.
About the certification
Friend of the Sea assesses how snorkeling excursions are organised and conducted. The programme addresses what happens before participants enter the water, how guides supervise the group and how marine life is approached.
The certification is for the assessed snorkeling service. It helps operators explain their practices clearly and gives guests practical expectations for the excursion.
What can be certified
Defined snorkeling activities offered by tour operators, including the boats, locations and operating arrangements included in the application.
What the standard covers
Guides receive training. Participants are briefed, equipped and checked for snorkeling ability; beginners receive instruction and life jackets. Weather and sea conditions must be suitable.
Groups have no more than eight participants plus a professional guide. Guides monitor participants, who enter quietly and swim gently. Flotation support helps prevent tired swimmers from standing on coral.
Do not touch, feed, chase or remove marine organisms. Keep at least three metres from large marine animals and two metres from turtles. Organised snorkeling with dolphins or whales is prohibited.
Avoid reef contact and taking souvenirs. Animals must not be moved for photographs; flash use near animals’ eyes and repeated flashes are restricted.
Activities and vessels need the relevant authorisations. Crews avoid collisions and anchor damage. Waste must be contained and recycled where facilities exist, or disposed of appropriately. Employment criteria address workers’ rights.
Assessment and certification
The assessment checks evidence for the service or facility being proposed. Agree the scope and audit arrangements before work begins, including the locations, activities and records to be reviewed.
Certification fees
Request a quotation for the proposed scope. Confirm assessment charges and any logo-use royalties before proceeding; submitting an enquiry does not commit you to certification.
Check certification status
Check the listed facility or service and its scope before making a booking or using a certification claim. If the listing is unclear, contact the team for confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
No. This certification concerns an operator’s assessed snorkeling service. It does not award a personal snorkeling qualification.
The operator checks participants’ ability and provides instruction and life jackets where needed. Discuss your experience and support needs before booking.
No. Wild animals move freely, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The operator should explain the trip plan and how encounters are managed.
No. Confirm certification approval, the permitted scope of the claim and the applicable logo-use agreement before adding the logo to your website or promotional materials.
Request a quotation based on the facilities or services to be assessed. Ask for assessment charges and logo-use royalties to be identified so you can review the full cost.
Use the application link below and describe the activities and locations you want assessed. The team will confirm the appropriate route and next steps.
Apply for certification
Provide your contact details, operating locations and a description of the service. For boat-based excursions, include vessel details and the activities offered.
Complete the application form and email it to quality@friendofthesea.org.