Learn to Forage the Ocean in Just One Day
Discover the thrill of gathering your own seafood in Cornwall’s crystal-clear waters. In just one day, you’ll learn to identify, harvest, and prepare lobster, scallops, crabs, mussels, and edible seaweeds – all using sustainable techniques that protect the ocean. No experience needed, just a love for the sea and a taste for adventure.
Rated Cornwall's Top Underwater Marine Foraging School
Course Details
Price: £250 (equipment included)
Join us at Delphy Pool for a one-day underwater adventure exploring Cornwall’s rich coastal waters. Our Underwater Marine Foraging Course is perfect for anyone who wants to discover, collect, and enjoy the ocean’s edible treasures in a sustainable way.
Guided by AIDA Master Instructor and Spearfishing Expert Oliver Cacioppo, you’ll learn how to identify, harvest, and prepare delicacies such as lobster, spider crab, brown crab, scallops, mussels, and edible seaweeds – all while protecting the marine environment. Whether you’re completely new to foraging or already have some experience, this is your chance to develop real skills and connect with the sea like never before.
What’s Included & Requirements
The course costs £200 per person and runs from May to October in small groups for a personalised experience. Larger group bookings can be arranged on request.
All necessary equipment is provided, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and collection bags. You just need to be comfortable swimming and using a snorkel. Bring swimwear, a towel, and warm clothing for after the session.
Please note: You should be confident swimming around 1 metre underwater and comfortable going below the surface.
If you’re not quite there yet, we recommend getting a few hours of swimming and snorkelling practice before your course so you can feel more relaxed and confident in the water.
Skills You’ll Master
- Marine species identification – recognise edible shellfish, crustaceans, and seaweeds.
- Sustainable harvesting techniques to protect habitats and ensure healthy populations.
- Basic freediving skills for shallow-water collection.
- Safe handling and preparation of your catch.
- Understanding the ecological role of marine habitats.
Course Schedule
The day begins with a classroom briefing on local marine life, safety procedures, and sustainable harvesting. After gearing up, you’ll head into the water to practise shallow freediving and foraging techniques under Oliver’s guidance.
Throughout the session, you’ll explore Cornwall’s rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy beds, learning where to find and how to collect species such as lobster, scallops, and spider crab. Depending on time and location, you may finish with a short cook-up of your fresh catch.
Bad Weather and Sea Conditions
If sea conditions are not suitable or safe, training will continue at Delphy Pool, where we can work on freediving, safety and spearfishing techniques.
Our aim is to create safe, competent divers, so there is always more to learn and valuable use can still be made of the training day.
In some cases, it may be possible to rebook sea-based training on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. This is strictly at the discretion of Delphy Pool and subject to availability.
Booking & Additional Info
Our foraging courses are as much about conservation as they are about collection. You’ll leave not only with the skills to gather seafood but also the knowledge to do it responsibly.
Spaces are limited and often fill quickly during the summer months, so early booking is advised. For those looking to expand into freediving and spearfishing, this course pairs perfectly with our Three-Day Spearfishing Course – swapping the speargun for a hook and focusing on foraging techniques.
Book Underwater Marine Foraging Course
Spaces are limited – take a look at our upcoming course dates below to get booked in.
Got a question or looking for an alternative date? Reach out anytime as we’d love to hear from you.
Buy now, pay later available at checkout with PayPal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn on the Marine Foraging Course?
On our marine foraging course in Cornwall, you’ll learn how to safely identify, harvest, and prepare a variety of edible seaweeds, shellfish, and crustaceans such as spider crab, brown crab, lobster, scallops, and mussels. The course is led by expert freedivers and foragers who teach sustainable collection techniques, ensuring that you enjoy the ocean’s bounty while protecting the marine environment.
Do I need freediving experience to join the course?
No prior freediving experience is required. The course includes an introduction to basic freediving and snorkelling techniques, such as breath-hold training, equalisation, and safe buddy diving. This allows beginners to confidently forage underwater while more experienced freedivers can refine their skills.
Is underwater foraging safe?
Yes. Safety is at the heart of our training. You’ll be guided by professional instructors who are both AIDA-certified freedivers and skilled spearfishers. We cover all essential safety practices, from correct use of foraging equipment to freediving breathing exercises, so you can collect seafood in a safe and controlled way.
What marine life can I expect to forage in Cornwall?
Cornwall is home to a wide range of edible marine life. Depending on the season and conditions, you may collect lobsters, brown crab, spider crab, scallops, mussels, and edible seaweeds such as kelp and dulse. The course focuses on teaching you how to recognise which species are safe, sustainable, and legal to harvest.
Do I need any special equipment for the course?
All essential equipment, including wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, and foraging tools, is provided. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if you have it, but beginners don’t need to invest in equipment before joining. We also provide guidance if you later decide to purchase freediving or foraging supplies.