Swimming with seals

The UK is home to half the world’s population of grey seals and there 0 _____ many local boat trips offering sightseeing tours out to the islands and sandbanks 9 _____ the animals are most regularly found.

But if you really want to get close 10 _____ the seals and understand something about their way of life, then you need to go on an underwater seal-watching trip. On these trips, you have the chance to go over the side of the boat and, equipped 11 _____ a wetsuit, mask and snorkel, spend time in the water alongside the animals.

Seals are extremely inquisitive creatures and, once you’re in the water, they will swim past you trying to work 12 _____ who you are and 13 _____ you’re doing there. 14 _____ they can appear shy at first, seals soon 15 _____ used to you being in the water, and will come and play around you. Young pups especially like to 16 _____ contact with divers, and often use their teeth, gently biting masks, fins and cameras out of curiosity. It can be a thrilling experience.