Dreams about snorkeling and encountering marine life often symbolize exploration and discovery of your subconscious mind or emotions. Here’s a breakdown of the elements in your dream:

1. Snorkeling: This suggests a desire to explore deeper aspects of your life or emotions. It could indicate that you are currently delving into your thoughts or feelings that may have been previously submerged.
2. Shark: Seeing a shark can represent fears or challenges. It might symbolize something intimidating in your waking life that you need to confront. However, since the shark simply swims past, it suggests that you are capable of facing your fears without letting them overwhelm you.
3. Seal: Seals are often associated with playfulness and joy. The seal approaching you could represent a friendly aspect of your personality or a playful situation in your life. It might suggest that you need to embrace fun and spontaneity.
4. Rescuing the seal and its baby: This part of the dream may symbolize your nurturing instincts. It could indicate a desire to help others or take responsibility for those who are vulnerable. The presence of the baby seal emphasizes themes of protection and care.
5. Returning to the beach: The beach often symbolizes a transition between different states of being—between your conscious and subconscious. Returning to the beach may indicate a longing to find balance between exploration and your everyday life.

Overall, this dream seems to reflect a journey of self-discovery, the need to confront fears, a call to embrace joy, and a desire to nurture and protect. Consider how these themes resonate with your current life situations and feelings. It might be helpful to think about areas where you can add more playfulness or where you might need to face challenges head-on.