United kingdom
TOP DIVE SITES – WALES
Cambro – the wreck of a steamship lies at a depth of 20 m. The ship sank in 1913 while carrying iron ore. This spot is teeming with life and it is common to see seals and dolphins The currents in this area can be very strong.Location: The SmallsType of dive: boat diveRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterBehar – this is the wreck of a steam ship that lies at a depth of 15 m. The ship hit the mine and sank in 1940. The wreck is teeming with life – eels, octopi, pollacks and many other species. It is easy to find.Location: Milford HavenType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterDakotian – the wreck of a British steam ship lies upright at a depth of 20 m. The ship was attacked by parachute mine dropped from a German bomber and sank in 1940. The most intact part of the wreck is the stern but also the rest of it can be penetrated.Location: Milford HavenType of dive: boat diveRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterLoch Shiel (Whiskey wreck) – the wreck of a British barque lies at a depth of 12 m. She was carrying a cargo of whiskey and beer from Glasgow to Adelaide when she ran aground and sank in 1894. From time to time divers still find some whiskey bottles in this area.Location: Milford HavenType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rock, sand, kelpRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterLucy – the wreck of a Dutch coastal ship lies intact at a depth of 42 m. She was carrying a cargo of calcium carbide when she ran into a snowstorm and sank on Valentine’s Day in 1967. The wreck is covered with marine life. The wreck can be penetrated. However, the visibility is usually poor.Location: North Haven Bay, Skomer IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterMartin’s Haven – this is a great shore dive site situated in a marine reserve. A sheltered rocky cove with plenty of marine species such as lobsters, crabs, shrimps, sea urchins, starfish, cuttlefish and octopi. Sometimes seals and dolphins may be seen in this area. The maximum depth is 20 m. It is also a good spot for night diving.Location: St. Bride’s BayType of dive: shore diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterNorth Wall – this is a deep wall dive. However, beginners can also enjoy this dive site at shallower depths. The wall is not entirely vertical but it is covered with sea fans and sponges. There are also crabs, lobsters, dogfish, crayfish and other marine species in this zone. Sometimes currents may be strong in this area. The maximum depth is 45 m.Location: Skomer IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterShark Reef – a beautiful reef, a spot suitable even for beginners. The reef is teeming with marine life. It is common to see dogfish, sea cucumbers and even sharks. The maximum depth is 20 m.Location: PembrokeshireType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterSkokholm Island – the waters around this island hide numerous attractions. Divers will see here many boulders, cliffs, walls remains of an old wreck and a reef. There is also an abundance of marine life in this area – seals, dogfish, wrasses and many other species. The maximum depth is 30 m.Location: Skokholm IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterSkomer Island – the area of this marine reserve has plenty to offer for all levels of divers. There are several dive sites in this zone. The most famous include Rye Rocks – a site with underwater walls, a reef and rocks. It is common to meet lobsters, crayfish and seals. Another popular spot is The Wick (available only in August) which can also boast beautiful underwater formations – walls, overhangs and a cavern. The maximum depth is 45 m. The currents may be strong in this area.Location: Skomer IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water