When you’re talking with other divers about the best dive spots, they are most likely going to mention some well-known locations, such as the Red Sea, Koh Tao, The Cenotes. However, the UK has a lot to offer despite its colder climate.

What should you prepare for when going to the UK for diving?

Before visiting the UK,  you have to understand the special features of this location. 

First and foremost, the climate in the UK is cloudy and rainy. In a single day, you may witness many shades of weather from sunny to stormy. Here is a BBC project aimed to precisely describe the local weather by all the four regions and seasons. 

Then, you have to forget about the picturesque corrals and colorful fish gently touching your diving wetsuit. Prepare to observe a sunken ship or airplane wrecks instead!

The best UK locations for diving

1. Newquay

For whom: true daredevils;

Where exactly: Newquay, Cornwall, England;

When should you visit it: May through August (when the actual sharks arrive)

Cornwall is known for being a summer home for the basking sharks. The average size of an adult shark may vary from 6 to 8m. Scubadiverlife.com mentioned that this type is the second-largest living fish after whale sharks! If you were wondering about the safety of your Cornwall trip, it’s indeed risky. Still, you can choose how deep you want to dive – the water visibility will not go below 10-15 meters. 

The Manacles 

For whom: shipwrecks lovers;

Where exactly: the Lizard peninsula, Cornwall, England;

When should you visit it: April through October.

Whether you a diving newbie or a genuine professional, the Cornwall Lizard peninsula can offer you the diving sites ranging from 8 to 80 meters. Diving there is quite dangerous due to the unsteady wind conditions, which also brought many ships to a dramatic ending. However, the view of all the shipwrecks is pretty impressive – you can literally touch the local history!

St Abbs and Farnes Islands

For whom: grey seal fans;

Where exactly: Northumberland, England;

When should you visit it: March through November

There are three things St Abbs and Farnes Islands are known for:

• they are far away from the industrial coasts;
• they are super cold;
• they are the home for the entire colonies of grey seals!

The last point serves a prominent attraction for a beginning diver. If you are lucky enough to visit the islands during a summer day, you can enjoy swimming with these cute and friendly animals (who will show you the best diving spots as well). Make sure you grab some treats for your new friends though! 

Eddystone Reef

For whom: urban romantics;

Where exactly: Plymouth, South England;

When should you visit it: all year round for the excursions and March through October for diving.

When googling Plymouth, you are most likely to end up looking through the pictures of a famous lighthouse. It’s a gorgeous tourist attraction, which has unfortunately overshadowed the popularity of the local marine life. Due to the relatively favorable southern climate, the local ecosystem had more chances to preserve some colorful reefs and fish, unusual for this Nordic country. 

Even though the location is not far from the urban area, the visibility there is quite competitive comparing to the other diving spots – from 25 to 40 meters. What is more, you can spot some dolphins not only on the horizon but by the shore as well. 

Lundy Island

For whom: Insta-divers;

Where exactly: Bristol Channel, South England;

When should you visit it: all year round.

Bristol Channel plays an important role in UK tourism. Apart from the striking urban landscapes and mysterious legends that originated during the war, you can enjoy diving in the cleanest UK waters. 

You can reach Lundy Island by renting a boat. While having a trip, make sure to look down and see all the kelp and marine creatures living underwater. One of the latest trends attracting the divers is a jellyfish colony. 

Rhoscolyn Beacon

For whom: drift divers;

Where exactly: Anglesey, Wales

When should you visit it: May through August (check the current before visiting).

Wales is probably associated with Nordic wild animals living deep in the dark forests. What is interesting, there are the same dark forests under the water, and Rhoscolyn Beacon is perfect proof! The local reefs go down to 18 meters deep, taking you to the marine world. You’ll have a chance to observe the lobsters, prawns, and crabs in case of catching the right current. 

Before going to any of the mentioned locations, find a person who’s been at that place and approach them for the professional feedback. Diving in the UK is not for everyone. These deep cold waters will uncover their beauty just for the brave (and fully equipped) divers, so make sure you learn everything about the place before getting there!

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Author Bio Description 

Jennifer Broflowski is an expert writer, who made the ZipJob Review. Her job is to provide you with the best recommendations for all the tourist destinations you can find online.