Learn to Dive in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom’s Highlights
Diving in the UK is not for the faint of heart. With cold water temperatures throughout the year and tough sea conditions, diving in the UK is not for the faint of heart. Divers usually have to be dry suit certified and some centers only take Advanced Open Water Divers. There are options to see sunken ships, play with seals and dolphins. Experienced divers will enjoy exploring underwater mines and caverns. The diving depth goes up to 45 meters and the bottom structure is a combination of sand and stone. There are sites scattered around England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Tough weather conditions can make diving more difficult so be sure to go with a local guide and dive within your limits.
When is the best time to go diving in the UK?
You can technically go diving all year-round in the UK although in winter sometimes it is not possible. The best time is between May and June and from September to October. Diving in quarries is usually the recommendation if you want to go during the winter months.
Water Temperature: Ranges from 4°C in winter to 17°C or 18°C in August and September.
Currents: Strong currents are the usual and strong tidal currents are possible.
Visibility: Visibility is usually very poor between 5 and 15 meters, although it can rise to 30 meters on a good day.
UK’s Best Dive Sites
The Farne Islands
Located around the Farne Islands along the Northumberland coastline in England, there are many dive sites including a variety of wrecks, reefs and walls. One of the major highlights of the Farne Islands is that it is the home of 5000 grey seals. The young seals are extremely playful and inquisitive to divers, you may feel a tug on your fin at some point during the dive! There are a series of wrecks to explore including: St Andre, Abyssinia and The Chris Christiansen to name a few with depths ranging from 15 to 35 meters, meaning there is a wreck for all abilities.
Best dive sites: The Hopper, Longstone Ends and Brittania
Scapa Flow
Scapa Flow is one of Europe’s most famous dive sites and one of the most popular wreck dive sites in the world. In 1919, 52 vessels of the German fleet were sunk in Scapa Flow off the Orkney Islands along Scotland’s northern coast. It is a natural harbour and has been used in both world wars. Some of the wrecks have been salvaged over the years while plenty remain including three 177 meter battleships and four 155 meter cruisers. Try dives are also possible at Churchill Barriers, for those wanting to experience what wreck diving has to offer.
Best dive sites: SMS Dresden, Blockship Tabarka and SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm
County Donegal
County Donegal, on the Northwest coast of the Republic of Ireland is home to Malin Head. Malin Head is one of the only spots to spot basking sharks and boasts a higher concentration of U-boats than anywhere else in the world. There have also been sightings of the whales, dolphins and oceanic sunfish, otherwise known as the mola mola. Deep wreck enthusiasts may want to explore the WW1 Dreadnought HMS Audacious or the SS Empire Heritage with cargo of Sherman tanks. Tech-diving certifications are required. Macro enthusiasts will enjoy spotting crustaceans, conger eels and nudibranchs. With its rugged coastline, there are some scenic divers.
Best dive sites: Horn Head, Kalliopis and Pan Bay
About the country
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, shortened to the UK, is a political union made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The English Channel separates the UK and Europe. The UK is made up of two large islands in the Atlantic Ocean: the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The UK was part of the European Union, up until ‘Brexit’ was made final on the 31st of December, 2020. London, England’s capital, has many exciting attractions including the London Eye and the Shard.
Recreational Courses in the UK
Dive Centers in the UK
Getting to the UK
Traveling to the United Kingdom is usually quite possible by plane, boat, bus or train. The Eurostar train offers a high speed rail service connecting the UK, Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
London Heathrow is the largest airport in Europe and offers international flights to and from many countries. There are also other international airports including London Gatwick, Manchester, John Lennon International, Birmingham and Glasgow.
Other important information
- Capital: London
- Official Language: English
- Demonyms: English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, British
- Other regional languages: Scots, Ulster Scots, Welsh, Cornish, Scottish Gaelic and Irish
- Currency: Pound Sterling £
- Calling code: +44
- Driving Side: Left
- Population: Close to 68 million
- Pressure: Bar
- First Stage: DIN
