Devon

James Egan Layne (★4.3)

The James Eagan Layne was hit near the Eddystone reef and towed by Admiralty tugs towards Plymouth in an attempt to save as much cargo as possible. However, on her way back in, the stern collapsed causing her to sink in Whitsand Bay, where she now rests in an upright position on a sandy seabed.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Thurlestone Beach (★4.1)

Thurlestone Beach is a kind open water dive site with the advantage of having the wreck of the Louis Sheid accessible from shore. A fun dive for all abilities.

Mares

Brixham Breakwater Beach (★3.9)

Brixham breakwater is an ideal dive site for new divers to gain more experience, with a depth of 7 (ish) meters with lots of marine life to see. Good local facilities nearby.

Scubapro

Waterfront Plymouth Hoe (★4.0)

The Waterfront Plymouth Hoe is an ideal dive site for all levels, access via steps to sheltered water. Can be used for training dives and an excellent location for snorkelling and macro photography. Air fills available at the dive centre 100m from the entry point.

Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Cawsand Bay (★4.1)

Cawsand and Kingsand Bay are both on the western side of Plymouth Sound in Cornwall and can both be done as shore dives, with parking 200m from the beach. Further out on the outcrop of Cawsand, close to the old boat slipway, is a great drift dive as the current moves out of the bay.

Sound Diving, PL9 7HJ Plymouth

Crown Hill Bay (★3.8)

This site is the third of three beaches at Bovisand. Parking available and the beach is accessed by steps leading down. The conditions are perfect for beginner dives, yet there is still plenty to see for even the most experienced diver or keen photographer.

Sound Diving, PL9 7HJ Plymouth

Talland Bay (★4.0)

Talland Bay in Cornwall offers a great dive for beginners or those just wanting to dive from the shore. There’s also a wreck in Talland Bay; the Marguerite which lies in shallow water between the two main beaches.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Jenny Cliff (★4.1)

Jenny Cliff Bay is on the main road to Bovisand and is a good shore dive to get into the water, as there is a car park nearby and the beach is sandy and protected.

Mares

Heybrook Bay (★3.8)

Heybrook Bay is a shore about 3 miles by road from Bovisand. There is a coastal path down a river to the water’s edge where there is a small rocky beach. At high tide, the depth is around 9m and at low tide, the depth is around 3m.

Sound Diving, PL9 7HJ Plymouth

Bovisand Bay (★4.2)

Bovisand has a series of three bays, and Bovisand Bay is the first. There is plenty of parking (paid), and the beach is easily accessible via a path and steps down. These bays are perfect for beginners and usually sheltered, yet there’s enough to keep even the most experienced diver occupied.

Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Fort Bovisand (★3.7)

Fort Bovisand is a shore dive that offers good all-round cover from the weather and is used primarily for beginners due to the protection the harbour walls provide.

Mares

Eastern Kings (★4.0)

Found by Devil’s Point, Eastern Kings can be done as a shore dive although boat cover is advisable. There is a sloping cliff to 40m. Best to dive at high water (ideally neap tides).

Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Challaborough Bay (★4.0)

Challaborough Bay is a beautiful dive site on the shores of Challaborough, just opposite Burgh island. The dive is perfect for beginners and is even a great site for snorkelling in the summer.

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Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)