Weymouth and Portland
In this area, Chesil beach is a well-known training site for divers and is where many people in this area come to learn.
Explore Dorset
Nestled along the English Channel, Dorset offers a captivating diving experience, highlighted by the dramatic Jurassic Coast. This region is renowned for its fossil-rich cliffs and varied underwater landscapes, making it a fascinating destination for divers of all levels. Beginners can explore the gentle slopes of shore dives accessible by boat, while seasoned divers are drawn to the area's historic wrecks. The waters off Dorset are a treasure trove of World War relics, including aircraft carriers and torpedoed ships, providing a unique glimpse into maritime history.
Diving in Dorset is shaped by its strong tides, requiring well-timed dives during slack waters for optimal conditions. Departures often set off from picturesque towns such as Poole, Swanage, Weymouth, or Portland, each offering its own charm. With visibility ranging from 5 to 20 meters/16 to 66 feet, divers can expect to see an array of marine life, from colorful fish to intriguing invertebrates. The dive season stretches from April to October, with water temperatures rising to a pleasant 19°C/66°F in late summer. Whether you're exploring vibrant reefs or uncovering the secrets of sunken ships, Dorset's diverse waters promise an unforgettable adventure.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Dorset
Dorset, located on England's stunning south coast, offers an array of exceptional dive sites for enthusiasts. Among the top sites is the "Kyarra" wreck, a must-visit for history buffs, situated off the coast of Swanage. This WWI shipwreck is adorned with marine life and provides an atmospheric dive experience. Another popular dive is the "Aeolian Sky," a larger wreck that intrigues divers with its fascinating structures and the vibrant marine species that call it home.
For those seeking shore dives, the Lulworth Cove offers an accessible and scenic experience, with its clear waters and fascinating underwater landscapes. Additionally, Dorset's shoreline provides ample opportunities for night dives, revealing unique behaviors of nocturnal marine life. Whether choosing a shore dive or a liveaboard excursion, divers can enjoy a balanced array of options to explore the captivating underwater world of Dorset.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Dorset
Dorset, located along the southern coast of England, offers a captivating marine life display. Throughout the year, divers can encounter an array of common reef fish such as wrasse, pollock, and bass, which thrive in the rocky habitats and kelp forests. The reefs serve as a vibrant backdrop for these species, providing ideal conditions for them to flourish. Seasonal highlights add excitement, with sightings of larger marine creatures. During the summer months, the waters around Dorset may host visiting basking sharks, especially in areas like Portland and Lyme Bay. While less frequent, leatherback turtles are occasionally spotted migrating through the region. Rays, including the common stingray, are more likely to be seen in the warmer months, offering divers thrilling encounters with these majestic animals. The best chance to observe these seasonal visitors is typically from June to September.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
79 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
8
J
15
J
11
A
27
S
11
O
2
N
0
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
iStock-jpa1999
Perch
509 Sightings
J
23
F
28
M
9
A
21
M
48
J
72
J
62
A
67
S
63
O
70
N
28
D
18
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
186 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
7
M
36
J
41
J
29
A
30
S
36
O
3
N
0
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
Shutterstock-dushkovladimir
Crayfish
148 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
15
J
20
J
24
A
32
S
15
O
19
N
14
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 190
Alamy-Water Frame
Conger Eel
50 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
4
J
11
J
7
A
16
S
6
O
3
N
0
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 55
k
Lobster
43 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
8
J
16
J
3
A
11
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
2
The best Months to dive in Dorset
Dorset offers divers year-round opportunities due to its diverse marine life and underwater landscapes. The water temperature ranges from 8°C–17°C/46°F–63°F throughout the year. Winter months see temperatures on the lower end while summer brings warmer waters. Visibility can vary significantly, generally ranging from 5 to 15 meters/16 to 49 feet, influenced by weather conditions, tides, and the presence of plankton.
Weather factors such as wind and currents play crucial roles in diving conditions. The southwesterly winds prevalent in winter can lead to rough seas, making diving less favorable from November to March. However, sheltered sites may still be accessible. Calm conditions typically prevail from late spring to early autumn, offering ideal diving from April to October. It is essential for divers to check local forecasts and tidal patterns to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences.
