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

Weymouth and Portland

13 Divesites 1 Center

In this area, Chesil beach is a well-known training site for divers and is where many people in this area come to learn.

Swanage

1 Divesite 3 Centers

Swanage is the ideal spot for new divers to come and learn the skill in the south coast of England.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Dorset Diving Services

Scuba Skills Update

06 Feb 2026 + 20 more

It is easy for dive skills to get rusty and to lose confidence when you have not dived for a while. With the SSI Scuba Skills Update, we will get you back in the water and diving with ease in no time. This scuba refresher course allows you to review and practice scuba skills you learned in your Open Water Diver program, under the guidance of an SSI Professional. This is a great course to take just before a dive holiday, so you spend less time worrying about your skills and more time admiring the marine life. If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.

Top Dive Sites Map

Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Ethel (Wreck)

Ethel was a British steamship, torpedoed by German Sub-UB-104 on 16 September 1918, and was one of the last casualties of WWI. Depth is 36m on a sandy bed with good visibility.

3
Logs
3
Divers
35.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

☆☆☆☆☆ P-555 (Wreck)

This Submarine P-555 is lying upright on the seabed at 39m. This wreck is pretty much intact. It sank on 28 April 1947. With 4x21in bow torpedo tubes and a 3in AA gun, this is a great dive for any submarine enthusiast with a Deep or Extended Range Diver Speciality.

1
Logs
1
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★★ UB-74 (Wreck)

UB-74 was a German submarine, sunk on 26 May 1918. The wreck sits at 34m. 182ft long she was sunk by a depth charge from an armed yacht called Lorna. A great wreck to dive when the tides allow.

3
Logs
3
Divers
36.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ Elena R (Wreck)

Greek steamship sunk on 22nd November 1939. Lies at a depth of 27m and stands around 7m high in places. Surrounded by loose sandy gravel and strong currents. Be careful to get the right dive times.

8
Logs
8
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★★ Frogner

Frogner was a Norwegian steamship that sank 25th April 1918. The depth is at 35m. It’s been extensively salvaged but still a great wreck to dive, although it’s deep location makes it best for advanced divers.

3
Logs
3
Divers
33.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Alex Van Opstel (Wreck)

This wreck was a Belgian Passenger liner sunk by a mine on 15 Sept 1939. The depth is around 27m. Strong currents exist in the area so it must be dived during slack tide! The stern section broke off and is now located around 100m from the rest of the wreck.

6
Logs
6
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Balaclava Bay

Starting on a 6m ledge, this is a great site for drift dives. By swimming away from the shore, divers can choose their depth, though most of the interesting stuff is in the shallower region.

45
Logs
35
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ M2 (Wreck)

Very popular dive, however limited because of it’s position and the local currents and tides. Lying upright on the sea bed at a depth of around 32m and going up to around 18m.

68
Logs
50
Divers
30.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ SS Kyarra

The Kyarra was a 6,953 ton steel cargo and passenger luxury liner, built in Scotland in 1903 for the Australian United Steam Navigation Company.Length: 127 m Launched: 2 February 1903, Draft: 9.576 m, Beam: 16 m, Builder: William Denny and Brothers Places built: Scotland, Dumbarton.

81
Logs
47
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Countess of Erne

This is a paddle steamer built at the end of the 1800s. Towards the end of its life it was used as a barge to ferry coal out to the battleships moored within the harbour. In 1935 it was blown from its moorings and ended up wrecked against the breakwater wall where it remains.

71
Logs
55
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Spaniard/Encuri (Wreck)

Just inside the outer breakwater, this is another fantastic wreck for beginners, or those wanting somewhere to check out gear, test skills, or just head out for an ’easy’ dive. Max depth is 14m, going up to 7m.

22
Logs
17
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ British Inventor (Wreck)

Fairly flat wreck, consisting of plates and other wreckage. Only the bow section of the ship sank, the rest was towed away and repaired. Depth is 17m on a mainly sand and gravel bottom.

29
Logs
14
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★★ Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck)

The Black Hawk is a popular wreck dive in the Weymouth area. The bow section of the Black Hawk Liberty Ship is located in Warbarrow Bay at 16 meters deep. The Stern section settled around 55m several miles further. A great wreck for beginners and experienced divers alike.

31
Logs
24
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Bombarden Unit (Wreck)

This wreck sank in two sections, the second section is about 150 yards to the southeast. Large metal tanks and some flat sheets can be seen. It sits at 12m deep in a soft, silty bed with the wreck standing around 3m high.

15
Logs
14
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Vobster Quay

Welcome to the UK’s friendliest inland scuba diving and open water swimming venue. For certified divers, there is no better place to hone your diving skills and have fun than at Vobster Quay.

3,005
Logs
410
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

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.

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.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Dorset Diving Services

25a Ringwood Road, BH14 0RF Poole, GBR

Dive Beyond

Castletown, DT5 1BD Portland, GBR

Snorkel Experiences

The Ocean Studio, BH19 1ES Swanage, GBR

Mayim Mermaid Academy

The Watersports Academy, BH13 7PS Poole, GBR

JC Scuba Swindon

Unit 2 Scuderia House, Newcombe Drive, SN2 1EG Swindon, GBR