Explore Plymouth

Plymouth, located in the Devon area, stands out as a dynamic diving destination offering a rich tapestry of underwater experiences. Divers are drawn to its unique blend of vibrant reefs and historical shipwrecks. Among the top reefs, Eddy Stone and Panther Shoal provide enchanting views of marine life, while Tinker Shoal and Hands Deep offer varied underwater landscapes teeming with colorful species. Dive enthusiasts can immerse themselves in exploring the depths of Mewstone, where the local marine ecosystem thrives.

The shipwrecks in Plymouth add an intriguing layer of history to the diving scene. The James Eagan Layne and the Oregon are notable for their fascinating stories and the marine life they now host. Other wrecks, like Le Poulmic and the Totnes Castle, offer divers a glimpse into the past. With dive depths ranging from 12 meters to 55 meters (31 to 180 feet), Plymouth caters to both novice and experienced divers, ensuring an unforgettable underwater journey. Seasonal visibility changes enhance the experience, making each dive unique and inspiring.

Dive Sites Show on map

Sound Diving, PL9 7HJ Plymouth

Mewstone East (★4.0)

10 minutes from Plymouth Breakwater by RIB, lies the Mewstone - a distinct mountain-shaped rock that shelves down to the seabed. This means the area has hardly any silt compared with the rest of the local area, leading to excellent visibility. During spring tides you can often get a strong drift in this area.

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

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.

Sound Diving, PL9 7HJ Plymouth

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

Stoke Beach (★4.2)

The seabed off Stoke Point and to the west could well be described as South Devon’s “Sponge Gardens”. There are depths to suit novice divers but the best rock formations and wildlife are deeper than 20 m below low water level.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Glen Strathallen (★4.5)

On 27th April 1970, the Glen Strathallen was towed out of Plymouth and sunk just off the Shag Stone in approximately 15m of water. Today you can still find the wreck on the sandy bottom.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Hand Deeps (★3.9)

The visibility is usually fantastic as the site is 9 miles offshore and swept with clean water constantly. The diversity of sea life supported by this reef is staggering and combined with the sheer size of the drop-offs and walls makes this a favourite site to all who visit.

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.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Shag Stone (★4.2)

This reef can be reached by RIB from Fort Bovisand. The stony seabed is a mixture of green and purple pebbles with perfect seaweed gullies that could be straight from a fish tank. Marine life includes dogfish, rays, wrasse and crabs.

Aqualung

Panther Shoal (★4.3)

What makes this location interesting, apart from the marine life, is that Panther Shoal lies directly between the firing line and fall of shot from both Fort Picklecombe and Breakwater Fort. As such, the observant diver can find cannonballs and so on, which litter this area.

Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Cawsand Bay (★4.0)

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.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

HMS Scylla, wreck (★4.1)

HMS Scylla was sunk in 2004, after laying in disrepair for ten years. A lot of work was done to ensure the ship was safe and easy to explore inside, and as expected, she has become a very popular dive site, situated some 40 minutes by boat from Plymouth.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Abelard (★4.0)

This old steam trawler which had been converted into a minesweeper now sits at 13m on a sandy bottom, with her bow facing out to sea. The wreck is quite broken up but not widely scattered. With care, you can penetrate the boiler that stands about 5m high for about 1m but is quite confined. Fascinating marine life.

Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Breakwater Fort (★3.7)

The Breakwater Fort is located just inside the Breakwater and is surrounded by a variety of both ancient and modern debris of all shapes and sizes to explore. A number of structures that form a circuit can be followed via an orange cable along the seabed.

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.

Diving in Plymouth

Plymouth, located in the southwest of England, offers dive enthusiasts a variety of captivating underwater experiences. Notable wreck dives include the James Eagan Layne, a WWII Liberty ship that rests at 20 meters/66 feet, providing a haven for diverse marine life and making it a popular site for divers of all levels. The Scylla, a modern warship intentionally sunk in Whitsand Bay, is another fascinating wreck that divers frequently explore. For those preferring shore dives, Jenny Cliff is a favored spot, known for its easy access and vibrant marine life. Night dives off the shore offer a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal creatures, adding an exciting dimension to the diving experience. Plymouth caters to both shore and liveaboard diving, ensuring a balance that suits all preferences. Whether exploring independently or as part of a group, divers are captivated by the abundant marine biodiversity and historical intrigue beneath the waves.

The best Months to dive in Plymouth

Diving in Plymouth is possible year-round, offering diverse underwater experiences. During the summer months, water temperatures range from 14°C to 17°C/57°F to 63°F, while winter sees temperatures drop to 8°C to 10°C/46°F to 50°F. Visibility typically varies between 5 to 15 meters/16 to 49 feet, depending on weather conditions and tides.

Summer and early autumn provide the most favorable conditions, with milder winds and calmer seas. However, winter and early spring can present challenges due to stronger winds and currents, reducing visibility. Divers should plan accordingly and stay informed about local weather forecasts to ensure safety and maximize their diving experience.