Explore Swanage

Swanage offers a unique diving experience on the south coast of England, renowned for its range of dive sites catering to both novice and experienced divers. Swanage Pier, one of the few sheltered diving locations in the region, provides an ideal setting for beginners to start their underwater journey. The shallow waters near the pier, ranging from 4–5 meters/13–16 feet, ensure a safe and easy learning environment. As divers venture further from the pier, they encounter more challenging dives amidst rich marine life and intriguing shipwrecks, making Swanage a versatile dive destination.

Marine life in the Swanage area is diverse, with colorful species populating the waters. Divers can expect to see vivid sea anemones, curious crabs, and the ever-fascinating seahorses that call these waters home. The thrill of diving in Swanage is enhanced by its historical shipwrecks, offering a glimpse into the past while exploring the underwater landscapes. Seasonal changes add another layer of interest, as the marine environment shifts with the tides, providing new and exciting experiences throughout the year. It's no wonder Swanage attracts thousands of diving enthusiasts annually, all eager to explore its captivating aquatic world.

Courses and Events

Scuba Skills Update

SSI Scuba Skills Update: Refresh Your Diving Confidence Has it been a while since your last dive? The SSI Scuba Skills Update is the perfect way to brush up on your knowledge and get back in the water with confidence. Whether you’ve had a short break or several years away, this session ensures you are comfortable, safe, and prepared for your next underwater adventure. How it Works eLearning at Home: Before the pool session, you’ll complete the SSI digital training. This provides a comprehensive review of diving theory, safety rules, and equipment handling to ensure your knowledge is up to date. Pool Session at BCP Dolphin Leisure Centre: Head to the pool to get hands-on with the gear again. Under the guidance of an SSI Professional, you’ll practice key skills and regain your buoyancy control in a safe, controlled environment. Your Experience Timeline This session is designed to be flexible, focusing on the areas where you need the most practice. The total session time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours: 1-Hour Briefing: We’ll review dive theory, walk through equipment assembly, and discuss the specific skills you’d like to focus on. 60–90 Minutes on Scuba: Spend ample time in the pool practicing essential skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control. We adjust the time based on your needs to ensure you feel completely at home underwater again. Debrief: A final wrap-up to log your session, answer any remaining questions, and update your SSI digital recognition. What’s Included Access to SSI eLearning refresher materials. All necessary scuba equipment (you are also welcome to bring your own gear to get re-acquainted with it). Supervised training and skill assessment with an SSI Professional. Key Information Location: BCP Dolphin Leisure Centre, Poole. What to Bring: Swimwear, a towel, your diving logbook, and proof of your previous certification. Medical & Fitness: All divers must be fit to dive. This will be reviewed during the booking process via a medical questionnaire; some conditions may require doctor clearance. Got Questions? We’re here to help you get back into the blue. Reach out to us at: Phone: 01202 340728 or 07880 342515 Email: info@dorsetdiving.co.uk

20 February +18 More
EUR 113.72
GBP 99.00

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

SSI React Right: First Aid, CPR, AED & Emergency Oxygen Gain the skills and confidence to handle emergencies with SSI React Right. This comprehensive program is designed for both divers and non-divers, providing practical, hands-on training in life-saving techniques. At Dorset Diving, we include the Emergency Oxygen Provider module for all participants as standard, ensuring you are fully prepared for both land-based and diving-related incidents. How it Works eLearning at Home: Complete your interactive digital training via MySSI before the course begins. This allows you to learn the theory at your own pace, so we can focus entirely on practical, hands-on skills during our time together. Hands-on Session at Dorset Diving Services: Join us at our Poole facility for a dynamic practical workshop. You’ll use training manikins, AED trainers, and oxygen kits to master emergency care in a supportive environment. Your Experience Timeline The course runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is designed to be interactive and engaging: Morning – Assessment & CPR: We begin with primary assessment and the "Chain of Survival." You’ll spend significant time practicing effective chest compressions and rescue breaths on training manikins. Midday – AED & First Aid: Learn how to safely operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and practice managing common injuries, illnesses, and proper bandaging techniques. Afternoon – Emergency Oxygen Provider: We focus on the recognition of diving-related injuries and the safe administration of oxygen. You’ll get hands-on experience assembling and using oxygen delivery systems. What’s Included Access to SSI React Right & Emergency Oxygen eLearning materials. Professional instructor-led practical training. Use of all equipment (Manikins, AED trainers, and Oxygen kits). SSI Certifications for React Right and Emergency Oxygen Provider upon successful completion. Key Information Location: Dorset Diving Services, 25a Ringwood Road, Poole, BH14 0RF. What to Bring: Your MySSI login details, drinking water, and a light snack. What to Wear: Comfortable clothing you don’t mind kneeling in and closed-toe shoes. Medical & Fitness: You should be physically comfortable kneeling and performing firm chest compressions. Please let us know if you have any injuries or conditions that may affect this. Age Requirement: Minimum age of 12 (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian). Got Questions? We’re here to help you get prepared. Reach out to us at: Phone: 01202 340728 WhatsApp: 07880 342515 Email: info@dorsetdiving.co.uk

07 March +9 More
EUR 172.30
GBP 150.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

SSI Enriched Air Nitrox: Dive Longer & Feel Better Want to spend more time underwater and feel less tired after your dives? The SSI Enriched Air Nitrox course is your key to safer, longer dives with shorter surface intervals. This specialty is one of the most popular for a reason—it’s simple, flexible, and significantly improves your dive safety and enjoyment. How it Works eLearning at Home: Complete the interactive SSI digital training before your session. This covers the essential theory of diving with enriched air, including oxygen exposure and gas limits, at your own pace. Classroom Session at Dorset Diving Services: Join us at our Poole facility for a focused theory review and hands-on workshop. This is a dry course, meaning you can complete your full certification without the need for additional dives. Your Experience Timeline The classroom session lasts approximately 2 hours (e.g., 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) and focuses on the practical application of Nitrox: Theory Review: We’ll walk through the key concepts from your eLearning, ensuring you're comfortable with dive planning and oxygen safety. Gas Analysis: You’ll get hands-on experience using an oxygen analyzer to check the contents of a cylinder—an essential skill for every Nitrox diver. Dive Computer Setup: Learn how to correctly program your dive computer for different enriched air blends. What’s Included Access to SSI Enriched Air Nitrox eLearning materials. Instructor-led classroom session and practical gas analysis training. SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Digital Certification upon successful completion. Key Information Location: Dorset Diving Services, 25a Ringwood Road, Poole, BH14 0RF. Prerequisites: Open Water Diver certification (from any recognized agency). Age Requirement: Minimum age of 10 (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian). What to Bring: Your MySSI login details and any dive computer you’d like to practice setting up. Got Questions? We’re here to help you get the most out of your bottom time. Phone: 01202 340728 WhatsApp: 07880 342515 Email: info@dorsetdiving.co.uk

07 March +8 More
EUR 143.58
GBP 125.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Swanage

Swanage, a charming coastal town in Dorset, England, offers some fantastic dive sites for enthusiasts of all levels. The Kyarra shipwreck, considered one of the best wreck dives, lies in relatively shallow waters, making it accessible for divers interested in exploring its fascinating history and marine life. Another popular site is the Fleur de Lys wreck, which teems with diverse marine species. For those preferring shore dives, Swanage Pier is a favorite, providing easy access to vibrant underwater ecosystems and a chance to spot seahorses. Night diving here offers a different perspective, revealing nocturnal marine behaviors and bioluminescent organisms. Swanage strikes a balance between shore diving convenience and the adventure of liveaboard options, catering to divers seeking varied experiences in one destination.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Swanage

Swanage, a coastal town in Dorset, England, offers a rich marine ecosystem that attracts divers year-round. The area's underwater landscape is home to various reef fish, such as wrasse, gobies, and blennies, which are commonly seen along the rocky reefs and kelp beds. During the summer months, divers might be fortunate enough to spot larger marine creatures like basking sharks, which migrate through the region. Turtles, though rare, may also be seen occasionally. Rays are more frequent visitors, particularly in the warmer months, adding an exciting element to diving experiences in Swanage.

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

Wrasse

65 Sightings
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Total number of species: 7000

Crab

149 Sightings
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34
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23
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31
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Total number of species: 55

Lobster

27 Sightings
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Total number of species: 190

Conger Eel

22 Sightings
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9
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3
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Total number of species: 250

Grouper/Basslets

10 Sightings
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10
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Total number of species: 120

Cuttlefish

10 Sightings
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4
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6
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Total number of species: 3400

Shrimp

9 Sightings
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5
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4
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Total number of species: 130

Pipefish

8 Sightings
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The best Months to dive in Swanage

Swanage offers year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions depending on the season. During summer, water temperatures range from 14°C to 18°C/57°F to 64°F, providing comfortable diving conditions. In winter, temperatures drop to around 8°C/46°F, so appropriate thermal protection is necessary. Visibility can vary throughout the year, often ranging from 4 to 10 meters/13 to 33 feet, with the best visibility typically observed in late summer and early autumn. Weather factors, such as wind and currents, significantly affect diving conditions in Swanage. Westerly winds can lead to choppier seas and reduced visibility, while easterly winds generally create calmer conditions. Currents are usually mild, making Swanage suitable for divers of all levels. Diving is possible year-round, but the period from November to February can be less favorable due to colder water temperatures and increased chances of rough seas.

Dive Centers

Dive Sites