South East
England’s south-east is also great for spotting macro, everything from colorful nudibranch to cuttlefish as well as lobsters, crabs and lumpsuckers.
Diving in the United Kingdom offers a unique experience, blending rich history with diverse marine environments. Nestled between the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Celtic Sea, the UK boasts the 12th-longest coastline globally, providing an extensive array of dive sites. From thrilling shipwrecks to vibrant reefs, each dive reveals a slice of the UK's storied past and natural beauty. The cold waters are home to an array of fascinating marine life, including playful seals, colorful anemones, and even the occasional basking shark, ensuring divers always have something captivating to explore. The UK’s varied geography supports an array of dive styles, whether you're a fan of shore dives, boat excursions, or the adventure of liveaboards. Scotland offers dramatic underwater landscapes with towering walls and kelp forests, while the southern coast features historic wrecks, remnants of maritime clashes. Each region has its own seasonal highlights, such as the blooming of underwater flora in spring or the increased visibility during autumn, making the UK a year-round diving destination. Despite its reputation for cooler waters, the rich tapestry of experiences and encounters makes diving in the UK a rewarding escapade for divers of all levels.
The waters surrounding the United Kingdom host a diverse array of marine life, with notable species varying by location and season. Common reef fish include species like the colorful wrasse and darting pollock. These fish are frequently encountered by divers exploring the coastal rocky reefs and kelp forests, especially during the warmer months when visibility is optimal. Seasonal highlights include sightings of basking sharks, which are typically spotted off the coast of Cornwall and the Isle of Man during the summer. Although less frequent, leatherback turtles and rays, such as the common stingray, are occasionally seen in southern waters, particularly during late spring to early autumn. Additionally, seals are a common sight throughout the year, especially around Scotland's Orkney Islands and the Farne Islands in northeast England, offering divers a chance to observe these playful mammals up close.
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 approx.: 600
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 35
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 30
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 7000
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 55
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 19
Curated by Interest
Mares
Aqualung
Shutterstock-Zi Magine
Mares-Predrag Vuckovic
Scubapro
Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels
Mares-Predrag Vuckovic
Mares-Bjoern Dorstewit
The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those ...
Show OfferTake Your Very First Breaths Underwater and Experience Total Weightlessness in a Safe, Heated Pool!Ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? Stop wondering and com...
Show OfferRegain Your Confidence, Polish Your Safety Habits, and Get Back in the Water Safely After a Break!Has it been a while since your last dive trip, or do you feel a bit rusty ahead...
Show OfferEarn Your Global Scuba License, Discover the Underwater World, and Change Your Life Forever!Ready to stop watching ocean documentaries and start exploring the underwater world y...
Show OfferTake Your Very First Breaths Underwater and Experience Total Weightlessness in a Safe, Heated Pool!Ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? Stop wondering and com...
Show OfferYour Open Water certification taught you how to dive. The Advanced course teaches you how to dive well.Designed to build your confidence and expand your underwater capabilities,...
Show Offer
Transitioning from a dive professional to an Open Water Instructor is the biggest step in your career. At the Oceanauts Pro Academy, we don’t just train you to pass an exam; w...
Show OfferRegain Your Confidence, Polish Your Safety Habits, and Get Back in the Water Safely After a Break!Has it been a while since your last dive trip, or do you feel a bit rusty ahead...
Show OfferEarn Your Global Scuba License, Discover the Underwater World, and Change Your Life Forever!Ready to stop watching ocean documentaries and start exploring the underwater world y...
Show OfferTake Your Very First Breaths Underwater and Experience Total Weightlessness in a Safe, Heated Pool!Ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? Stop wondering and com...
Show OfferTake Your Very First Breaths Underwater and Experience Total Weightlessness in a Safe, Heated Pool!Ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? Stop wondering and com...
Show OfferRegain Your Confidence, Polish Your Safety Habits, and Get Back in the Water Safely After a Break!Has it been a while since your last dive trip, or do you feel a bit rusty ahead...
Show OfferTake Your Very First Breaths Underwater and Experience Total Weightlessness in a Safe, Heated Pool!Ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? Stop wondering and com...
Show OfferRegain Your Confidence, Polish Your Safety Habits, and Get Back in the Water Safely After a Break!Has it been a while since your last dive trip, or do you feel a bit rusty ahead...
Show OfferTake Your Very First Breaths Underwater and Experience Total Weightlessness in a Safe, Heated Pool!Ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? Stop wondering and com...
Show OfferTake Your Very First Breaths Underwater and Experience Total Weightlessness in a Safe, Heated Pool!Ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? Stop wondering and com...
Show Offer