Explore Weymouth and Portland

Weymouth and Portland present a unique diving destination that captivates both novice and experienced divers alike. The region is renowned for its robust marine life and varied dive environments, offering everything from vibrant reefs to intriguing wrecks. One of the most popular spots is Chesil Beach, a favored training site where beginners can hone their skills in calm waters. This area is teeming with marine life, providing an excellent introduction to the underwater world. For the more adventurous divers, the waters of Weymouth and Portland reveal a fascinating array of shipwrecks. The Aeolian Sky shipwreck stands as a highlight, offering seasoned divers the chance to explore its remnants and discover the history that lies beneath the waves. Meanwhile, the HMS M2 submarine, resting 36 meters/118 feet underwater, provides a deep dive experience and an opportunity to witness a submarine wreck in its natural habitat. This diversity in dive sites, combined with the area's rich history, makes Weymouth and Portland a memorable and enriching diving destination.

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

★★★★☆ 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

Diving in Weymouth and Portland

Weymouth and Portland offer a rich array of dive sites, attracting divers with their historic wrecks and vibrant marine life. Notable wreck dives include the "M2 Submarine," a unique underwater site with a fascinating history as a submarine aircraft carrier. Another popular wreck is the "Frogner," a Norwegian steamer sunk during World War II, now a haven for marine life and divers alike. For shore diving, Chesil Beach stands out, providing easy access and a diverse marine environment, ideal for both novices and experienced divers. Night dives here reveal nocturnal marine behaviors, offering a different perspective on the underwater world. The area caters to various preferences, with a balance between shore and liveaboard diving options, making it accessible and appealing to all levels of divers seeking adventure and exploration.

The best Months to dive in Weymouth and Portland

Diving in Weymouth and Portland is possible year-round, offering a variety of experiences for divers. Water temperatures range from 6°C–18°C/43°F–64°F, with the warmest periods typically from late spring to early autumn. Visibility varies throughout the year, generally ranging from 5 to 10 meters/16 to 33 feet, often improving during the summer months.

Weather conditions such as wind and currents significantly impact diving. The area can experience strong winds, especially in winter, which might reduce visibility and create challenging conditions. While diving is feasible all year, late autumn and winter are considered less favorable due to cooler temperatures and rougher sea conditions. Planning is essential to ensure safe and enjoyable dives, taking into account weather forecasts and tidal schedules.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Dive Beyond

Castletown, DT5 1BD Portland, GBR