Diving in Cornwall
We see a lot of the water activities that happen above the surface, especially in Flushing and Mylor, but what about those happening beneath!? Here in the Fal area, we have miles of fascinating dive sites, whether your focus is maritime history or contemporary marine wildlife! We’ve put together a short guide to diving near Falmouth, including links to local dive companies who can help you on your way…
What’s It Like To Dive Off Falmouth?
Because we are particularly sheltered in the bay and estuary here, it’s much more suited to diving than the wild North coast. You can experience shallow shore diving (from 0–12m) and easily accessible wreck sites just off the beaches. With a designated swimming area in the summer months, it’s also much safer to dive in an area where boat speed is highly restricted and any motor craft will be anticipating people in (or under) the water. A few popular spots include:
Silver Steps: Found on the road which loops around Pendennis Point, this well-known divers carpark is an ideal spot for beginners. Regulars see reef habitat, kelp, and suggest a high chance of spotting cuttlefish or sea horses. There is also a great coffee box at the top in case you need a refuel afterwards!
Castle Beach: Very close to Silver Steps, this is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, but if you look deeper under the surface you will find the remains of the German WWI U-boat, UC-92. Across at Gyllyngvase, you can venture further out to see the remains of the “Ponus” oil tanker that ran aground in 1916.
Helford River and Durgan Beach: Just a little further on from Falmouth, the tranquil river is a perfect spot for exploring underwater seagrass meadows, with the likelihood of seeing some rays and possibly bobtail squid.
Night Dives in Falmouth
Falmouth’s dive spots are especially popular for night dives, when crustaceans are much more active. People regularly see cuttlefish, conger eels, sea horses, star fish, juvenile blonde rays, squid, and John Dory.
As with all dives, a Surface Marker Buoy is recommended in case of any boat traffic, and the links below list local guides who can show you the ropes if you’re uncertain!
Wildlife in the Water
Starting with the larger mammals we share our coast with, you’re quite likely to see Grey and Common seals close in to the beaches in Falmouth. Further out, there’s the chance of catching a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins and basking sharks (in the warmer months).
The fish you might spot in the reefs include Ballan wrasse and Corkwing wrasse (common around rocky reefs and kelp forests), Pollack, Conger Eels, Pipefish, Blennies & Gobies: Tompot blennies (especially on night dives), Flounder and other flatfish on sandy bottoms, Cuttlefish, Ocean Sunfish and Rays. Spider crabs and lobster have also been seen, so keep an eye out for crustaceans too!
Check out these amazing photos by Martin Steven for inspiration to go exploring below the surface: https://www.instagram.com/stevensunderwater/
Local Dive Centres
DIVEUK is based on Castle Beach in Falmouth and run by ex-Royal Marine Dan, who returned to his childhood home of Cornwall after leaving the military.
They offer PADI beginner courses as well as speciality and advanced courses, with creative offerings such as Underwater Photography Workshops happening in collaboration with Martin Stevens who has provided some of the amazing shots on their website. Browse their options online, or pop in and say hello when you’re next passing Falmouth seafront.
Seaways Diving on Commercial Road in Penryn has been serving the diving community of Cornwall for over 40 years, stocking an extensive range of equipment for Freediving, Spearfishing, Scuba or Technical Diving. Whilst the shop isn’t beach-side, they still offer diving courses ranging from beginner to instructor, with the British Sub Aqua Club.
Scuba Ry also run guided dive trips across Falmouth at Swanpool, Maenporth, Castle Beach, Gylly Beach and Silver Steps. They host a range of PADI courses, and some more speciality courses including SDI Marine Ecosystem Awareness, Lobster Release Diver, and specific Night Dive training.
Further afield, you can visit Polkerris Divers on the Lizard Peninsula, Viewpoint Diving on the Roseland near Mevagissey, and many more… but we think you’ll find enough in the Falmouth Bay area to keep you busy for a while!
If we can be of any help at all when organising your holiday cottage stay, or if we can assist you with local recommendations, please do get in touch. We also have guides to Watersports on the River Fal and The Best Places for Seafood In Falmouth which may be of interest leading up to your holiday!
We’re here to help
If you have any questions or wish to discuss your holiday requirements
Call us on 01326 375972
or
Complete a Booking Enquiry Form