10 Incredible UK Shore Diving Sites (No Quarries or Lakes!)

Why Choose Sea Diving Over Freshwater Diving?

While inland quarries and lakes offer controlled environments and easy access for practice, nothing compares to the thrill and adventure of sea diving. Saltwater diving introduces you to a broader variety of marine life, dramatic underwater landscapes, and the sheer excitement of exploring new, natural environments. Expect slightly warmer temperatures in coastal areas compared to some inland lakes, though you’ll need to carry extra lead due to the saltwater’s increased buoyancy. The ever-changing conditions, tides, and currents also add a layer of challenge that many divers relish.

Beyond the technical differences, sea diving often involves traveling to new places—whether it’s a hidden cove in Cornwall or a rugged Scottish coastline—which adds an adventure element to every trip.

Cover Image Photo Credit: Getty Images

Understanding the Star Rating System

Each dive site in this guide is rated on a difficulty scale from ★☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★:

• ★☆☆☆☆ – Easy: Ideal for beginners, with simple access, shallow depths, and minimal water movement.

• ★★☆☆☆ – Moderate: Slightly more challenging due to factors like mild currents or slightly deeper waters.

• ★★★☆☆ – Intermediate: Requires more experience, with potential for stronger currents, deeper depths, or complex entry points.

• ★★★★☆ – Advanced: Suitable for experienced divers only, with challenging conditions, strong currents, or technical entries.

• ★★★★★ – Expert: High difficulty requiring advanced certification, experience with deep dives, or specialized skills.

1. Chesil Cove, Dorset ★★☆☆☆

Depth Range: 5–20 meters
What to See: Rocky reefs filled with wrasse, cuttlefish, lobsters, and occasionally even triggerfish in warmer months. Visibility can be excellent on calm days, this site is often favored when the wind is easterly
Postcode: DT5 1LN
GPS Coordinates: 50.5507° N, 2.4433° W

This popular site on the Jurassic Coast offers accessible shore diving with a mix of natural beauty and fascinating marine life. The beach entry is straightforward, though currents can be tricky, making it moderately challenging. 
Photo credit: BSAC UPY2024 - Lewis Jefferies

2. Selsey, West Sussex ★★☆☆☆

Depth Range: 5–15 meters
What to See: Tompot blennies, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and vibrant kelp forests ideal for macro photography.
Postcode: PO20 0QG
GPS Coordinates: 50.7289° N, 0.7893° W

Known for its easy access and rich underwater habitats, Selsey is great for beginners and underwater photographers. Its main challenge comes from tidal movement, requiring good timing to dive at slack water.

3. St Abbs, Berwickshire, Scotland ★★★★☆

Depth Range: 10–30 meters
What to See: Wolf fish, lobsters, sea anemones, and dramatic underwater cliffs covered in soft corals.
Postcode: TD14 5QF
GPS Coordinates: 55.8990° N, 2.1381° W

St Abbs is a marine reserve famed for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular underwater terrain. It’s a bit remote, and some shore entries can be tricky, but the underwater scenery is more than worth it for experienced divers.

4. Swanage Pier, Dorset ★☆☆☆☆

Depth Range: 3–6 meters
What to See: Seahorses, crabs, pipefish, and anemones thrive around the pier’s supports.
Postcode: BH19 2AW
GPS Coordinates: 50.6066° N, 1.9537° W

A perfect beginner’s dive, Swanage Pier offers easy shore entry and calm waters. Ideal for training dives or a relaxing exploration session, it’s accessible year-round.

5. Eyemouth, Berwickshire, Scotland ★★★☆☆

Depth Range: 8–25 meters
What to See: A mix of caves, gullies, wrasse, and octopus. Highlights include "The Cathedral," a large underwater cavern.
Postcode: TD14 5SD
GPS Coordinates: 55.8723° N, 2.0918° W

Accessible from shore but with strong currents and surges at times, Eyemouth rewards divers with impressive rock formations and marine life. A great option for intermediate divers.

6. Babbacombe Bay, Devon ★★☆☆☆

Depth Range: 3–15 meters
What to See: Cuttlefish, crabs, shoals of pollock, and nocturnal marine life for night diving enthusiasts.
Postcode: TQ1 3LU
GPS Coordinates: 50.4797° N, 3.5132° W

This sheltered site offers calm, shallow waters—perfect for beginners and night dives. The beach entry is simple, though occasional surge from boat traffic can add some complexity.

7. Fairy Cove, Paignton, Devon ★☆☆☆☆

Depth Range: 3–12 meters
What to See: Wrasse, crabs, rays, and colorful starfish across rocky outcrops.
Postcode: TQ4 6DU
GPS Coordinates: 50.4313° N, 3.5674° W

Easy shore entry and generally calm conditions make this dive site ideal for novice divers or anyone seeking a peaceful dive. It's a hidden gem that’s often quieter than nearby locations.

8. Porthkerris, Cornwall ★★★☆☆

Depth Range: 10–30 meters
What to See: Dogfish, sea anemones, corals, and an abundance of reef fish.
Postcode: TR12 6QJ
GPS Coordinates: 50.0413° N, 5.1065° W
Photo Credit: Porthkerris Divers

A stunning shore dive on the Lizard Peninsula, Porthkerris is suitable for divers with some experience due to potential currents. The scenic beauty above and below water makes it a must-visit.

9. Loch Long, Arrochar, Scotland ★★★☆☆

Depth Range: 5–25 meters
What to See: Dramatic drop-offs, conger eels, crustaceans, and various seaweeds.
Postcode: G83 7DS
GPS Coordinates: 56.1982° N, 4.7587° W

With several dive sites accessible from shore, Loch Long is famed for its unique underwater topography. The Conger Alley section is especially known for its deep trenches and resident eels, offering an exciting dive for those with intermediate skills.

10. Martin’s Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales ★★★☆☆

Depth Range: 5–20 meters
What to See: Seals, spider crabs, soft corals, and seasonal jellyfish blooms.
Postcode: SA62 3BJ
GPS Coordinates: 51.7301° N, 5.2168° W

Part of the Skomer Marine Reserve, Martin’s Haven offers rich biodiversity and great visibility during summer months. The dive is moderately challenging due to currents and entry conditions but offers some of the UK’s best wildlife encounters.

Final Thoughts

Shore diving in the UK offers a wealth of experiences you won’t find in inland quarries or lakes. From the thrill of exploring new coastal regions to encountering diverse marine life, each dive brings its own sense of adventure and discovery. Whether you're a beginner seeking shallow, easy dives or an advanced diver ready for deeper challenges, the UK’s coastline has something for everyone. Share your favorite dive spots or memorable experiences in the comments below!