When most people first consider learning to dive, they imagine themselves in tropical destinations and warm waters, but with miles of coastline, glorious wildlife and a rich maritime history, Cornwall offers some of the most scenic and exciting dives in the world.
Whether you’re a complete novice looking to start a new hobby and you want to test the waters with a fun dive experience, you’ve tried an introductory dive on holiday and want to explore more, or you’re an experienced scuba diver seeking advanced certifications and adventure - exhilarating and memorable dive experiences can be found at PADI Dive Centres located across Cornwall.
The waters around Cornwall are home to a catalogue of Marine Protected Areas, historic shipwrecks and hundreds of varieties of marine life ranging from crustaceans, conger eels, seahorses and octopuses, to jellyfish, seals, dolphins, and even sharks. So, there is plenty to see.
The best time of the year to dive in Cornwall are the months of July to October, although there is an active diving scene all year round. Basking sharks are regularly sighted during the summer months as well as visiting pods of dolphins and the odd orca whale. Wrecks are in abundance at depths from 1m to 100m.
THE BEST DIVE SITES IN CORNWALL
Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, England
Falmouth is incredibly accommodating for all levels of diver, thanks to its line-up of both shallow and offshore dives within easy reach. Pendennis and Castle Beach are particularly popular shore and night dives for both scuba divers and snorkelers and are home to the wrecks of WWI submarines; keep an eye out for cuttlefish and dogfish too. The Hera (18m/59ft) is a great beginner’s wreck, spread across two halves and each encrusted with sponges, fans, and dead man’s fingers. For something a little different, the Falmouth Estuary and Helford River lay claim to excellent sightings of thornback rays in spring.
Reasons to visit: Dog friendly and family friendly beaches - iconic sandy beaches to intimate sheltered coves, Falmouth’s 300+ beaches are gloriously varied.
The experts: DiveUK, Egoniggie industrial estate, Falmouth, TR11 4SN, diveuk.uk/
Durgan – Helford Passage
Located between Falmouth and the Lizard Peninsula, nestled within the entrance of the Helford River lies the serene village of Durgan. Scuba diving at this site is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. However, special care must be taken, as the seagrass meadow is delicate and vulnerable to damage. Proper buoyancy skills are required for diving here. The sandy bottom and seagrass meadows are best explored at high tide and is the perfect location for spotting Thornback Rays, Cuttlefish, Bobtail Squid, the Small Spotted Catshark and even the occasional seal.
Reasons to Visit: Durgan is a popular tourist destination not only for its amazing landscape but also because the village is an unspoilt vestige of Cornwall’s past. Don’t expect many shops and pubs but do expect to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The experts: Cornish Diving Centre, Bar Road, Falmouth, TR11 4BN, cornishdiving.co.uk/
Porthkerris, Cornwall, England
On the Lizard Peninsula at Porthkerris, there's some excellent shore diving. Sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds, a handy beach entry gives access to a rocky reef close to shore. Invertebrates, including tube worms, anemones and sea urchins colonize the hard substrate, but keep your eyes open as encounters with basking sharks and pods of dolphins are a real possibility.
Reasons to visit: Incredible beaches, coastal walks, family days out, culture and active sports.
The experts: Porthkerris Divers, Porthkerris Cove, St. Keverne, Nr. Helston, TR12 6QJ, porthkerris.com/
Harlyn Bay, Cornwall, England
Located on the north coast of Cornwall near Padstow with maximum depths of around 14 meters at high tide, Harlyn Bay is an ideal dive site for beginners or intermediate divers. This site is well sheltered from the general swell, allowing for calmer waters for an easy shore or boat diving experience. When scuba diving here you can expect to see Velvet Crabs, Corkwing Wrasse, Small Spotted Catsharks, Lobsters and Spider Crabs. Divers have also seen the occasional Dolphins, Basking Sharks and Seals.
Reasons to Visit: Harlyn Bay is considered one of the best family beaches in Cornwall. Situated near Padstow, Harlyn is a great spot to spend your day enjoying the beach and local village life.
The experts: Harlyn Dive School, Trelawder Farm, Chapel Amble Road, St. Minver, PL27 6RF, harlyndiveschool.co.uk
![Take the plunge and give diving a go.]()
Take the plunge and give diving a go. (Image: Simon Brown)
TWO DIVING COURSES TO TRY IN CORNWALL
PADI Discover Scuba Diving
PADI Discover Scuba Diving offers an exciting gateway for children and adults alike to delve into the underwater world and find out if scuba diving is for you. Guided by skilled PADI professionals, you'll grasp the fundamentals of scuba gear and practice essential diving skills within a safe and controlled environment. Whether you're immersed in a pool or a tranquil body of water, you'll relish the thrill of breathing underwater for the first time. No experience is required, and the course can be completed in around just two hours. Requirements: Ages 10 and above. Learn More: padi.com/courses/discover-scuba-diving
PADI Open Water Diver
PADI Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level and the most-recognised scuba diving certification in the world. A highly trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad. You will learn about scuba diving principles and terminology, then learn basic scuba skills in a pool, or pool-like environment. When you're ready, make four dives in an open water environment (the ocean, a lake) with your instructor supporting you every step of the way. Total time commitment is approximately four days. Requirements: Ages 10 and above. Learn more: padi.com/courses/open-water-diver
Find out more about your nearest PADI Dive Centre in Cornwall at padi.com
