Plymouth Sound — boats departing for dive sites — Plymouth Sound: gateway to world‑class wrecks and reefs.

Top 10 Dive Sites in Plymouth: An Orientation for Visiting Divers

Plymouth is one of the UK’s premier diving hubs, with a unique mix of wrecks, reefs, pinnacles, and sheltered bays. The variety suits everyone—from first shore dives to advanced offshore adventures. Summer and early autumn often bring the best visibility, but with smart planning and local guidance, Plymouth is a strong year‑round destination.

HMS Scylla artificial reef — HMS Scylla — thriving artificial reef (12–24 m)

1. HMS Scylla

Sunk in 2004, Scylla sits upright and is draped in soft corals. Expect congers, pollack, and photogenic swim‑throughs. Ideal AOW+.

James Eagan Layne wreck — James Eagan Layne — iconic Liberty ship (18–22 m)

2. James Eagan Layne

Broken‑open WWII Liberty ship with huge shoals and atmospheric holds. Big history + big life—top wreck for most divers.

3. Eddystone Lighthouse Reef

Offshore clarity and scenery: jewel anemones, sponges, drop‑offs, and roaming pollack. A favourite on good weather windows.

Hilsea Point gullies and walls — Hilsea Point Rocks — walls & gullies (8–35 m)

4. Hilsea Point Rocks

Steep walls, overhangs, and lively drifts on the right tide. Colourful anemones and busy wrasse action.

The Mewstone near Wembury — The Mewstone — kelp to deep rock (6–45 m)

5. Mewstone

Rocky outcrop with kelp, lobsters, and regular seal encounters. Versatile depths make it a great all‑rounder.

Fairylands reef and kelp — Fairylands — scenic gullies & kelp (6–20 m)

6. Fairylands

Gentle, picturesque reef diving with lots of photo potential. A relaxed first or second dive choice.

Hands Deep offshore reef — Hands Deep — vivid anemone walls (25–45 m)

7. Hands Deep

Remote reef with standout visibility and jewel anemones. For experienced divers—spectacular on neaps.

Glen Strathallan boiler — Glen Strathallan — classic training wreck (~16 m)

8. Glen Strathallan Wreck

Compact, beginner‑friendly wreck; the intact boiler is a crowd‑pleaser for photos and orientation.

Firestone Bay shore entry — Firestone Bay — easy shore training (2–10 m)

9. Firestone Bay

Sheltered shore site with seagrass and macro life. Ideal for training, refreshers, and photography practice.

Plymouth Breakwater Fort — Breakwater Fort — sheltered boat dives (5–15 m)

10. The Breakwater Fort

Historic fort with sandy patches and seagrass nearby; lots of crustaceans and wrasse in easy conditions.

Photo Highlights

Plan smart: Check tides and weather, choose appropriate depth ranges for certification level, and consider local guides for offshore sites. We run regular RIB charters and training dives—see dates & book.