North Sea reefs, kelp gullies and historic wrecks beneath Scotland's seabird cliffs
Overview
St Abbs and Eyemouth deliver one of Britain's most concentrated cold-water dive trips. Scotland's only voluntary marine reserve protects about 8 km of coast, where volcanic reefs, arches, gullies and sea caves support kelp, soft corals, anemones, lobster, wolffish and small subjects for photographers. St Abbs Harbour is the classic shore and local-charter base; Eyemouth adds larger-boat logistics, accommodation, gas mixing and access to shallow or technical wrecks.
This is not a casual warm-water destination. Tides, North Sea weather, cold exposure, variable visibility and boat traffic reward recent UK-style experience and local briefings. Beginners can train at selected sheltered sites, while advanced and technical divers have a clear progression to Glanmire and offshore war wrecks. Non-divers still get a complete trip through St Abb's Head seabird cliffs, Mire Loch, the Berwickshire Coastal Path, Coldingham Bay and Eyemouth's fishing heritage. Plan spare days because weather can rewrite the schedule.
A community-founded reserve and overlapping statutory designations protect reefs, sea caves, kelp habitat, intertidal life, seabirds and grey-seal habitat.
Kelp, soft corals, anemones and sponges turn volcanic gullies and boulder fields into a vivid wide-angle and macro landscape.
Top species linked to approved dive spots in St Abbs and Eyemouth.
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Quick shortlist before you jump into the full planning page.
Boat charter diving from Eyemouth into St Abbs.
Scenic cold-water diving with rich marine life.
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Last updated: September 5, 2026 • 26 sources
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Selected sheltered reefs support training, while deeper slack-water wrecks and offshore war wrecks give advanced and technical divers room to progress.
St Abbs puts divers beside classic shore routes; Eyemouth adds larger charter operations, accommodation, drying facilities and mixed-gas logistics.
2 linked spots
Best time to go
May to September
Longest practical daylight, broadest charter and visitor services, and seasonally warmer water. Exposed seas and haar can still force changes.
Main caution: Stronger winter winds, wetter earlywinter patterns, shortest days and the greatest cancellation risk. Best for flexible local teams rather than a fixed onceonly itinerary.
