Things to do · Destination Guide
North Sea reefs, kelp gullies and historic wrecks beneath Scotland's seabird cliffs
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Use St Abbs Harbour for classic shore-diving character and close coastal reefs, then Eyemouth for day boats, deeper wrecks and stronger gas logistics. St Abbs Diving publishes novice-friendly scenic sites alongside advanced slack-water wrecks, while Marine Quest combines local reef and shallow-wreck days with technical expeditions. The result is an unusually complete UK progression destination, but the North Sea sets the rules: cold exposure, tide, current, swell, visibility and weather all matter.
The emblematic St Abbs shore objective, known for double arches, volcanic reef structure and colourful coldwater growth close to the harbour.
A broad 8 m to 30 m boulderjumble profile with anemones, dead man's fingers, conger eel habitat and a chance of wolffish in cracks.
A popular shallow site around 5 m to 15 m that local operators identify as suitable for novice divers when sea conditions and supervision are appropriate.
A lifecovered tunnel and reef route around 5 m to 20 m.
A spreadout steamship wreck around 28 m to 35 m, carpeted with dead man's fingers and plumose anemones.
Alfred Erlandsen and Ebb Carrs
A historic wreck and reef combination around 10 m to 25 m, useful for adding local maritime history to a recreationaldepth charter day.
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