Map location of Cawsand Bay
Dive Spot Guide

Cawsand Bay

Sheltered Cornish shore dive with a tide-run drift section.

ScubaShore EntryIntermediate
Reef
Easy shore entry with parking close by; the main planning wrinkle is the outgoing-drift line near the old slipway and the bay's low-visibility temperate water.

About Cawsand Bay

Cawsand Bay is a sheltered Cornish shore dive on the west side of Plymouth Sound where a sandy bottom and rocky outcrops give you an easy read on the site. The inner bay works as a straightforward shore entry, while the outcrop near the old slipway can turn into a useful drift when the tide runs out of the bay. Plan around the tide if you want the moving-water section, and expect a compact temperate dive with small coastal life rather than tropical reef scenery.

Research Estimate At Cawsand Bay

Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.

VisibilityVisibility: 5m
AccessSimple entry
Marine LifeAverage variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Current StrengthModerate current
Surge StrengthFlat calm

Where Is Cawsand Bay?

Map location of Cawsand Bay
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.

Cawsand Bay Planning Details

Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.

Reported Depth

0m - 9m

Depth Note

Shore-entry bay with a sandy bottom and rocky outcrops to about 9m; the drift line sits near the outcrop by the old slipway.

Typical Conditions

Sandy bottom with rocky outcrops; current can run out of the bay near the outcrop.

Safety & Access At Cawsand Bay

Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.

Key Hazards

Strong current

Safety Notes

Watch the outcrop drift and keep an eye on the tide if you plan the moving-water section.

Access Restrictions

Shore access; the drift section is tide-sensitive.

Legal Notes

Cawsand Bay is a designated bathing area in Plymouth Sound, so keep clear of swimmers and any local water-use notices.

Local Intel For Cawsand Bay

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Scuba

Suitable for shore diving, with an option for a drift dive as the current flows out of the bay near the outcrop.

Freedive

Not a freedive-first site; the interesting drift section and lower visibility make it more of a shore-scuba venue.

Snorkel

The sheltered inner bay is the calmer zone, but the outcrop drift is a scuba-planning feature rather than a casual snorkel line.

Cawsand Bay Dive Conditions Planner

Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Cawsand Bay.

Current Snapshot
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Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
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Exposure Profile at Cawsand Bay

Directional shelter context for incoming swell.

Exposure Note

Hourly forecast data is not available yet.

Wildlife at Cawsand Bay

Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.

Recent Logged Visits At Cawsand Bay

Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.

No Dive Logs Yet

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Dive Spot Log Averages At Cawsand Bay

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.

Conditions
Avg. Visibility5m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Cawsand Bay Guide - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.

Cawsand Bay Guide - Sources and Updates

Last Updated

Research Sources

divechamp.com · Dive Directory
Updated Oct 3, 2023

Primary source for shore access, drift section, depth, visibility, and marine life.

www.beachlets.co.uk · Beach Guide

Shows ramp access, disabled toilets, and parking a few minutes from the beach.

www.royalnavy.mod.uk · Official Notice

Confirms Cawsand Bay as a designated bathing area in Plymouth Sound.

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