Primary source for shore access, drift section, depth, visibility, and marine life.
Cawsand Bay
Sheltered Cornish shore dive with a tide-run drift section.
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.
Where Is Cawsand Bay?
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
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.
Exposure Profile at Cawsand Bay
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
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.
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
Shows ramp access, disabled toilets, and parking a few minutes from the beach.
Confirms Cawsand Bay as a designated bathing area in Plymouth Sound.
Parking is listed close to the beach.
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