BSAC local diving page says Oban visibility averages 5-20m, water temp is about 14C in July to September, and tides/slack water can be unpredictable.
Gallanach Reef
Sheltered Oban shore dive with a granite wall.
Local operator required
Local operators know the tide window, the safest return line, and the bay rules around boats and trainee divers.
About Gallanach Reef
Gallanach Reef is a sheltered Oban shore dive on a granite wall with a shallow top, easy slipway access, and predictable navigation when you plan around the tide. It suits entry-level divers who want a calm-bay drill site with cold-water marine life, local boat and trainee traffic, and an easy out-and-back reef circuit.
Research Estimate At Gallanach Reef
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Where Is Gallanach Reef?
Gallanach Reef Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
1.5m - 9m
Depth Note
Public pages describe a granite wall from about 9m on the seabed up to about 1.5m at the top, with the reef followed as an out-and-back shore dive.
Best Season
July to September, when the local water temperature and visibility are usually most practical.
Typical Conditions
Sheltered cold-water shore diving with a granite wall, tidal planning, and visibility that shifts with weather and slack-water timing.
Safety & Access At Gallanach Reef
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Use an SMB, keep an eye on boat movement near the pier, and stay alert to tide timing on the return.
Access Restrictions
High tide brings the easiest access and clearest water; bay and slipway users must follow Puffin rules and boat-speed limits.
Legal Notes
Follow Puffin water rules for the bay, especially the marked reef zone and the low-speed requirements for boats.
Local Intel For Gallanach Reef
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
A shore dive that follows the reef edge and wall out from the slipway, then returns along the granite structure.
Freedive
Not a freedive-first site. Cold water, tide timing, and bay traffic make scuba the normal fit.
Snorkel
The bay can be explored at the surface in calm water, but the site is mainly a scuba shore dive.
Gallanach Reef Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Gallanach Reef.
Exposure Profile at Gallanach Reef
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Wildlife at Gallanach Reef
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Gallanach Reef
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Dive Spot Log Averages At Gallanach Reef
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Gallanach Reef Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Gallanach Reef Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
Puffin says Gallanach Bay has shore access, an easy slipway, launch and recovery, air fills, guest moorings, kit wash areas, toilets, changing rooms, parking, and crew space.
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