Diving in English Channel
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover English Channel's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of English Channel, sea. This region features 57 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, English Channel has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in English Channel (3)
Popular Spots in English Channel (57)
Abelard
The Abelard is an old steam trawler that has been repurposed as a minesweeper, now resting at a depth of 13 meters on a sandy seabed, oriented with its bow facing the open sea. The wreck is significantly broken but remains relatively compact. Divers can carefully explore the boiler, which rises approximately 5 meters high, allowing for limited penetration of about 1 meter. The area surrounding the wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including sponges, lobsters, large spider crabs, cuttlefish, dogfish, and several species of wrasse and pollack.
Alex Van Opstel (Wreck)
The Alex Van Opstel wreck is a Belgian passenger liner that sank due to a mine on September 15, 1939. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 27 meters. Divers should be aware of strong currents in the area, making it essential to dive during slack tide. The stern section of the wreck has separated and is located about 100 meters away from the main body of the ship. Marine life around the wreck includes conger eels residing under the girders, as well as various species of crabs, lobsters, and schools of fish. The seabed is composed of sand and gravel, and visibility can be impacted by the currents, with conditions becoming quite dark at times.
Balaclava Bay
Balaclava Bay features a dive starting at a depth of 6 meters, making it suitable for drift diving. Divers can explore various depths by swimming away from the shore, with the most notable marine life found in the shallower areas. The site is home to a variety of marine species, including scallops, spider crabs, edible crabs, dogfish, and starfish. The underwater landscape consists of both rocky reefs and sandy beds, providing diverse habitats for the local fauna.
Becfer
Becfer is located along the western edge of the northern section of the Haies de la Conchée. This dive site features easy access from the shore and showcases attractive scree slopes. The maximum depth reaches 20 meters, making it suitable for divers of varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Marine life at this site includes various species such as bream, john dory, cod, wrasse, dogfish, and spider crab.
Bizeux
Bizeux is a dive site that features a depth range from approximately 10 meters at the anchor point to around 20 meters. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including lobsters, conger eels, pollock, and pout, as well as a recent increase in crayfish populations. It is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers of all experience levels, including beginners and those in training. The conditions at this site allow for diving in various weather situations.
Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck)
The Black Hawk Liberty is a notable wreck dive located in Warbarrow Bay, with the bow section resting at a depth of 16 meters. The stern section is situated approximately 55 meters deep, several miles away from the bow. This site is suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Marine life commonly observed includes conger eels, lobsters, and large schools of fish. Divers should pay attention to the body of the winch, where cuckoo wrasse and conger eels can often be found.
Bombarden Unit (Wreck)
The Bombarden Unit wreck consists of two sections, with the second part located approximately 150 yards southeast of the first. The wreck lies at a depth of 12 meters, resting on a soft, silty substrate, and rises about 3 meters above the seabed. Divers can observe large metal tanks and flat sheets scattered around the site. The visibility is generally good in calm conditions, making it a safe dive. Marine life such as nudibranchs, crabs, and various shoals of fish can be seen in the area.
Bovisand Bay
Bovisand Bay is the first of three bays in the area, providing easy access to divers via a path and steps leading down to the beach. The site is suitable for both novice and experienced divers, offering a sheltered environment. Underwater, divers can observe a diverse range of marine life, including nudibranchs, amidst various underwater flora. The bay's conditions generally support a pleasant diving experience.
Bracklesham Bay Landing Craft
The Bracklesham Bay Landing Craft, identified as US Navy LCT548, is located at a depth of 10 meters in Bracklesham Bay, positioned upside down. This wreck site is suitable for novice divers and those new to wreck diving. The area is home to various marine species, including Bib, Wrasse, Dragonets, and Edible Crabs. Additionally, the seabed features fossilized teeth from Sharks and Rays.
Bracklesham Bay Valentine Tank
The Bracklesham Bay Valentine Tank is a Mark 3 type IX Duplex Drive tank that was lost during the Fabius III exercise in May 1944. It is positioned upright at a depth of 12 meters, located on the edge of a sandbar. This dive site is home to various marine species typical of the area, including Edible Crabs, Tomato Blennies, Bib, and Conger Eels.
Breakwater Fort
Breakwater Fort is situated just inside the Breakwater, featuring a mix of ancient and modern debris that divers can explore. An orange cable runs along the seabed, marking a circuit of structures to follow. The seabed primarily consists of mud, while rocky outcrops to the west and east support various marine life.
British Inventor (Wreck)
The British Inventor wreck lies at a depth of 17 meters on a predominantly sandy and gravel seabed. The wreck is relatively flat, primarily consisting of plates and other debris. Notably, only the bow section of the vessel sank, while the remainder was salvaged and repaired. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life in the area, including numerous scallops, crabs, schools of fish, and the occasional lobster, particularly around the rocky reefs nearby.
Brixham Breakwater Beach
Brixham Breakwater Beach is a suitable dive site for novice divers, featuring a depth of approximately 7 meters. The area is rich in marine life, including crabs, seals, and dolphins, which can often be observed among the kelp and rocky formations that provide shelter for various species. Local facilities are available to support divers.
Challaborough Bay
Challaborough Bay is a dive site located on the shores of Challaborough, directly across from Burgh Island. The site features rocky gullies interspersed with expansive kelp forests and sandy areas. It is suitable for beginners and offers opportunities for snorkeling during the summer months. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including cuttlefish, schools of bass, and spider crabs.
Countess of Erne
The Countess of Erne is a paddle steamer constructed in the late 1800s. In its later years, it served as a barge for transporting coal to battleships in the harbor. In 1935, it was dislodged from its moorings and subsequently wrecked against the breakwater, where it remains today. The wreck is situated upright on a silty seabed, reaching a maximum depth of 16 meters. Divers can explore the empty holds, swimming in and out of the structure. This site is suitable for training and exploration.
Crown Hill Bay
Crown Hill Bay is located at Bovisand and is the third beach in the area. Access to the beach is via steps, and parking is available nearby. This site is suitable for beginner divers, but it also offers interesting features for more experienced divers and photographers. The underwater environment consists of a combination of rocks, sand, and seaweed, providing a habitat for a variety of marine life. Notably, divers can observe numerous mermaid's purses, which are a highlight of the site.
Drake's Island
Drake's Island is located at the entrance of the River Tamar. Historically, it has been a site of shipwrecks due to its rocky shores, particularly before the construction of the Breakwater. The underwater environment supports a variety of marine life, including sponges, hydroids, and burrowing anemones. Divers can also encounter scallops and plaice in the area.
Eastern Kings
Eastern Kings is located near Devil’s Point and is accessible as a shore dive, although it is recommended to have boat cover. The site features a sloping cliff that descends to a depth of 40 meters. Diving is best conducted during high water, particularly around neap tides. The cliff is populated with hydroids, bryozoans, anemones, and sea squirts. Additionally, there are several caves and crevices that provide shelter for various fish and crustaceans.
Eddystone Lighthouse
Eddystone Lighthouse is located offshore and is accessible by boat. The site features strong currents, so it is best dived during neap tides. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life including schools of bass, pollock, wrasses, flatfish, basking sharks, and various crustaceans among the rock formations.
Elena R (Wreck)
The Elena R is a Greek steamship that sank on November 22, 1939. It rests at a depth of 27 meters and has sections that rise approximately 7 meters above the seabed. The wreck is situated in an area characterized by loose sandy gravel and is subject to strong currents, so divers should plan their dive times carefully. The wreck, although fragmented, is home to a variety of marine life, including conger eels and crabs, making it an interesting site for exploration.
Ethel (Wreck)
The Ethel wreck, a British steamship, sank after being torpedoed by the German submarine UB-104 on September 16, 1918, marking one of the final losses of World War I. The wreck lies at a depth of 36 meters on a sandy seabed, providing good visibility for divers. This site is also suitable for night dives, where divers can observe abundant marine life, including large shoals of fish attracted by nearby mussel beds.
Far Mulberry
Far Mulberry is a dive site featuring a Phoenix A1 Unit from the Mulberry Harbour, which was designated as a Scheduled Monument in 2019. This unit, intended for use in Normandy post-D-Day, is accompanied by a Landing Craft and a Cuckoo Rescue craft, all interconnected by rope to create a triangular trail. The maximum depth at this site is approximately 10 meters, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced. The marine life here is diverse, with sightings of Jewel Anemones, Nudibranchs, Tompot Blennies, Ballan Wrasse, Bib, Lobsters, Congers, Cat-Sharks, and Cuttlefish. Notably, Lumpsuckers can be observed in April.
Fort Bovisand
Fort Bovisand is a shore dive site that provides shelter from adverse weather conditions, making it suitable for novice divers. The site features a variety of marine life, including cuttlefish, wrasse, crabs, anemones, and sponges, which can be observed in the waters around the harbor walls.
Fossil Beds
Fossil Beds is located at Bracklesham Bay, where clay sediments from the Eocene epoch, approximately 46 million years old, are exposed due to erosion. This site offers divers the opportunity to search for fossilized shark and ray teeth among the sandy bottom. While exploring, divers may also encounter small marine life such as hermit crabs. The dive is conducted from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to uncover these ancient remnants.
Frogner
Frogner is the wreck of a Norwegian steamship that sank on April 25, 1918, lying at a depth of 35 meters. The site has undergone significant salvage operations, yet it remains an intriguing dive for those with the appropriate experience. Common marine life includes conger eels and large schools of fish. Due to its depth, this dive site is recommended for advanced divers, particularly those with Deep Specialty or Extended Range certifications.
Gascony
The Gascony wreck, located at a depth of 27 meters, rests upside down on the edge of the Owers after being torpedoed by UC-75 on January 6, 1918. Divers should navigate carefully around the wreck due to its deteriorated condition. Notable features include the wheels of army gun carriages that were part of its cargo for the British Army. Marine life around the wreck includes species such as Bib, Poor Cod, and bass, often found in significant numbers. Crabs and lobsters inhabit the wreckage, while smaller fish like Tompots can also be observed.
Glen Strathallen
The Glen Strathallen wreck lies approximately 15 meters underwater, having been intentionally sunk on April 27, 1970, just off the Shag Stone. The wreck rests on a sandy seabed, providing a unique dive experience. Divers swimming northwest from the wreck can explore various rocky outcrops and a kelp forest, where marine life such as wrasse, spider crabs, edible crabs, and cuttlefish can be observed.
Hand Deeps
Hand Deeps is located 9 miles offshore, providing excellent visibility due to the constant flow of clean water. The site features significant drop-offs and walls, making it a notable dive location. The marine life is diverse, with dogfish and crabs being the most common species observed. Additionally, the area is rich in coral formations and sea fans, offering ample opportunities for underwater photography.
Harbour Wreck
The Harbour Wreck is located just outside Newhaven Harbour at a depth of approximately 10 meters. This old ammunition barge is upright and rises about 2 meters above the seabed, providing a habitat for various marine life. Common species include plaice, Dover sole, and topknots, which can be found around the sandy edges. Divers may also encounter thornback rays, along with frequent sightings of edible crabs, velvet swimming crabs, and lobsters in the vicinity.
Hedwig Lunstedt
The Hedwig Lunstedt is a small German vessel that sank in January 1974 due to a shift in her cargo. The wreck lies on its starboard side approximately 9 miles offshore, with a maximum depth reaching over 35 meters in the scour area. The dive site offers a multi-level experience, with the upper section situated around 23 meters deep. Visibility can exceed 10 meters, making it a suitable location for divers. The wreck is home to various marine life, including crabs and lobsters, and divers frequently observe schools of bass swimming around the structure.
Heybrook Bay
Heybrook Bay is located approximately 3 miles from Bovisand and features a coastal path leading down to a small rocky beach. The site offers a depth of around 9 meters at high tide and approximately 3 meters at low tide. The seabed consists of sandy areas interspersed with rocky outcrops and is home to kelp forests. Marine life observed here includes various anemones, encrusting algae, crabs, cuttlefish, and painted top shells.
HMS Northcoates
HMS Northcoates, often referred to as the 'Armed Trawler', is located approximately 9 miles from Selsey at a depth of 27 meters. This wreck is notable for its degaussing equipment, which remains visible from its time as a minesweeper, along with the prominent forecastle gun. The marine life around the wreck includes typical species found in the area, such as crabs, lobsters, and schools of Bib, Poor Cod, bass, and Pollock. The site is accessible from the shore, making it a convenient dive location.
HMS Scylla, wreck
The HMS Scylla wreck, which was intentionally sunk in 2004, is located approximately 40 minutes by boat from Plymouth. After a decade of disrepair, efforts were made to ensure the wreck is safe for exploration. Since its sinking, a diverse array of marine life has established itself around the wreck, contributing to the site's ecological significance. The site is accessible via shore entry, allowing divers to explore the wreck and its surrounding marine environment.
HMT LANCER 2
The HMT Lancer 2 is an armed trawler that sank in 1918 following a collision with another ship. The wreck is situated at depths ranging from 21 to 28 meters, varying with the tide, and is accessible exclusively by boat. The vessel remains upright, with its bow rising approximately 4 meters above the seabed, and is adorned with plum rose anemones. As divers proceed towards the stern, they will encounter the winch and the boiler area, which are notable features of the wreck.
Inner Mulberry
Inner Mulberry is a small component of the Mulberry Harbour, believed to have served as an Intermediate Pier head Pontoon for resting purposes. The site is easily identifiable by a tall red can buoy and is exposed at low water. A Seasearch survey conducted here identified 17 different species of anemones inhabiting the structure. Divers can also expect to see various marine life including Nudibranchs, Scorpionfish, Crabs, and Lobsters during their exploration.
James Egan Layne
The James Egan Layne wreck lies upright on a sandy seabed in Whitsand Bay, having sunk after its stern collapsed while being towed towards Plymouth. The site is characterized by a variety of marine life, including extensive sheets of white anemones and dead man's fingers along the port side. Divers can access this site by boat.
Jenny Cliff
Jenny Cliff Bay is accessible from the shore, with a nearby car park and a sandy beach that offers a protected entry point. The underwater environment consists primarily of sandy bottoms, transitioning to rockier areas closer to the shoreline. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including spider crabs, wrasse, and lobsters.
M2 (Wreck)
The M2 wreck is a notable dive site located at coordinates 50.581500, -2.558300. The wreck lies upright on the seabed, with depths ranging from approximately 18 meters to 32 meters. Divers can observe a significant coverage of plumose anemones on the structure. Common marine life includes conger eels, which can often be found resting in the draining channels of the deck. The site also attracts large shoals of fish and various crabs. Due to its location, divers should be aware of local currents and tides, which can limit accessibility. This dive is suitable for experienced divers due to these conditions.
Mixon Hole
Mixon Hole is characterized by a significant vertical drop at the northern edge, situated within the Selsey Bill & the Hounds Marine Conservation Zone. The dive site reaches a maximum depth of 27 meters, with the upper ledge located at 6 meters, allowing for a multi-level diving experience. Divers are recommended to use EANx32 for optimal enjoyment. At the base of the hole, divers can observe clean gravel habitats that are home to cat-sharks and rays. The surrounding boulders provide shelter for crabs and lobsters, while various marine species inhabit the ledge area.
Nab Tower
Nab Tower is an artificial structure located over the Nab rocks, east of the Isle of Wight. Originally constructed for anti-submarine defense during World War I, it was later sunk to replace a lightship. The tower serves as a significant navigational marker for vessels entering the deep-water eastern section of the Solent. The maximum depth at this site reaches approximately 20 meters. Marine life around the tower includes Edible Crabs, Lobsters, and various species of Wrasse, as well as Bib, Blennies, and Gobies. Divers venturing away from the tower may encounter Cat-Sharks.
P-555 (Wreck)
The P-555 submarine wreck rests upright on the seabed at a depth of 39 meters. This site is largely intact and provides an interesting dive for those with a Deep or Extended Range Diver Specialty. The submarine, which sank on April 28, 1947, features four 21-inch bow torpedo tubes and a 3-inch anti-aircraft gun. Divers can expect to see large schools of fish in the vicinity, as well as conger eels and crabs. The wreck is also home to various types of marine flora.
Panther Shoal
Panther Shoal is located at coordinates 50.328100, -4.151200 and is accessible via shore entry. The shoal features a depth range where the top is approximately 10 meters and the base reaches around 19 meters. Divers can explore a variety of marine flora and fauna in this area. Notably, the site is situated between the firing lines of Fort Picklecombe and Breakwater Fort, which allows divers to discover historical artifacts such as cannonballs scattered across the seabed.
Peacehaven gullies
Peacehaven Gullies is located just off the coast of Peacehaven, featuring a series of chalk gullies that extend from Old Nore to Sebastian Steps. The site has a depth range between 4.5 meters and 12 meters, with the topography characterized by chalk gullies that rise up to 2 meters above the surrounding fine sand seabed. Marine life commonly observed here includes plaice, mullet, bass, conger eels, anemones, Thornback rays, undulated rays, lobsters, velvet swimming crabs, and occasionally seahorses.
Selsey Drift (the Parks)
The Selsey Drift, located in an area historically known as 'The Parks', offers divers an average depth ranging from 10 to 12 meters. The site is characterized by minimal obstructions, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels. Tidal flow influences the starting point for dives, and the use of surface marker buoys is necessary. Marine life commonly observed includes various species of rays such as Undulate, Thornback, Spotted, Marble, and Blonde, along with Cat-Sharks, Smoothhounds, Plaice, Turbot, and occasionally Seahorses, including both spiny and short-snouted varieties.
Shag Stone
Shag Stone is accessible by boat from Fort Bovisand. The dive site features a stony seabed composed of green and purple pebbles, interspersed with seaweed gullies. This environment supports a variety of marine life, including dogfish, rays, wrasse, and crabs.
Shirala
The Shirala wreck lies at a depth of 24 meters, located just off the North East end of the Owers, approximately 8 miles from Selsey. This wreck, which was torpedoed in July 1918, is easily accessible from the shore. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life typical of Sussex wrecks, including Edible Crabs, Lobsters, and schools of Bib, as well as Conger Eels.
Spaniard/Encuri (Wreck)
The Spaniard/Encuri wreck is located just inside the outer breakwater, providing an accessible dive site for beginners or those looking to practice their skills. The maximum depth reaches 14 meters, while the shallower areas are around 7 meters. Visibility is typically good; however, the silty bottom can reduce clarity if disturbed. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, butterfish, tom-pot blennies, and spider crabs, making it an interesting site for exploration.
SS Kyarra
The SS Kyarra is a steel cargo and passenger liner that was constructed in 1903 in Scotland. This vessel, measuring 127 meters in length and 16 meters in beam, has a gross tonnage of 6,953 tons. The ship was launched on February 2, 1903, and features a draft of 9.576 meters. It was built by William Denny and Brothers in Dumbarton, Scotland. The wreck site is accessible from the shore, allowing divers to explore the remains of this historical ship.
Stoke Beach
Stoke Beach offers divers a unique opportunity to explore the seabed near Stoke Point, often referred to as the 'Sponge Gardens' of South Devon. The site features a variety of depths suitable for novice divers, although the most impressive rock formations and diverse marine life are found deeper than 20 meters below low water level. Divers can observe numerous species of sponges, including some that are considered rare, particularly in areas where sand covers low-lying rocks. This location is also favorable for underwater photography due to the vibrant colors of the marine life present.
Swanpool Beach
Swanpool Beach features a gentle sandy slope leading to a rocky and kelp-covered reef on both sides. The maximum depth reaches 6 meters during high tide, making it suitable for entry-level training. Marine life observed in this area includes wrasse, bass, pollack, jellyfish, crabs, hermit crabs, lobsters, plaice, and pipefish, among others.
T'pot
The T'Pot, also known as the Brigitta, is a wreck site located at a depth of 20 meters. This armed merchant vessel was sunk by a mine on December 4, 1917, while traveling from Barry to Dieppe. The wreck is divided into three distinct sections: the upside-down stern, the boilers, and the midships/bow. Divers can expect to see typical marine life in the area, including Tomato Blennies, Crabs, and Lobsters. Notably, the wreck is recognized for the presence of large Conger Eels, particularly around the boiler area.
Talland Bay
Talland Bay, located in Cornwall, is accessible from the shore and is suitable for beginner divers. The dive site features the wreck of the Marguerite, which is situated in shallow waters between the two main beaches. The inshore reefs here are generally less than 10 meters deep and consist of rocks in shades of green, purple, and grey, along with abundant seaweed and diverse marine life.
The Mohegan (Wreck)
The Mohegan wreck lies approximately ten minutes from Porthkerris. This 482-foot luxury liner, with a gross tonnage of 6,889, sank in 1898 after colliding with the Manacles under unclear circumstances. Divers should plan their dives during slack tide or on weak neap tides for optimal conditions. The site is home to various marine life, including gorgonian fans, Dead Man’s Fingers, jewel anemones, conger eels, flatfish, and anglerfish. Artifacts from the passengers are occasionally discovered at the site.
TR Thompson
The TR Thompson is a wreck located at coordinates 50.710000, 0.136400, having been sunk by UB-57 on March 29, 1918. This vessel measures 110 meters in length and 14 meters in width, with a displacement of 3538 tons. Of the 36 crew members aboard, only three survived the sinking. Divers can observe the deck gun situated on the stern section of the wreck. The site is also known for its diverse marine life, including Conger eels, lobsters, pout whiting, and bib, which can be seen throughout the year.
UB-74 (Wreck)
The UB-74 is a German submarine wreck located at a depth of 34 meters. It measures 182 feet in length and was sunk on May 26, 1918, by a depth charge from the armed yacht Lorna. The wreck remains relatively intact, although it has been subjected to target practice by the Navy. Divers may observe Conger eels residing within the double hull of the submarine. This site is best explored when tidal conditions permit access.
UB1195
The UB-1195 is a German Type VIIC submarine that was sunk on April 7, 1945, in the English Channel due to depth charges from the British destroyer HMS Watchman. The wreck is located at a depth of 30 meters and is positioned upright, although the Conning Tower has detached from the pressure hull and is leaning to one side. The structure is beginning to show signs of deterioration. Marine life commonly observed around the wreck includes crabs, lobsters, and conger eels, which are frequent inhabitants of such wreck sites.
Waldrons Drift
Waldrons Drift is a sandstone reef located southeast of Bognor Regis, featuring a drift dive experience. The dive depth ranges from 12 to 18 meters as divers move along the reef. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including Corkwing Wrasse, Ballan Wrasse, Goldsinney, Pollack, Tompot Blenny, rays, and cat sharks. Additionally, there are 24 recorded species of sponges, bryozoans, hydroids, and tube worms. Visibility can reach up to 8 to 10 meters, providing good conditions for exploration.