The 12 Best Dive Sites in the UK for 2026
- Obsequio
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
With the new year rapidly approaching, it’s time to start planning your dive trips for 2026! And while exotic locations always appeal (especially during these dark winter months), there’s no denying that the UK is home to some fantastic dive sites we never get tired of. So, in preparation for the new year, and in no particular order, we’re looking at the top 12 UK dive spots for 2026.
Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands
It’s impossible to talk about fantastic dive locations without mentioning the historic wreck site at Scapa Flow. The many German warships scuttled in the area after World War I are an incredible window to the past and offer a truly fascinating dive experience. In addition to the amazing history, the aquatic life in Scapa Flow is breath-taking. Nature has turned the sunken ships into artificial reefs on which marine life thrives. It’s no surprise that Scapa Flow isn’t just one of the most famous dive sites in the UK, but in the world.
Farne Islands, Northumberland
Where Scapa Flow is famous for its wrecks, the Farne Islands are famous for something a little smaller and more lively… seals! The islands, not far from the Scottish border, are home to thousands of grey seals—according to the National Trust, 2.5% of grey seal pups born in Britain are from the Farnes. With so many divers taking to the water to experience these incredible creatures and the kelp beds they call home, you have a good chance of encountering a playful seal who is used to entertaining visitors in its aquatic abode.
The Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
The dive season in the Scilly Isles is tragically short, thanks to its exposed nature and the wild weather in the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. But there’s no doubt that it’s worth the time and effort of planning. With waters that promise to be warmer than the more northerly locations we’ve talked about, the Isles of Scilly are home to fascinating shipwrecks, enchanting reefs, and, of course, seals. This is a place that comes up time and time again on divers’ lists of favourite spots. The best time to dive in the Isles of Scilly is between May and September—so if you haven’t been yet, maybe it’s time to start planning!
Lundy Island, North Devon
Just three miles long and half a mile wide, Lundy Island stands at the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bristol Channel. It is famed for its clear waters, incredible visibility, and diverse and thriving marine life. The different sites around the island make it easy to plan your trip according to your interests and levels of experience. Gannet’s Bay, for example, is a shallow dive that’s perfect for spending time with some seals. On the other hand, the Knoll Pins offers variable depths from 10-25 metres, depending on the tides. These three exposed rock walls are bursting with colour and life, including cup corals, jewel anemones, and dead man’s fingers. And we haven’t even mentioned the many wrecks around Lundy that have fascinated divers for decades. Suffice to say, there’s something for everyone when diving at Lundy Island.
St Kilda, Scotland
We’re back in Scotland for yet another chilly but unmissable dive spot. St Kilda is a Special Area of Conservation, famed for its caves, crevices, reefs, and magnificent sea life. The area is comprised of four islands and lies 40 miles northwest of its nearest Hebridean neighbours, so getting there and back—and the dives themselves—are at the mercy of the weather. But those who have visited describe it with one word—unforgettable. If you’re not afraid of the cold and have a diver’s understanding that the weather won’t always be on your side, booking a trip to St Kilda is something you won’t regret.
Brighton, East Sussex
Our first mention of the Channel so far, diving off the coast of Brighton offers a varied experience at relatively shallow depths. The waters around Brighton teem with fish of all shapes and sizes thanks to the safety of rocky shelves and plateaus, while the sea floor hosts armies of crustaceans. You’ll find plenty of wrecks to keep you busy too, and all at a warmer water temperature than the northern locations!
Plymouth, South Devon
Plymouth is a firm favourite among divers thanks to its wealth of wrecks and reefs that keep you coming back for more and more. With wrecks lying at depths from 10m to 50m, there’s lots to explore for divers of all levels. Plymouth’s reefs house all kinds of sea life, including corals, rays, octopus, and conger eels. From Firestone Bay to the shallow reef at the Mewstone island, you’ll find some of Devon’s best dives along Plymouth’s beautiful coast.
Pembrokeshire, Wales
The Pembrokeshire coast is famed for its beauty, both in the water and out. The waters are rich with sea life, including dolphins, blue sharks, rays, octopus, sunfish, and many, many more. And that’s not all. The sea bed off the coast of Pembrokeshire is home to upwards of 300 shipwrecks, offering incredible diving experiences for everyone from beginners to experts. The islands of Skomer, Skokholm, and Middleholm are favourites among divers, as well as being important sites for seabirds including puffins, cormorants, and Manx shearwaters. As the only area in Wales to have Marine Conservation Zone Protected Status, the Pembrokeshire coast is well worth a visit.
Oban, Scotland
Known as the Gateway to the Isles, Oban is rich in culture, history, and incredible dive sites. Wrecks, crevices, caves, and walls will keep you occupied for days on end. During the spring, basking sharks and other marine life migrate to the area, making for some truly incredible experiences. The inner Hebrides are at the mercy of the maritime weather and unpredictable tides, so keep a close eye on recent conditions or ask for advice from local dive centres. But if the weather is on your side, Oban is a dive site you won’t soon forget.
Chesil Cove and Portland, Dorset
The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site and a stunning part of the UK. We’ve combined two of our favourite spots in Dorset as they offer different but complementary diving opportunities. Chesil Cove is a popular site all year round thanks to its minimal tidal influence and an incredible array of marine life. It’s a great spot for less experienced divers too, while more experienced divers might prefer what Portland has to offer. The seabed here is littered with historical wrecks from as far back as the 16th century. And not just shipwrecks—aircraft from World War II also reside in the depths of Portland Bay, making it a must for divers with a keen interest in history.
Isle of Man
Located in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts some of the best visibility of any dive site in the UK. With sandy beaches to the north and craggy cliffs to the south, it offers a variety of diving experiences. It is particularly popular with underwater photographers and marine biologists, thanks to the diverse and thriving marine life. The Sugarloaf Caves, an extensive cave system near Port St Mary, enthrall and delight divers of all levels, while the Burroo (also known as the Drinking Dragon) is a magnificent place to marvel at the abundant sea life.
Jersey, The Channel Islands
Last but certainly not least, we come to the Channel Islands. Ideal for the colder months of winter and early spring, the water around Jersey tends to be somewhat balmier than around mainland Britain. Jersey offers divers the chance to experience wrecks, reefs, and fun drift dives.Its waters are home to fascinating flora and fauna, including corals, sponges, rays, and seals. From the reefs at Bouley Bay and St Catherine's to the Kromwijk and Shockland wrecks, Jersey is a truly wonderful place to enjoy the best of diving.
Making the Most of the UK's Best Dive Sites
Whether you're a beginner enjoying the shallows, an animal-lover seeking the company of playful seals, or a technical diver keen to explore the depths, the UK undoubtedly has some of the best dive sites to meet any diver's interests. We've highlighted our top 12 here but there are so many more fantastic spots around the UK that deserve to be mentioned—but we simply can’t fit them all! We hope, however, that this list will inspire you to explore some of the best the UK has to offer, and that you'll enjoy some fantastic dives along the way.
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