Diving in Dorset ^*

Home to the atmospherically-named Jurassic Coast, famous for the fossils found there, Dorset is set on the English Channel and is a great option for diving, with a whole host of dive sites, whether you’re beginner or advanced. Beginners will love the gentle slopes of the shore dives that can be reached by boat, while more advanced divers will enjoy the amazing wrecks, including World War One and Two vessels – after all this was a key area for shipping during both wars and the Normandy Landings also departed from this county. It means you can expect some incredible wrecks, ranging from aircraft carriers to torpedoed ships. The tides here are strong so dives will need to be well-planned to coincide with slack waters. If you are heading out by boat you will likely be departing from the luxury seaside town of Poole, or Swanage, Weymouth or Portland. Visibility varies between 5 and 20 meters (and 66ft) and like with much of England’s south coast, the water temperature can rise to about 19C (66F) in late summer, with the diving season stretching from April to about October. You’ll find plenty of accommodation in charming towns here, but do book ahead in the peak summer season.