DIVING

Weymouth and Portland are a diver’s paradise, offering a wide range of dive sites suitable for all experience levels. From sheltered harbour dives to open-water adventures, there’s something for everyone.

For easy access and expert guidance, the Old Harbour Dive Centre, located along Weymouth Harbour, is a popular choice. They provide training, equipment, and guided dives for all levels. www.oldharbourdivecentre.co.uk

Thanks to the sheltered location of Portland Harbour, diving is possible year-round. Harbour dives are ideal for beginners and technical divers alike, with depths reaching below 40 metres. Outside the harbour, the best diving is typically from April to September, when conditions are calmer and visibility is at its best.

Divers can expect to see an impressive variety of wildlife, including:

     • Fish: Bib, Pouting, Pollock, Ballan Wrasse, Corkwing Wrasse, Blennies, John Dory, Dog Fish, Turbot, Brill, Top Knot, Plaice, Lemon Sole, Rays

     • Crustaceans: Spider Crabs, Edible Crabs, Lobsters, Squat Lobsters

     • Shellfish: Scallops, Mussels

     • Other marine life: Dolphins, seals, Snakelock Anemones, Nudibranchs, Pipefish, and abundant seaweed and kelp, particularly vibrant in spring                and summer

     • Inner Harbour: LCT Wreck, Bombardon Unit, The Spaniard (Enicuri), Countess of Erne

     • Outer Harbour: The Dredger, Balaclava Bay, Chequered Fort

     • Prohibited Areas: The Hood, Harbour at Chequered Fort, other controlled zones

Access to certain dive sites within Portland Harbour requires a Diving Permit, issued by the Harbour Authority. Permits are valid only for the specified periods and do not guarantee safety. Divers are responsible for assessing risks and following safe diving practices. For more information, contact the Harbour Office: 01305 824044.