The Scilly Islands
With crystal clear waters, a fantastic array of wrecks, a plethora of marine life and old world charm in abundance, The Scilly Isles, situated off the Southwest coast of Cornwall, offer the travelling diver a truly unforgettable experience.
These remote and unspoiled islands have the mildest climate in Britain. The Isles are often referred to as a sub-tropical paradise and have been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Scillies are a haven for many types of flora and fauna both above and below water. A look below the clear, protected waters will reveal a wealth of colour and wildlife, some of the most impressive jewel anemone walls in the UK, the opportunity to dive with large seal colonies and an array of spectacular wrecks and reefs. Sapphire-blue water, colourful reefs and a pristine, light flooded marine environment abundant with life combine to make diving on the Isles of Scilly a captivating experience for all grades of diver.
The Islands
The Scilly Islands consist of five inhabited islands, each with its own unique character, and numerous smaller island and Islets. The islands are home to around 2000 residents. The main source of work on the Islands is now tourism, but the fishing and farming industries still survive. Regular motor launch services make travel between the islands relatively simple between April and October. Each island has it own individual features and atmosphere, but the underlying natural beauty is common to all - soft, white sand, clear water, sparkling air, rugged granite outcrops, springy turf and magnificent views.
The sslands are a haven of peace and tranquillity and relaxation, but are also a wonderful playground for the active visitor. All kinds of sporting activity take place with water- based pastimes such as sailing, swimming, boating, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing and fishing being especially popular. For those who prefer to stay dry golf, cycling, horse riding and walking are available.
For information on what is available on each of the Islands visit Simply Scilly
The Diving
The Scilly Isles has arguably more shipwrecks per square mile that any other place on earth. A glance at the charts for the area shows this small group of Islands to be a real trap to shipping. It is estimated that over 2000 ships have come to grief in this small area over the centuries. The variety is staggering, everything from medieval wooden wrecks that have long since been reclaimed by the sea, to the ill-fated super tanker the Torrey Canyon which sank (eventually) after colliding with Pollards rock in 1967.
Plympton & Hathor
This site gives two wrecks for the price of one. The Plympton, a 3,000-ton steamship collided with Lethergus reef in thick fog in April 1909. The crew were all landed safely, but two men lost their lives when the wreck was lifted off the reef and sank whilst she was being salvaged. She now lies on a rocky bottom at about 38 metres.
Eleven years later, in December 1920 the 7000-ton German steamer, Hathor, was being towed from the Azores to Plymouth. She broke loose from her tugs and hit Lethergus reef sinking across the remains of the Plympton at a depth of around 30m.
These days it is difficult to tell the wrecks apart, but with so much to see these wrecks are a very popular dive.
King Cadwallon.
This 5000-ton is one of the Scillies signature dives. She lies in a gully on the eastern slope of Hard Lewis Rocks. The bow is in shallow water and is well broken. The stern section is reasonably intact and lies in 40m. This part of the wreck is exposed to the current and so has plenty of life on it. Lying as it does on Hard Lewis rocks it is possible to clear any deco obligation whilst examining the reef.
The Cita
The Cita, a 3000-ton cargo ship ran aground on rocks on 26 March 1996. She was grounded for 12 days before finally breaking in two and sinking. The wreck is buoyed bow and stern and is normally treated as two separate dives. Despite being a recent wreck she is already a haven for wildlife and encrusted with anemones and hydroids. There is something for most divers on this wreck with depths ranging from 15 - 38 metres.
The Delaware
The wreck of the Delaware a 3400-ton steamer was sunk on the ledges between the Islands of Bryer and Samson in December 1871. She is well broken up and lies at 20m. The main point of interest on the dive is the massive primitive steam engine and gear, which stands proud at the centre of the otherwise broken wreckage. This is a very interesting dive, especially for those interested in steam engines.
Western Rocks
If the weather is kind the reefs and walls of the western rocks provide some truly spectacular diving. The Atlantic swells and currents at these exposed sites ensure that the reefs and walls are a riot of spectacular coloured anemones. Wild life is abundant and if your lucky you can have close encounters with one of the many seals that frequent this area. Trenemene Wall drops off from the surface to over 70m and provides some beautiful scenic diving with the wall encrusted with Jewel Anemones, Fan Corals, Ross Coral, Dead Man's Fingers, Plumose Anemones, Sponges and much more.
Weather and Tides
The influence of the Gulf Stream around the Scillies mean that the Islands are often described as 'Sub-Tropical'. The climate is generally very mild. The Islands exposed offshore locations bring benefit from clear unpolluted waters but at a cost of being exposed to strong tidal streams and Atlantic swells. However, with over 150 dive sites to choose from the Scillies offer diving that can cope with the uncertainties of the UK weather system. Many of the best sites are close to shore and are more easily accessed by smaller dive boats skippered by locals with expert knowledge. Local weather information can be found here
The Inshore forecast for the islands is covered by Lyme Regis to Lands End including the Isles of Scilly and can be found
Here
Admiralty Charts
Admiralty Chart 883 Isles of Scilly, St Marys and principle Off-islands
Admiralty Chart 34, Isles of Scilly, St Mary's Road
Diving Services
Unsurprisingly in a small and remote location diving services are somewhat limited. At present there is no access to Nitrox or Helium on the Islands but boat operators can provide air.
Tim and Jo Allsop are highly regarded skippers and charter operators. Jo runs Moonshadow from St Marys and Tim operates Moroven from St Martins. They can be contacted through Their Website or telephone 01720 422848
Mark Groves runs diving and snorkelling safaris through Island Sea safaris telephone 01720 422732 or (m) 07747 615732
Sea Safaris
Accommodation
Despite their size the sslands have a wide variety of places to stay ranging from quality hotels to campsites. Details can be found here Accommodation
And Here
Isles of Scilly tourist information, Tourist Board Website
GETTING THERE:
The Scillonian ferry (01736 334220) sails daily from Penzance. For a group with diving kit, a freight container can be booked for the Scillonian.
Otherwise fly from Land's End with Skybus (08457 105555) or by helicopter from Penzance (01736 363871).
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Dive the Isles of Scilly and North Cornwall, by Richard Larn and David McBride.
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