Swanage is rated as one of the top dive destinations in the United Kingdom. There are many wrecks within easy reach of Swanage Bay as well as reefs, drift dives and scenic dive sites. The popular dive on Swanage Pier is accessed from the shore.
One of the most dived wrecks is the Kyarra a boat launched in Scotland in 1903. The name comes from a small "fillet" of possum fur and is aboriginal in origin. Kyarra was an Australian passenger ship, requisitioned in 1914 as a hospital ship. in 1915 she was converted to a troop transport ship. On the 4th January 1918 she was returned to civilian control and on 5th May 1918 whilst on her way to Devenport from Tillbury to pick up passengers bound for Australia, she was sunk by a Uboat (UB-57) with the loss of 6 lives. This was just near the Swanage coast off Anvil point where she was discovered some 40 years later.
Kyrra is one of the most popular dives off swanage today.
Swanage Diving offers a range of courses catering for beginners through to the more experienced wanting a Divemaster qualification.
Two companies offer Dive Boat Charters.
Swanage Boat Charters operate two boats, Mary Jo and Viper. Each can take up to 12 divers.
Mary Jo
Viper
Divers Down claims to be the oldest Diving School in Britain, established in 1958 and has three boats; Spike (below Grey tubes organge superstructure), Swanage Diver and Skua. Again each can accommodate up to 12 divers. The Dive Shop on Swanage Pier provides Boat Charter, Air, Nitrox, Hire Equipment and Shop Sales. The shop is open 7 days a week during the diving season
Spike
Skua
Call us on chanel 65 or telephone 01929422596
The mission of the National Coastwatch Institute is to be the eyes and ears of the coast, cliffs and footpaths for the safety of all users. The NCI is a registered charity and depends entirely on public donations for equipment and the ability to maintain a safety watch.