Local Shore Dives
These are some of the shore dives in the Exmouth area that we frequently visit. There are a great many other sites locally, so it's always worth giving us a ring to see where's good!
Blenny Bay
The building work is nearly complete around Blenny Bay, which has meant that parking is restricted now. It maybe be small, but it more than makes up for its size in the variety of life that can be found within a few metres of the shore. It can be dived for about three hours after high tide and is the deepest of our regular shore dives, with depths around 12m possible. The rocky sea defences are home to many sea creatures - aggressive tompots, scorpion fish, eels, prawns, etc. To see some of the life, come and see Doc's film running daily at the Dive Centre!!
Budleigh Beach
Budleigh boasts three Reefs that run parallel to the shore. The first of which can be easily reached from the shore - however there are gaps at the far end so contact the Dive Centre for details.
Lanes Rock is a little reef very close to shore at the town end of the beach which is a favourite for photographers. Budleigh is good for all crustaceans especially masked crabs and spider crabs. It also hosts an abundance of Dog Fish, Pollack, Wrasse and bib! We have also been lucky enough to spot Cuttle Fish, Squid and even dolphins from Budleigh!!
Budleigh also has a two Cafes for hot and cold drinks and lunch. It also has toilet facilities.
Babbacombe Bay
Babbacombe is around 40 mins away and is a very interesting and varied dive site. Babbacombe is most easily dived a couple of hours either side of high tide, although it can be dived at any state of tide - you just have to negotiate the rocks and weed and tread carefully! As you explore the kelp forests to left of the beach or the rocky outcrops on the right, keep your eyes open for the cuttlefish for which the bay is famous! It even has a resident seal which quite often makes an appearance! Dolphins and Pilot whales have also been spotted here. Wayne runs a brilliant cafe on the front which does great bacon and sausage butties and hot and cold drinks. Toilet facilities are also available here during the summer and on fine winter days! Check out the webcam on the roof of the cafe to see what conditions are like! www.babbacombebeach.com
Other Sites
Exmouth Pier Head
Walk down Mamhead Slipway or giant stride off the pier. This site must be dived at high water, ideally entering the water just before high tide to make the most of the slack water period. Lots of wildlife including wrasse, blennies, gobies, tunicates and sponges. The old collapsed pier creates an overhang where lobsters and scorpion fish lurk, also two old cars which are interesting to explore. A great night dive where numerous conger eels can be seen. Average depth 12 metres, can get 18 metres in the channel. Divers must use an SMB, the slipway and dock entrance are out of bounds. Be aware of the tide, which can be quite swift! You can get an idea of the sea conditions here by checking out Exmouth Docks on the Exmouth-cam website
The River Run.
This fantastic drift dive should be undertaken on the ebb from the pier head. Keeping close inshore divers will see flatfish, crabs and bass. An SMB is essential and boat cover advisable.
