Seahouses and Farne Islands dive site

Seahouses Harbour provides access to the Farne Islands, one of the most highly regarded diving locations in the UK. The islands sit just offshore and offer a wide variety of dive sites, from shallow reefs to deeper wrecks, with consistently strong marine life.

The area is particularly well known for its resident grey seal colony, with regular close encounters that make it one of the most unique dive experiences in the UK. Alongside this, the waters are rich in fish, crustaceans and seasonal activity from seabirds and marine mammals. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Diving here is typically boat based, departing from Seahouses Harbour, with a short journey out to the islands. Conditions can vary depending on tide and weather, but there is usually shelter available somewhere around the islands.

Location

Dive overview

Dive features

The Farne Islands offer a wide range of dive environments, making them suitable for varied dive plans and experience levels.

• Reefs and rock formations with steep faces, gullies and kelp forests
• Wreck dives scattered around the islands
• Underwater pinnacles and drop offs providing strong structure and shelter
• Shallow and deeper routes depending on site selection

The underwater terrain includes kelp covered slopes, vertical walls and sandy patches, creating a diverse environment across relatively small areas. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Marine life

The Farne Islands are one of the most wildlife rich diving locations in the UK. Divers regularly encounter:

• Grey seals, often interactive and curious
• Crabs and lobsters within reef crevices
• Anemones, soft corals and other invertebrates
• Various fish species depending on season

The area is also a major seabird habitat, with species such as puffins, terns and guillemots present during breeding seasons. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Conditions and navigation

Diving around the Farne Islands is heavily influenced by tides, with slack water being the preferred time to dive. Currents can be strong in open areas but are often reduced when diving close to the rocks or within sheltered sections. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Visibility varies depending on conditions but is often reasonable for UK diving, with routes typically planned around reef lines, rock formations or specific wreck sites.

Due to the exposed nature of the location, dive planning and timing are important, but the range of sites available usually allows for suitable conditions somewhere around the islands.