Lundy Island , North Devon
England ’ s first Marine Conservation Zone , Lundy is a walking advert for the benefits of protecting key marine areas , where fishing is restricted or banned outright . The island lies about 12 miles off the coast of north Devon , and is a haven for wildlife both underwater , on land and in the air . Lundy ’ s extraordinary diversity of marine life is generated by its mixture of habitats , from inshore reefs to pinnacles , kelp , shipwrecks and seaweed forests . Beginner divers can choose their depth and dive safely within their limits . Lundy is also known for its population of grey seals , which sometimes choose to play with divers .
Anglesey , Wales
Anglesey has some of the most dramatic coastlines in Wales , and it is possible to dive from the shore at several locations . Rugged granite topography and secluded bays backed by the mountains of Snowdonia make for stunning views . The panorama also extends underwater to produce exciting reefs , pinnacles and drop offs . Anglesey has become a very popular wreck diving location , the whole area has yielded many fascinating sites and most of them are in depths up to 20 metres and just a short boat ride away from launch sites such as Trearddur Bay and Holyhead . Trearddur Bay is noted for the diversity of its marine life , and is a traditional ‘ baptism ’ spot for new UK divers .
West Cornwall and the Scilly Isles
The further west you go in south west England , the clearer the water seems to become as dive sites become exposed to the oceanic water of the Atlantic . Cornwall has plenty of iconic dives , from the Lizard peninsula to the exposed rocks off the end of Penzance . During the summer months you can see harmless basking sharks , the second biggest fish in the sea , as they arrive to filter feed on blooming zooplankton off the south coast . Further west beyond Land ’ s End , you arrive at the picturesque Isles of Scilly , where the granite rock faces are carpeted with colonies of jewel anemones , and the water is crisp and clear . This is a sub-tropical paradise , a place that is recognisably English , yet utterly apart .
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