Useful resources
UKDIVING
Seal action at Peninnis Head
Exploring the kelp line at Gilstone Reef
opportunity to experience diving typical of the Isles of Scilly . In addition to a relaxing pleasure dive over the seagrass at Broad Ledges Tresco , we had the opportunity to dive with seals in the rocky gullies of the Eastern Isles , and deeper dives on the wall at Peninnis Head and the Gilstone , both to the East of St Mary ’ s .
On the latter two dives , once you drop below 18 metres and out of the kelp , the marine scenery is stunning . As with the shallower dives , the visibility was excellent and the colours on the rocks from jewel anemones highlighted the beauty of UK diving , definitely dives to bring your torch to reveal those hidden hues .
I can certainly say that expectations of the Isles of Scilly were met in bucket loads , both above and below the water . The diving was top notch and certainly near the top of the pile with regard to my UK dive experience . It ’ s a welcome change to be able to dive and clearly see your buddy !
There is definitely a slower more relaxed pace of life on the islands , and it ’ s no surprise that many of the visitors I met had been coming to the islands for decades . Without a doubt I would return to the Isles of Scilly in a heartbeat and if you have the opportunity I would strongly recommend the isles as an exceptional dive experience . �
With thanks to Jim Bull and Emma Kenyon , who collaborated on this article .
Useful resources
Project Seagrass Natural England Isles of Scilly Travel Isles of Scilly Dive Charter Seagrass Survey 2024 Video projectseagrass . org gov . uk / government / organisations / natural-england islesofscilly-travel . co . uk islesofscillydivecharters . co . uk youtu . be / xEogdctqnuc
30