Sam Files goes back to his rewilding roots with a visit to Torbay’ s iconic Brixham Breakwater
Bigeye sand smelt
Sam in the seagrass
Guns of Brixham
Sam Files goes back to his rewilding roots with a visit to Torbay’ s iconic Brixham Breakwater
Briefing: Brixham Breakwater is a shore dive with ample opportunities for different dive routes. It is in Torbay, or as we call it, Torbaydos. In clear water( some of the time) you can navigate around a reef, breakwater wall or a sandy expanse. There are opportunities to see all sorts of creatures, not to mention a very nice bistro for postdive treats. was involved in establishing the UK’ s first seagrass nursery. The habitat restoration work carried out in Torbay and around Brixham was part of that effort— and coincidentally, this very location was one of my first open water dive sites. Returning now, both for work and leisure, brings a unique sense of connection and pride.
One of my most unforgettable moments occurred while returning from a dive along the breakwater wall. The day had started overcast and grey, but while we were underwater, the clouds cleared. As we swam back towards shore, beams of sunlight pierced the water, illuminating a school of fish. The way the light shimmered off their scales made them appear to dance in slow motion— a mesmerising sight. We extended our dive for another ten minutes just to take in the beauty of the moment. The Breakwater is more than just a dive location – it’ s a living memory of where my passion for marine conservation began, and where it continues to thrive.
Debrief: Brixham Breakwater is perfect as a first dive or 1,000th dive. It’ s an easy way to enjoy some of the best life and variety we have in the UK, plus the chips are great from the Breakwater Bistro!
The dive: Brixham Breakwater offers easy access, even on moderately busy days, thanks to its large car park and short walk down a gently sloping, pebbled beach. Sheltered from most weather conditions, it’ s a reliable and inviting spot for divers of all levels.
To the south lies a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life including lobsters and octopuses. On one memorable occasion, I even discovered a dive torch buried beneath the sand— an unexpected treasure. Heading east, the underwater landscape opens into a sandy expanse rich with scallops, surrounded by swaying seagrass beds. These meadows provide essential cover for crabs, cuttlefish and other marine species, creating a biodiverse and captivating underwater environment.
This site holds a particularly special place in my heart. Early in my diving journey, I
Enter the common dragonet
Beautiful Brixham 31