Swanage

Join your Ipswich Scuba buddies for some lovely diving in Swanage. 

Swanage Pier is a suitable dive site for divers of all qualifications as it is one of the few sheltered sea diving sites on the south coast and is popular to divers of all levels. You can choose to join us on the boat trips organised by Divers Down or dive the pier or do a mixture of the both. 

2026 Weekend Dates

5th - 6th September - driving up Friday 4th September

The Plans

Overall plan - 

 

Leave home and drive up the evening of Friday 4^th September l and stay at our accommodation. We can meet at the shop to collect equipment* and head up together or you can make your own way. 

 

Diving plan -  

 

Saturday 5^th September

 

12:30 – Peveril Ledges – with Divers Down at £35-Peveril Ledges Drift - Drift from Durlston Bay across rocky ledges with Fish, Crabs and Lobsters and into Swanage Bay. Starts around 8m going down to around 16m. Currently 10 spaces available on 10/8/2026

 

15:45 – Valentine Tanks – with Divers Down - here were seven experimental tanks designed to float with propellers at the rear, that sank during trials when they were being developed in Poole Bay.  The two remaining now lie in the  Poole Bay area in water around 15m deep,  with a rope attached between them.  The tanks attract fish, congers, lobsters and crabs and make for an interesting dive.  Currently 8 spaces available on 10/08/2026

 

 

Sunday 6^th September

 

8:30 - Old Harry Drift – with Divers Down at £35.  Drift along near Old Harry Rocks - depth between 12m and 16m. Often spotted in this area - Smooth Hounds and Rays.  Currently 8 spaces at time of writing available on 10/08/2026

 

Noonish  - A leisurely dive under the pier before the drive home. 

 

Alternatively if you do not wish to do the chartered boat dive there is some lovely dives under the pier.

 

Return home on the Sunday afternoon. 

Accommodation
You will be responsible for organising your own accommodation but we can help you. 

Equipment
If you need to hire equipment the breakdown is as follows
Tanks - 12 litres are £10 per day - 15 Litres are 
Dry Suit is £25 per day and includes the boots
BCD is £10 per day
Regs is £10 per day
Hood is £5 per day
Weights is £1 per kilo per day

It is recommended you have your own mask/snorkel, SMB, reel and a decent torch and backup. 

There is a dive centre on the pier who does air fills. 

Please let Gemma know if you are interested on info@ipswichscuba.co.uk know if you are interested and she will register your interest and let you know the plans including travel/accommodation/diving and equipment.

Please note the diving this weekend will be governed by weather conditions and tides so may be cancelled or adapted to make the most of the diving experience.