Thatcher Rock (below)
To the North is 'The Cut', the channel between Thatcher Rock and the shore. It is subject to strong currents and heavy boat traffic. A popular area for potting. Can get very shallow at low tide - keep close to Thatcher to avoid problems.
To the West and South there are small broken rocks. King Rock lies off to the south-west and Queen Rock to the south-east. Between these, and to the south, the bottom is fairly flat and featureless, with scallops on a silty, shelly area. Stay closer to Thatcher in shallow water and there are interesting rock ridges, but they can be kelpy close to the island.
To the East the site slopes away from large rocky gullies leading on to smaller reefs.
Orestone Rock (below)
A more sandy bottom here generally means the vis will be better than the more silty areas in the Bay. However, the tidal currents can be a bit stronger than sites closer to shore. The Sunker is a small pinnacle just to the south-west of the Orestone. There is also a small swim-through tunnel on the south-east corner.
Flat Rock (The Leadstone)
This site feature some lovely ground and an underwater 'amphitheatre' just to the East. Working along the East face of the rock is very enjoyable, but if you get taken by the current and drift towards Thatcher Rock, you will find yourself on an extensive area of flat sand and mud. Don't give up! You will start to see good ground after this. But beware, on Spring tides you can be swept away quite quickly, so SMBs and good boat cover are essential.
Tucker Rock
Slightly deeper and further out (doesn't break the surface) to the north-east of the Orestone. Visibility is generally better here, with a more sandy seabed and strong tidal flow. Good for crustaceans and, in recent years, octopus. A shotline is recommended to start the dive.
The Morris Rogue Reef (below)
This is a favourite site for early training, as the top is at about 6m - hence ideal for those early drills and the edges of the reef are a delight of crevices featuring a good selection of the local wildlife. The surrounding seabed is 10 - 12m deep, with a sharp ridge on the South-west side. There are often abundant catsharks to be found.
The Shagstone / East Shag
A small stack to the North-west of the Morris Rogue, but can be quite silty.
The Pipes, London Bridge (Natural Arch)
This shallow area at the North of the bay, not far outside Torquay Harbour has a large collection of pipes spilled from the wreck of a barge which rests here. This is an ideal site for trainees. Ballan wrasse, conger eel and other fish life in abundance.
Beacon Cove
Popular with underwater photographers, this shallow area just off the beach between Torquay Harbour and the Pipes has a small but lush Seagrass bed. Can be dived from the shore (path behind Living Coasts), but it's a bit of a slog getting back up to the car park in full scuba kit!
Note that the council has now installed a gate at the top of the path to the cove that will be locked at night. This is an initiative by local residents and businesses to improve the image of the cove and discourage anti-social behaviour there at night. CCTV has also been installed. During the summer months, the gate is locked at 9pm. Once you are inside, it is possible to exit by pressing a button, so if you are planning to night dive there, make sure you are inside before 9pm. (We have asked if later access is possible by arrangement, but were told that it wasn't). The gate is locked earlier outside of summer.
Cod Rock (below)
Just south of Berry Head in Brixham, this small rock aligns with an underwater wall that is well worth a visit. Best visited on an ebbing Neap tide or tuck below the cliff on a flood tide (but if you miss it, the seabed is flat silty mud at 24m+).
Note that the cove behind Cod Rock (from Berry Head to the Mew Stone) is an Area of Special Protection and you should not enter during the guillemot breeding season (March to July). The map showing the exclusion area is shown on this page.
Wrecks
A number of the wrecks off Teignmouth in Lyme Bay are relatively easy for us to access. The most commonly dived by us is the Bretagne which lies upright in about 29m. Other wrecks in the vicinity include the Peronne, Boma, Gefion and Lord Stewart. Although the more recent wreck of the Emsstrom is closer, she is popular with fishermen and has a lot of line on her. Consequently, this dive is unpopular with our members and we seldom go there.
The Ridges
A reef off Broadsands beach, where once resided the remains of a Cessna - now corroded away, alas. Alive with life, look for squat lobsters adhering to the top of crevices, armoured bull-heads, butterfish and the like. Quite a nursery for small fish.
Brixham Breakwater
Easy access shore dive with convenient parking and facilities. Used for many trainees' first sea dives.
Other popular shore dives include Babbacombe Beach, Anstey's Cove and Meadfoot Beach.
Useful Local Information
For further information, email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.