The diving around Anglesey is some of the best in the U.K.. Prevailing winds and centuries of fierce winter storms have turned the south-western side of the Island into a rugged coastline, with steep rocky cliffs dropping into the sea being frequently broken by calm, sheltered inlets ideal for shore diving and boat launching. The variety of marine life which inhabits this shoreline is impressive and underwater photographers are treated to a wealth of subjects. Conditions can be outstanding, with visibility of 15m not unusual in summer.

Outside the gully at Porth Castell, Trearddur Bay

The same rough weather that created the wonderful scenery has also been responsible for wrecking much of the shipping which has over the years plied it's trade around Anglesey from Liverpool to the Irish Sea and then the Atlantic. Many of these wrecks are easily accessible even from the shore although boat divers will find more challenging ships further out to sea, especially around such blackspots as the Skerries, a group of rocks jutting sharply out of deep water a few miles offshore and home for nearly 300 hundred years to the famous Skerries Lighthouse.

By contrast, the sheltered north-eastern side of Anglesey has a smoother coastline and fewer shore dives, although there are many sites accessible by boat. The narrow Menai Straits, seperating Anglesey from the mainland, is a national underwater park and boasts some wonderful life, although the strong tidal currents mean that this area should only be dived following strict procedures and under the guidance of someone with experience of the conditions.

Diving Services (Anglesey) is located at Porth Castell, one of the best shore dives on Anglesey. There are several options for diving this site, the most popular being to follow a "reef" that heads out to sea from the gully on the left hand side of the inlet. This gives a maximum depth of about 15m and is ideal for trainees as it is safe and offers a lot to see. Another dive here is to follow the base of the cliffs to the left of the gully. Although shallower this area also teems with life and is easy to navigate and safe for all levels of experience.

Porth Castell, Trearddur Bay

Small boats can easily and safely put in to shore at Porth Castell where they can pick parties of divers up from within yards of the dive shop and compressor. RIB charter is operated from here at reasonable rates either per dive or per day by Aubrey Diggle - Tel. (01407) 740083, Mobile 0786 6014393. Aubrey is licenced by the MCA to carry up to 8 persons per boat and has extensive local knowledge of wrecks, reefs & tides. His boats are equipped with the latest electronics, oxygen and safety equipment.

Hard boat hire from the Menai Straits can be arranged with Scott Waterman - Tel. 0797 4249005.

For information on specific sites or to find out what the sea and weather conditions are like locally please e-mail or phone us on (01407) 860318.