Drake's Island
Protected Area
Western King
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Drake's Island offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest reef diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
Drake's Island, just outside Plymouth Sound, is a solid choice when you’re diving in this corner of the UK. It’s a shallow spot, topping out around 15 metres, which makes for a relaxed dive for intermediates. The real draw here is the chance to find things like dogfish tucked into the seabed or spider crabs scuttling amongst the rocks. Visibility can be a bit variable, as it often is around here, but on a good day, it’s a perfectly pleasant dive, offering a taste of the English Channel’s quieter residents.
Typical Drake's Island Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to Drake's Island
Dive shops near Drake's Island
Plymouth Diving Centre
Sound Diving Limited
Dive Looe
Scuba 2000
Viewpoint Diving Centre
Reviews for Drake's Island
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Drake's Island
Drake's Island Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Drake's Island, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Cornwall & Devon, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Cornwall & DevonPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Cornwall & Devon.
Search stays in Cornwall & DevonDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Drake's Island
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.