Lundy Island - Cornwall & Devon

Lundy Island, England's only marine nature reserve, definitely earns its ‘standout’ tier. We’re not usually ones for hyperbole, but this place is genuinely special. What you’ll experience here is a raw, untamed slice of British diving. Think dramatic granite cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, a real sense of wildness that you don't always get elsewhere in the UK. The famous seals are, of course, a huge draw and always a highlight. They’re inquisitive, playful, and unafraid to come right up to your mask. But Lundy offers so much more. We love the intricate rock formations, covered in jewel anemones and dulse, creating explosions of colour against the grey stone. Keep an eye out for conger eels lurking in crevices and common spiny lobsters scuttling across the seabed. The visibility can be variable, but on a good day, it’s surprisingly clear, allowing you to appreciate the sheer scale of the underwater topography. This is a dive for those who appreciate temperate waters, keen-eyed macro hunters, and anyone who enjoys interacting with curious marine life. It’s certainly not a tropical reef, but Lundy has a wild beauty all its own.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.180000, -4.670000
Maximum Depth
5-30m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Lundy

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to Lundy Island

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Lundy Island

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories