Diving in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Explore 903 dive sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Marine Life in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Home to 126 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 12 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 10 sharks & rays, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other.

Dive Site Difficulty in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Scottish East Coast & Borders has 1 beginner dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Marine Protected Areas in Scottish East Coast & Borders

  • Caerlaverock - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • Lindisfarne - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Forvie - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • North Yorkshire & Cleveland - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • North Northumberland - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Isle of May - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • Kyles of Bute - National Scenic Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nith Estuary - National Scenic Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Stewartry Coast - National Scenic Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fleet Valley - National Scenic Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • St Bees Head - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Arnside & Silverdale - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (IUCN Category V)
  • Northumberland Coast - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (IUCN Category V)
  • Solway Coast - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (IUCN Category V)
  • Lindisfarne - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Upper Solway Flats & Marshes - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Durham - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Drigg Dunes and Gullery, Ravenglass - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • St Mary's Island - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Aberlady Bay - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Eden Estuary - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Montrose Basin - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Donmouth - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Montrose Basin - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Teesmouth & Cleveland Coast - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Loch of Strathbeg - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isle of Whithorn Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Milton Ness - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Crawton Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Largs Coast Section - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Turnberry Lighthouse to Port Murray - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Barns Ness Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Elliot Links - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Isle of May - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Inchmickery - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Inner Tay Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Forth Islands - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Barry Links - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Monifieth Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • St Andrews - Craig Hartle - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Eden Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rickle Craig - Scurdie Ness - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Siccar Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Balmerino - Wormit Shore - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Barnsmuir Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pease Bay Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Burnmouth Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whiting Ness - Ethie Haven - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tayport - Tentsmuir Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Montrose Basin - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Girvan to Ballantrae Coast Section - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Ardrossan to Saltcoats Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • South Coast of Arran - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Turnberry Dunes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Maidens to Doonfoot - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Cree Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Upper Solway Flats and Marshes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Western Gailes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Clauchlands Point - Corrygills - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Corrie Foreshore and Limestone Mines - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Laggan - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Torrs to Mason's Walk - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Borgue Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Kames Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Dumbarton Rock - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Troon Golf Links and Foreshore - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ballochmartin Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Collieston to Whinnyfold Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ruel Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Loch of Strathbeg - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cove - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Gamrie and Pennan Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Garron Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Cairnbulg to St Combs Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Foveran Links - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bullers of Buchan Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • St Cyrus and Kinnaber Links - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Nigg Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Fowlsheugh - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whitby-Saltwick - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Drigg Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bamburgh Coast and Hills - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Howick to Seaton Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lindisfarne - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Boulby Quarries - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Durham Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • The Farne Islands - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Annaside - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • St. Bees Head - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Alnmouth Saltmarsh and Dunes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hadston Links - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Warkworth Dunes and Saltmarsh - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Newton Links - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Low Hauxley Shore - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cresswell and Newbiggin Shores - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Skelwith Hill - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hayburn Wyke - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Runswick Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Fife Ness Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Abbey Burn Foot to Balcary Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Shoulder o' Craig - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category III)
  • Auchencairn and Orchardton Bays - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Silloth Dunes and Mawbray Bank - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Staithes - Port Mulgrave - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Castle Point to Cullernose Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Coquet Island - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Jack Scout - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Northumberland Shore - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Farne Islands - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Annaside and Gutterby Banks - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Berwickshire Coast (Intertidal) - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Firth of Forth - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Inner Clyde - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Long Craig Island - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Robin Hood's Bay: Maw Wyke to Beast Cliff - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tweed Catchment Rivers - England: Lower Tweed and Whiteadder - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Upper Solway Flats & Marshes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Amble Dunes - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • The Kittiwake Tower - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Stevenston Beach - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Torry Bay - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Wigtown Bay - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Castle Island - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Northumbria Coast - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ythan Estuary & Meikle Loch - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Inner Clyde Estuary - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Noses Point - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tentsmuir - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Firth of Forth - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Drigg Coast - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Firth of Forth - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Forth Islands - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fowlsheugh - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Inner Clyde Estuary - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isle of May - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lindisfarne - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Montrose Basin - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solway Firth - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • St Abb`s Head to Fast Castle - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tweed Estuary - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Upper Solway Flats and Marshes - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Aln Estuary - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • North East of Farnes Deep - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Swallow Sand - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Southannan Sands - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lamlash Bay - Community Marine Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South Arran - Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Upper Loch Fyne and Loch Goil - Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Firth of Forth Banks Complex - Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Turbot Bank - Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Horse Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Fidra - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Inchmickery - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Fowlsheugh - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Inner Clyde - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Loch Of Strathbeg - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Skinflats - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Campfield Marsh - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Kirkconnell Merse - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Leighton Moss & Morecambe Bay - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mersehead - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tay - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Farne Islands - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Hummersea - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Port Mulgrave and Runswick - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Robin Hood's Bay - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Seahouses - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Warsett Hill - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Durham Coast - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Aln Estuary - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cumbria Coast - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • North East of Farnes Deep - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Swallow Sand - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South Arran - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Upper Loch Fyne and Loch Goil - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Firth of Forth Banks Complex - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Turbot Bank - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Allonby Bay - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Coquet to St Marys - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Farnes East - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Runswick Bay - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Allonby Bay - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Coquet to St Mary's - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Farnes East - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Runswick Bay - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Long Craig Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Southwick Coast - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Alloa Inches - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Carlingnose Point - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Drummains Reedbed - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Kilminning Coast - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Northumberland Marine - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Coquet Island - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Farne Islands - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Northumbria Coast - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Berwick to St Mary's - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Solway Firth - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cumbria Coast - Zone 1 - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Allonby Bay Highly Protected Marine Area - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • North East of Farnes Deep Highly Protected Marine Area - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Inner Clyde Estuary - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solway Firth - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lindisfarne - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Farne Islands - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Coquet Island - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solway Firth - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Drigg Coast - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Troup, Pennan and Lion's Heads - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Montrose Basin - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Forth Islands - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • St Abb's Head to Fast Castle - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Firth of Forth - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Imperial Dock Lock, Leith - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Northumbria Coast - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Loch of Strathbeg - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fowlsheugh - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tweed Estuary - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isle of May - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Durham Coast - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Buchan Ness to Collieston - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Beast Cliff - Whitby (Robin Hood`s Bay) - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Northumberland Marine - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Scottish East Coast & Borders - Nearest Airports

  • Leuchars Station Airfield (ADX), Leuchars, Fife - 72 km away, approx 94 min travel time
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Edinburgh - 79 km away, approx 102 min travel time
  • Newcastle International Airport (NCL), Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear - 98 km away, approx 122 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility like for scuba diving on the Scottish East Coast and Borders?
While specific data on typical water conditions and visibility is not provided, the Scottish East Coast and Borders offers a range of dive experiences. Divers can explore a significant number of dive sites, including 905 listed, with many being wreck dives and some notable reef sites like St Abbs Harbour.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Scottish East Coast and Borders region?
Specific details on the marine life found in the Scottish East Coast and Borders are not provided in the current data. However, given the region's diverse dive sites, including reefs such as St Abbs Harbour and numerous wrecks, it's reasonable to expect a variety of species. For general information on marine life, please consult our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in the Scottish East Coast and Borders area, especially around St Abbs and Eyemouth?
The Scottish East Coast and Borders is renowned for its world-class shore diving at St Abbs Head voluntary marine reserve. Key sites include St Abbs Harbour, an intermediate reef dive, and the Farne Islands, suitable for beginners. The region also boasts a significant number of wreck dives, with 905 dive sites listed in total.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving on the Scottish East Coast and Borders for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions in the Scottish East Coast and Borders. Divers interested in planning their trip should consult general resources on when to dive for the United Kingdom or local dive centers for up-to-date information.
What level of diving experience is recommended for the dive sites along the Scottish East Coast and Borders?
Many of the dive sites along the Scottish East Coast and Borders are recommended for intermediate divers, particularly the numerous wreck sites such as SOOTICA and reef dives like St Abbs Harbour. However, there are also options suitable for beginner divers, notably the Farne Islands reef.
Are drysuits essential for diving in the Scottish East Coast and Borders, and what are the typical water temperatures?
Information regarding the necessity of drysuits or typical water temperatures for diving in the Scottish East Coast and Borders is not available in the provided data. Divers should consult local dive centers or our equipment section for appropriate gear recommendations for the region.
How accessible are the main dive sites in the Scottish East Coast and Borders region, particularly for travelers?
The Scottish East Coast and Borders offers excellent accessibility, particularly with its renowned world-class shore diving at St Abbs Head voluntary marine reserve. For travelers, the presence of 11 dive centres in the region further enhances access to the 905 listed dive sites, including popular spots like St Abbs Harbour.
How do tidal currents and weather patterns typically affect diving on the Scottish East Coast and Borders?
The provided data does not include specific information on how tidal currents and weather patterns typically affect diving in the Scottish East Coast and Borders. Divers are always advised to check local conditions and forecasts with dive centers before planning any dives in the area.