Lundy Island Dive Trip Report
This weekend, the club made the long journey across the country for a scuba diving adventure around Lundy Island. For some of our members, it was their very first time diving from a hard boat and joining a club trip of this kind, so excitement levels were high.
The journey itself took around six hours from Kent to Ilfracombe, where we were staying and where our local dive operator was based at Ilfracombe Harbour.
Day One
We started early, meeting at the harbour around 8:30am to load up our kit and board the boat. Conditions inside the harbour were calm, though once outside there was a bit of wind. Thankfully, with the wind behind us, the hour-and-20-minute crossing to Lundy Island was fairly comfortable.
On arrival, the skipper placed us on what he called the “dark side” of the island, a more sheltered area given the rougher weather. Once kitted up, everyone was eager to get into the water in hopes of spotting the local wildlife.
The first dive was a success, with some lucky members seeing seals straight away. Visibility wasn’t the best—about 1–2 metres in places—and there was a slight current pushing and pulling divers around, which made the experience more interesting.
After a surface interval and a quick lunch, it was time for the second dive. This time, anyone who missed out earlier managed to encounter the seals up close. Every diver on the trip got to enjoy a seal interaction, all while following the strict rules designed to protect these amazing animals.
The journey back to Ilfracombe, however, was a little less gentle. With the wind now against us, the skipper warned us it would be bumpy—and he wasn’t wrong. For those not used to being at sea, the ride back proved challenging, but everyone made it back in good spirits.
Day Two
Unfortunately, Sunday’s boat dives were cancelled due to worsening winds. Not wanting to waste the day, a group of members opted for a local shore dive instead. This turned out to be another enjoyable experience and gave some of our newer divers a chance to gain more confidence in the water.
Wrapping Up
Despite the weather challenges, the trip was a fantastic success. Everyone came away with new experiences, new skills, and unforgettable memories of diving with seals.
A big thank you to Leight & Marty at Lundy Diving, and to BSAC Ilfracombe Dive Club for filling our cylinders and hosting us for a well-earned drink afterwards.
