Located at the southern end of the 18-mile Chesil Beach shingle bank on the Isle of Portland, Chesil Cove is Southwest England’s most famous and dependable shore dive.
Why Dive Chesil Cove?
Protected from easterly and northerly winds by the Isle of Portland, Chesil Cove offers calm, crystal-clear diving straight off the pebble beach.
Key Highlights
- Spring Cuttlefish Migration: Every May and June, hundreds of common cuttlefish gather in the shallow kelp beds to breed and lay eggs.
- Wreckage Fragments: Scattered remains of historic sailing vessels and anchors lie buried in the sand between 8 and 14 metres.
- Night Diving: Unsurpassed UK night diving where John Dory, bobtail squids, and hunting octopus emerge after dusk.
Dive Plan & Conditions
- Entry / Exit: Walk down the pebble bank carefully. Avoid diving during strong south-westerly swell due to heavy shore dump.
Marine Life to Spot at Chesil Cove & Portland Shore Dive
- Cuttlefish
- John Dory
- Pipefish