Easter in Plymouth (April 2025) Dive Trip Report

Over the Easter weekend, Reading BSAC loaded up their gear, hitched up the two club RIBs, and set off for a weekend of diving in Plymouth. We arrived Friday with high hopes, but the weather had other ideas. After launching the boats, it quickly became clear the conditions weren’t going to play ball. So, we abandoned any thoughts of diving, took a stroll along the coast, and made ourselves at home in the local pub.

Saturday morning brought better conditions, so we headed out for our first dive on the on the western side of the Mewstone. Always a great dive to ease into the weekend. From there, we made our way to the James Egan Layne. This classic wreck never fails to impress. Sitting at 22m, it’s a fantastic dive for all levels and was absolutely full of life. The Liberty ship, was torpedoed back in 1945.

Ian and Rob ready for their dive

That evening, we returned to the pub. The portions were enormous, and a few brave members took on puddings that looked like they could feed a family of four. Most were defeated.

Sunday brought the kind of weather we’d all been hoping for – sunshine and calm seas. We set off with high hopes for a dive out at Eddystone Lighthouse, but as we pushed further offshore, the swell was apparent. So we dived HMS Scylla instead. Many members were amazed by the way nature has taken over this wreck. It was alive with colour and critters, and made for a fantastic dive. In the afternoon, we returned to the Mewstone for a second look, and it was just as good as the first time. Back on land, Sue’s homemade Easter cakes made an appearance and were promptly inhaled.

A detour to the Eddystone Lighthouse

On Monday, we wrapped things up with a dive at Hilsea Point and what a way to end the trip. Visibility was much better, and the walls were absolutely covered in life. We must have seen over 50 crayfish!!

Time to go home

All in all, a brilliant weekend with plenty of diving, a bit of weather-dodging, a lot of food, and some excellent company. Same again next year?

By Tanya Godley