West Bay (May 2025) Dive Trip Report

Bank holiday Friday and driving to West Bay! I hadn’t dived in almost a year and was feeling slightly rusty. The traffic was terrible and I definitely should have planned in a few extra hours to get through the winding roads to the sea. It was so great to see everyone after so long and we quick to work; into the drysuits and kit in boats. Everyone helped out (Colin and Emma even put my cylinder, reg and BCD together for me as I was late- very kind) and despite being slightly late and one boat already in, everyone made it cool, calm and collected to the first dive.

Bernard was ready for Pirate Day!

The dive was glorious. The water was warm (so that despite a leaky neck seal, I was still quite comfortable under my multiple fleeces and neoprene). The jewel anemones were proudly displaying themselves, purples and oranges and yellows everywhere. My buddy James was expert and navigating and so took us at a relaxed pace to the prettiest places and pointed out lots of crabs, lobsters, eels, prawns and crayfish. I also saw a flatfish which was very exciting!

The Cormorant Crew

Overall, the weather could have been kinder to us. But that is way with the British summer time. What we did dive was so special: little current, great vis, teeming with life. It’s definitely quality over quantity. On Sunday, we were completely blown off, with a wave height and windspeed unsuitable for diving. Hence, the dive organisers made the safe and sensible decision of calling it off for the day. Nevertheless, we had a fabulous day. Starting with a slap up breakfast, we progressed to a blustery and sunny walk over the cliffs, went for a mooch round town, finishing at the pub. Many pints of ‘copper’ were consumed. Despite challenging conditions with wind on the surface, I trusted the expertise of the boat handlers and dive leaders who prioritised safety overall and made the trip enjoyable for all and and all round success.

By Anna

West Bay in the Sunshine

Fireworks in the harbour