“Discover Skye beneath the sea, it’s a different kettle of fish!”

Lochbay Islands & their skerries

Lochbay Islands and their skerries, ceate a small archipelago that separates the shallower basin loch, Lochbay, from deeper Loch Dunvegan and the Hebridean Minch. Strong tidal streams flow through the Minch and when hitting the 100m contour, an almost vertical wall, it creates a rich uprising of nutrients which flood into the loch to enrich it. With a nearby maerl bed it’s a win, win for habitat.

Much of the shallow ridge at this confluence of currents, has been home to extensive Maerl beds; 1 of which remains nearby, another, the adjacent and famous Coral beach which is ‘dead’, while small patches persist in the shallow dives around the islands. This wonderful seabed of coarse sand scattered with maerl, is home to all the species you would expect. The divesites are filled with a rich biodiversity and enjoy good vis.

Underwater topography varies from steep drop-offs to boulder slopes, with loads of shelves, crevices, overhangs, nooks and crannies to explore. In the shallows an abundant and thick kelp forest adds another wonderful nursery, dramatic when sunlight beams through and sparkles. The habitat and species biodiversity, throughout the area is inspiring.

The archipelago is designated as a Special Area of Conservation for common seals, who are resident year-round, and breed here. They were recently joined by a small group of greys, who are more curious with divers.

These sites offer numerous opportunities for quality diving in a variety of wind directions, and if the forecast is fickle there is plentiful diving here to inspire your expedition. Offering great all-round club diving, they have broad appeal and are ideal from novice to experienced divers and photographers. It is a perfect base for your expedition!

OVERVIEW

STAR RATING: Scenic 3-4 star /Bad Weather 3 star,

POSITION: Lochbay – Loch Dunvegan

EXPERIENCE: Competent, sites have no difficulties. Perfect for depth progression and other club qualification training drills.

DIVE DEPTH: Varied as detailed below, varied topography as described above.

CONDITIONS: Winds from south-west and north-west can affect these sites, but facing different directions, shelter can usually be found in most conditions.

TIDES: Varies 0-2 knots, 6 knots at Ardbeg

SEABED: The seabed consists of hard white sand / dead maerl with a variety of cliff and boulders slop topographys.