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DIVING AT THE FARNE ISLANDS: If you've
ever been lucky enough to visit the Farne Islands, you will
already be aware that in the height of the breeding season, it is
home to a deafening plethora of nesting seabirds such as terns,
puffins, guillemots, shags, eider ducks and kittiwakes. You may
also have seen grey seals lounging on the rocks at low tide, but
follow them as they dive underwater and a whole other world opens
up to you.
Diving in and around the Farne Islands is a
real feast for the senses. Numerous wrecks litter the seabed, and
inquisitive grey seals come and say hello.  Whether you prefer a shallow
dive or are prepared to delve that little bit deeper, there's
something to suit everyone out at the Farnes. The Farnes consist
of almost 30 small islands and rock outcrops lying between 2 and
4 miles off the Northumberland coast. They are split into two
main groups separated by a stretch of water known as Staple
Sound. The islands are comprised primarily of a rock called
whinstone, which is very prone to vertical weathering and
faulting. This has produced a strange topography of steps and
sheer faces above water that gives just a hint of the delights
below. Most of the diving takes place at the outer Farnes.
 WRECK
DIVING: The Farne Islands are one of the most dangerous
shipping areas in the British Isles and have claimed many victims
over the years. As a result, there are many wreck dives, which
include the 'Somali', 'Chris Christianson', 'Abyssinia', 'San
Andreas', Britannia' and 'Acklivety'. The best dive is reputed to
be the 6810 ton Somali, a passenger-cargo steamer built in 1930
which was bound for Hong Kong via the Firth of Forth for convoy
assembly, she was sunk in March 1941 after being bombed by a
German Heinkel 111. The Somali sits upright in 30m of water near
Beadnell. Much of the 450ft hull is intact and makes an
impressive slack-water dive.
SCENIC DIVES:When diving the Farnes you
need to become acquainted with the locals, the locals being a
colony of 4-5 thousand grey seals out at the Farnes all  year. An encounter with a
mature bull seal is enough to get any heart racing. Weighing in
at 300kg and clumsy on land, they demonstrate balletic movements
under the water. The younger seals are even more inquisitive than
the divers and often come in to take a closer look, even nibbling
on fins! Other visual delights include a vast array of anemone,
dead men's fingers and many different crustaceans. There are also
several relatively unusual species that favour this cooler water
- you may come across lumpsucker, Norwegian topknot, yarrel's
blenny and the spectacular wolf fish. Another speciality is the
huge, deep-water anemone, bolocera.
| FACTS-FILE |
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Boats We have a fleet of 7 boats that operate out of
Seahouses harbour, two of which are used for diving purposes with
dive-lifts fitted for easy access from the water.
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Safety All of our boats are certified under the MCA
(Marine Coastguard Agency) and are fully equipped with safety
equipment.
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Location Seahouses is 6 miles from the A1, about 50
miles north of Newcastle and 20 miles south of Berwick upon
Tweed.
SEE LOCAL MAP.
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Accommodation Many B&B's, camping, bunkhouse and Hotel
accommodation in
SEAHOUSES or nearby
BEADNELL or on and around
HOLY ISLAND.
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Parking There are parking spaces on Seahouses harbour,
which provide easy access for loading gear to and from the dive
boats.
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Non-Divers Non divers may wish to take a trip on one of
our other boats for a cruise round the islands or to visit one of
the bird sanctuaries. We are also lucky enough to have several
stunning beaches in the area and you can also visit Bamburgh
Castle, which is situated 3 miles from Seahouses.
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| CONTACT |
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 William Shiel
40 North Lane
Seahouses
Northumberland
NE68 7UQ
Tel: 01665 721297
Email: DIVER@FARNE-ISLANDS.COM
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