Farne Island Seal Diving

Farne Islands Seal Diving Weekend

3-5th September 2027

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Members price – £500.00

Non-members price – £550.00

seal diving in the farne islands

Farne Islands Diving – Discover the Magic of Diving with Seals

Experience Farne Islands diving with Oyster Diving and explore the waters surrounding Northumberland’s remarkable rocky islands. Home to thousands of Atlantic grey seals, the Farnes offer the chance to encounter these curious animals in their natural habitat.

Often nicknamed the “puppies of the ocean”, grey seals are known for their playful behaviour and inquisitive nature. Diving with seals in the Farne Islands gives you the opportunity to watch them glide through the water, twist between the rocks and sometimes approach for a closer look. Every encounter is different, and while sightings and interactions cannot be guaranteed, the possibility of a curious seal joining your dive makes this a memorable UK diving adventure.

A Spacious Boat for Your Farne Islands Diving Trip

We have chartered a spacious boat with room for 12 divers to kit up at once and plenty of storage for diving equipment. The crossing offers time to enjoy the Northumberland coastline and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and porpoises along the way.

Explore Rocky Reefs, Wrecks and Seal Habitats

There is more to Farne Islands diving than its famous seals. The islands and rocky outcrops offer varied underwater scenery, with rocky reefs and numerous wrecks to explore. From shallower sites to deeper dives, the area offers options for different interests and experience levels, with sites selected according to conditions and the group’s qualifications.

Lying off the Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands form two main groups separated by Staple Sound. This distinctive setting makes a rewarding destination for divers keen to discover more of the UK’s underwater world.

Join Oyster Diving for your next Farne Islands diving adventure and discover the excitement of sharing the water with wild grey seals.

Diving Around the Farne Islands – Seals, Wrecks and Rocky Reefs

Farne Islands diving combines dramatic underwater scenery, historic wrecks and the chance to encounter inquisitive grey seals. The islands’ distinctive whinstone rock forms stepped ledges and sheer faces above the surface, with equally striking terrain waiting below. Much of the diving takes place around the outer Farnes, where rocky reefs and walls provide habitats for a variety of marine life.

Wreck Diving Around the Farne Islands

The waters around the Farne Islands have a long maritime history, with numerous shipwrecks offering fascinating dives for suitably qualified divers. Wrecks in the area include the Chris Christensen, Abyssinia and Britannia, each adding another dimension to a Farne Islands diving trip.

Nearby, off Beadnell, the Somali is another well-known wreck to explore. This Second World War cargo and passenger steamer offers an atmospheric dive, with surviving structures providing a glimpse into its past. Wreck selection depends on weather, tides and diver experience, and some sites require careful slack-water timing.

Diving with Seals in the Farne Islands

For many visitors, diving with seals in the Farne Islands is the highlight of the trip. The islands are home to thousands of grey seals, whose effortless underwater movements make them captivating to watch.

Younger seals can be particularly inquisitive, sometimes swimming closer to investigate divers or inspecting their fins. The best approach is to remain calm, give the animals space and let them choose whether to approach. These are wild encounters, so every dive is different and interaction is never guaranteed.

Scenic Dives and Colourful Marine Life

Beyond the seals, Farne Islands diving offers reefs, gullies and rock faces decorated with anemones and dead man’s fingers. Look closely among the crevices for crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans.

Patient divers may also spot less familiar fish, including lumpsuckers, Norwegian topknots and Yarrell’s blennies. With luck, a sighting of a distinctive wolffish can make an already memorable dive even more special.

Whether you are drawn by seal encounters, wreck exploration or marine life, diving around the Farne Islands offers plenty to discover.

Diving with Seals in Lundy and Farne Islands

Accommodation

We have booked 2 nights Bed & Breakfast (Friday and Saturday) at the award winning Bamburgh Castle Inn. The hotel was named ‘Tourist Pub of the Year’ in 2015. The hotel overlooks the harbour in Seashouses which is where our boat is based. Newly refurbished and full of charm, this accommodation is a great place to relax after a great day’s diving. Breakfast is included and home cooked pub meals are available in the evening.

We have twin rooms allocated to us. However, please get in touch if you would prefer a double and we will check availability with the hotel.

Please see FAQ’s below. If the diving is cancelled due to the weather then the boat and equipment hire is refundable but the hotel isn’t.

Safety

The weather around the Farne Islands can change quickly, so all divers should be a minimum of Open Water with a minimum of 8 dives. To dive the deeper wrecks below 18m you will need to be an Advanced Open Water Diver. You must carry your own SMB and computer and know how to use it. We would be happy to offer advice on SMB’s. Additionally, we can provide a PADI specialty course on how to use it. The health & safety of our customers is of paramount importance to us. To this end, all crew are professional, fully trained, and skilled. If you need help or advice, they will be only too happy to help and offer advice. We will also have a member of staff to assist you should you need advice.

Cost

Club Members: £500
Non-members: £550

Price includes boat charter to/from Farne Islands for two days with 2 days boat diving (subject to weather), 2 nights at the Bamburgh Castle Inn in a shared room (Friday and Saturday), breakfast and a representative from Oyster Diving. Please note that the price does not include equipment hire or guide if you would like one.

Optional Extras

Tank & weights – £80 or Members £40
Full kit 2 days – BCD, regulators, wetsuit, wetsuit boots, fins, mask, weigh tbelt – £160 or £80 for members
Dry suit hire 2 days -£180 or £90 for members
Dive guide 2 days – £100 or £50 for members

SPACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK YOUR SPACE TODAY!!!

What happens if the weather is bad?
The Skipper of the boat will give us as much notice as possible, but if sea conditions don’t allow for safe diving then they can decide to cancel the trip. You will receive a full refund for the diving but the accommodation is non-refundable given the short notice we are able to provide them. In this eventuality, you are still welcome to visit Seahouses and see the pretty countryside and castle and use the accommodation. Our representative may not attend if the weather means there is no diving.
What level of diver do you need to be?
You must be a minimum of open water (18m) and have dived within the past 6 months. You must be comfortable and competent in the water as there is no instruction available – although we will have a representative to help the trip run smoothly. Most of the diving is very shallow to watch the seals and the skipper will brief you on the dive.
Can single travellers come along?
Yes, we will put you in a shared room of the same sex and assign you a buddy for diving. If you prefer to have a room with single occupancy please get in touch with us and we can check availability with the hotel
Can non-divers come?
Yes! While the divers jump in the water you can observe the seals and other wildlife from the boat. Snorkelling may be permitted but that is down to the Skippers discretion.