The seas around Mull offer some of the country’s best cold-water diving with loads to see. The geography means it’s very weatherproof with diving options even in the worst of weather.
Water visibility is usually 10 metres plus. The sea is about as warm as it gets in September at 13°C to 14°C degrees, possibly a little more depending on the weather.
There are many great wrecks in the waters around Mull as well as pinnacles, sea walls and lochs. Below are just some of the best know sites.
Hispania, John Preston, Rondo, Meldon, Breda, Thesis, Shuna, Swan , Falls of Lora, The Garvellach Islands, Ardtornish Point, Pennygown Quarry, Tapti, Nevada, General Consul, Aurania, Ardmore Point, Auliston Point, Calve Island, Bo Fascadale, Danny’s Buoy, Elizabeth Rock, Loch Sunart and the Isle of Muck.
Here is video of the SS Hispania to give you an idea of the diving
There is also some really good info on this website https://www.fynepioneer.co.uk/sites/
About Lochaline Boat Charter
They have two boats, the Brendan and Peregrine, both have on board compressors and diving lifts, so no need to bring along two tanks or make the sometimes lengthy journey back to land. More information can be found on their website Lochaline Boat Charters (lochaline-boats.co.uk)
About Salen Pier House
Salen Pier house sleeps up to 13 across 7 bedrooms. There are 4 bathrooms with lots of space and stunning views. The house is part of a group of building all available to rent. It has a private slipway and pier. With a water depth of 9m off the head of the pier at slack high water, it even has its own house dive site!
The house is well appointed with all the creature comforts as well as a 6-person hot tub to relax in and enjoy the great views.
Bedroom configuration is: 2 x doubles with en-suite (one can be made into a twin), 4 x twin rooms and one single. For more information and images see their website Salen Pier House
It’s fair to say it has pretty much everything you could need for an enjoyable stay.
Costs
Accommodation is £2600 for 7 nights.
Diving is £2750 (£550 per day) for 5 days.
Individual cost will depend on how many people join the trip. Assuming everyone is diving the base costs works as below.
12 people = £446 each
10 people = £535 each
8 people = £669 each
6 people = £892 each
Currently (end of Oct) we have 8 signed up to this, 5 divers plus 3 non-divers.
These are just the main costs, there will also be air fills (£5 each on the boat), getting there and back, food and drink. It’s a 525mile drive and includes a ferry from Oban to Craignure (£15 each way for a car) so about 11 hours depending on hitting the ferry times, traffic and stops – could be a fun trip!
Who is this suitable for?
Divers need to be Sports Diver or above, dived up with sea dives completed in the season. It’s possible for Advanced OD but will depend on experience and competence. There are a range of depths but you’ll need to be comfortable with bottom depth of 30m+ and with some bottom depths beyond diving e.g. walls to 90m.
Non-divers are welcome, but availability will depend on how the rooms work out with priority to accommodating the divers.
Are you interested in this trip?
I hope this is something you’d like to join but let me know if you have any questions.
I will need £150 non-refundable deposit (sorry!) as I have had to pay 50% deposit for the house.
Thanks,
Ian Cross
See my contact details on the club contact list.
