The Iron Pier runs out from Ramsey Beach, on the North of the Island,
with the Dolphin (a concrete structure, not the mammal!) detached
at the end, with a max depth of about 14m at high tide.
Following along the base of the Iron Pier, in and out of the under-water
structure, you'll find all loads of marine life as it all congregates
under the relatively safe shelter of the pier.
At the end of the Pier, you can head out North for a few minutes
until you hit the Dolphin - much of the structure has collapsed,
which makes it a fantastic dive, with loads of nooks and crannies
to poke your head under. A large variety of marine life makes this
home - with at least four resident Conger Eels, loads of Lobsters
and incredbily charismatic Tompot Blennies.
The Tompot Blennies, which can be seen poking their heads out of
the cracks and crevices, are incredibly inquisitive fish and often
pop out to take a closer look at the passing diver. It's been said
that they even like the odd stroke, even appearing to become agitated
when it stops!
If you're good on your air, and fancy some exercise, you can do
the whole of the Iron Pier and the Dolphin in one shore dive - easy
access from Ramsey Beach!
You'd have to do this shoredive at low tide, be quite fit (it's
a long swim!)and give yourself at least 90 minutes for the round-trip.
Alternatively of course, you can dive it from our RIB, where you
can drop straight down onto the Dolphin.
The Iron Pier and the Dolphin average at around 7m with a max of
about 14m at high tide. There can be some boat traffic around the
Dolphin, so always use a surface marker and stick close to the structures
when ascending. If diving from the shore, always remember it's a
long swim back to the beach, so bear this in mind when watching
your air, and surface conditions should you have to snorkel back!
