The
Outer Breakwater and Crab Row, Port Erin, Isle of Man
Just a few hunderd meters from Mann Scuba Divers, the Port Erin
Breakwater provides a sheltered environment for students making
their first open water dives aswell as an excellent location for
many other dive adventures.
There are two choices at this site, either enter the water at the
jetty steps (near the RNLI station) and journey west out towards
the old breakwater or enter at the old breakwater steps (in front
of the marine biological station) and journey east.
Your max depth will be around 12 metres and it's an easy dive for
navigation. If starting from the old breakwater descend along the
boulder slope and then head east. If you keep the rocks of your
right and keep an eye on that compass you cannot go wrong.
One point to note is that you will need to ascend a little to clear
the lifeboat slip before you continue you journey eastward towards
the jetty. If you start from the small jetty take a bearing and
keep the rocks on your left.
You will have a great view of Conger Eels, Wrasse including Cuckoo,
Ballan and Corkwing with plenty of Tompots hiding in all those holes
(so take a small touch!)
The T-Blocks form loads of nooks and crannies to stick your head
in in the hunt for marine life. And at night this site comes alive
with squat lobsters feeding along the sea bed and if your lucky,
you will sight several small bright orange octopus.
Your main hazard at this site is boat traffic during the summer
(SMB's and DSMB's are advisable). There is also a large amount of
fishing line on the seabed which it is advisable not to touch due
to fish hooks caught in the line just waiting to snag a passing
diver!
Port Erin is probably one of the Island's most commonly dived spots
- especially for training as the bay area provides a safe, shallow
yet interesting dive spot with incredibly easy access.
