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St Finian's Bay

Finian's Bay is located on the South West coast of Ireland, in the County of Kerry. Situated in the heart of the Ring of Kerry, it is the stopping point for the tourists of many countries.

The area offers spectacular scenic, adventurous and as yet, many unexplored dive sites, an ideal working ground for the serious photographer and naturalist. The crystal clear, unpolluted waters are home to a variety and abundance of life that is hard to equal. There are also a limited number of wreck sites for the wreck diver. There is plenty to do between dives and the non-diving members of the party will not be disappointed either, as a lovely unspoiled beach is one of the main local attractions. To cater for the needs of the ever increasing numbers of foreign and Irish divers, a dive centre has been established in the vicinity.

1. St. Finian's Bay

Diving in the area is centred on the local pier which is situated in an extremely sheltered and clean inlet. It is safe for the overnight mooring of boats. There are two slipways off the pier, suitable for the launching of RIBs and inflatables. The laneway leading to the pier is a little narrow and caution should be observed while travelling on it, especially while towing a boat as the turning points are limited. however, a little prior planning can ease the situation.

The inlet itself is eminently suitable for introductory dives and beginner training. It's clear waters and sandy bottom are full of life, and flatfish are plentiful. The waters vary in depth from 10-25m and is suitable for swimmers and snorkellers.

A large rocky outcrop protects the narrow inlet - like a stopper in a bottle. the depth here varies from 10-25m. From the outcrop, rocky fingers spread down and out into the sandy bottom like the arms of an octopus. The sheltered gullies between them provide a haven for many species of fish and crustacean. as the distance from the pier is only about 500m, it  makes an ideal location for an evening or night dive. The well lit pier makes night diving a joy and safety is guaranteed.

The diving all along the coast West from the pier and on to Puffin Island is excellent, with depths from10-30m on a white sandy bottom. Ridges and reefs abound, with a multitude of gullies interrupting the underwater landscape. The waters here are generally calm, except in strong SW winds, with virtually no current.

2. Puffin Island
Puffin Island is the real "Diving Jewel" in the area. About 10 minutes by RIB from the pier, it offers an endless choice of dive sites in relatively sheltered waters. All areas of the island are diveable and the underwater landscape is identical to the landscape above, sheer rock faces and craggy outcrops. The island itself is home to many breeding birds, in particular Puffins, during the breeding season. The diving is relatively safe and sheltered on most sides of the island.

WARNING! The currents on Puffin Head at certain times and states of tide can be treacherous and instantaneous. Puffin Head is for experienced divers only and should be treated with care. The Atlantic swell at Puffin Head and on the Northern side of the island can be enormous, depending on the weather conditions. Again, common sense is required. Diver SMBs are essential here.

Having issued the words of warning, the diving on Puffin Head is spectacular. Two large reefs splay SW from the tip of the island, plunging down sheer cliff faces to about 50m at the bottom.

Slack tide, with strong sunlight streaming through crystal clear waters makes this a most memorable dive site. The strong currents have "cl;ose shaved" all the algae from the rock, and one gets the impression of a "bald head" while diving on the tops of the reefs. the sheltered nooks and crannies are covered in an abundance of sponges and "bejeweled" anenomes of all types. The fish and crustacean life is outstanding. Early morning often see Dolphins and Pilot Whales on the surface. Puffin Head is guaranteed to provide an exciting and spectacular dive every time.

3. Puffin Island Sound
The other spectacular diving on Puffin Island is in the area of the sound. Obviously, current and wave states dictate if it is diveable. A drift dive from the North side through the sound is magnificent given the proper conditions of sunlight and water clarity. It is the closest to "tropical" diving you can come across in European waters. The variety and quantity of fish and sponge life is phenomenal. In September and October, huge shoals of mackerel and scad circle the sound incessantly, while legions of huge pollack wait on the far side of the sound, like a phalanx of Greek warriors, holding in the current, and waiting to attack any food coming their way. seals also maintain a permanent presence in the sound and add their measure of excitement to the diving.

4. Dromgour Point
This ended up as the final resting point of the "Crompton", a four masted Barque, which ran aground and was wrecked in 1910. It is now badly broken up, but beautiful visibility and fish life make it an ideal second dive as she lies in relatively shallow waters. Travelling time from the pier is about 15-20 minutes

5. Valentia Island
If you ever got board of diving on Puffin Island, Valentia Island should be your next port of call. About 30 minutes steaming from the pier at Bray Head, at the SE end is well worth a visit, offering gorgeous ledges, and gullies, much like those encountered on Puffin Island.

6. The Skellig
If the weather conditions are suitable, then the pier is the ideal launching site for an expedition on the Lemon and Skellig rocks. Approx. 30 minutes by RIB and about 8 miles off shore, they should not be missed. There is a large seal colony on Little Skelligs and they are used to playing in the waters with divers. The shelter of the South West tip of the island is probably the best diving location here.

The Large Gannet colony is also a major attraction but make sure you keep your mouth closed when you look skywards! While underwater, you can often encounter a Gannet that has dived on your bubbles. The first thing that announces the arrival of a Gannet is a loud "thump" as he hits the water.

This is followed by the appearance of a silver arrowhead surrounded by bubbles, normally at around 15m. When the Gannet sees the diver he turns about and beats it to the surface. Perhaps helmets should be worn for health and safety reasons !!!

7. Washerwoman's Rock
Skellig Michael is a major tourist attraction. A visit to the ancient dwellings on the rock are an ideal way to spend the interval between dives. When weather conditions are good, Washerwoman's Rock  off the SE tip of the island is the place to dive. A reef runs SW from the rock and it's diving, giving proper conditions, is second to none. Early morning is probably the best time to dive Skelligs as most of the good life seems to be about then. Dolphins, Basking sharks and whales are common.

8. Lemon Rock
Lemon rock lies about half way to the Skelligs, and is also well worth a visit. Off the South there is a beautiful scenic diving down to 37m. Two light iron anchors lie together on a large flat rock; evidence of a mishap at sea. More evidence lies on top of the rock itself.
The North side  has beautiful terraces for a stepped descent as far as you want to go.

9. Duchalla Head
Duchalla Head, about 20 minutes distance by RIB, and South West from the pier in Finans Bay, is also well worth noting. The outer rocks are only suitable for experienced and fit divers as the currents and swell can be difficult. The ledges drop straight down to 50m in places and again, as in the rest of the area, the fish and crustacean life is abundant. There are a multitude of canyons, gullies, rock outcrops, drop off's and holes.

One of the greatest pleasures is to stop on a ledge at about 20m and look down into the clear dark depths below. After a few moments the pollack, Balun and Cuckoo Wrasse rise out of the depths. They have not learned to be afraid of the diver and are very inquisitive. The Cuckoo Wrasse in particular are  very curious and adventurous. Conger Eels, Ling and Angler Fish are common among the many cracks and fissures in the rocks, particularly in the deeper, cleaner waters. It is also common to find large Cod and Conger co-habiting in the same crevice. It's hard to know what they find in common, but there is some mutual bond between them.

Diving Facilities
One of the most important aspects of the diving is the location of a Dive Centre in the area. Atlantic Divers offer a wide range of facilities for those divers who wish to travel lightly.