DIVE TRIPS TO THE ISLE OF MAN
Getting here
The chances are that if you are coming across as a club, you will have to travel on the ferry due to the weight limits. Do not try to come across in the first two weeks of June as many motorcyclists come across for the famous TT week - places are limited! The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company runs at least one ferry a day usually from Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin - they can be contacted on 01624 661661.
Ronaldsway airport can be contacted on 01624 823311
Staying
Isle of Man Tourist Board can help on 01624 686766/686868
Boat Charter
Rib Hire - Mike Keggen has a 6.5 m RIBthat takes 8 divers comfortably and will arrangeto do repeat trips for more if needed. . He is a well known local diver with a wealth of experience and will be able to put you on either one of the many wrecks or some fantastic scenery, whatever your preferences. His business number is (01624) 833133. Most of the best diving around the Island is relatively coastal and RIB access is a quick and easy method.
Hard boat hire - For those that prefer a more leisurely stroll to the dive site and a cup of tea or for multiple cylinder tech divers, there is either Aquatech (01624 833037) (a converted fishing boat) or Diving Air Services(01624 628123) (follow the link and look for “Castaway”).
Any BS-AC club or club member may contact our club for assistance and are welcome on our club dives.
Equipment may be serviced at or hired fromAquatech (01624 833037) or Diving Air Services(01624 628123). The former also provides nitrox and helium mixes, the latter does nitrox. Any BS-AC club or club member may contact our club for assistance and are welcome on our club dives.
Diving
Weather can be inclement November - March and algae blooms April. Best diving is in the summer. However the Island has very strong tidal streams (9m+ tidal range) both offshore and inshore (latter not shown on charts). Slack water rarely ocurrs at high or low water, is different at different locations and may only last for 15 minutes. Please seek local knowledge to avoid incidents.
So why bother?
THE DIVING IS SPECTACULARLY AWESOME!
Lots of other information, in much more detail can be found in the Diver Guide - "Dive Isle of Man" (ISBN 0-946020-21-3 £13.95) and by contacting the Isle of Man Tourist Board.
