The majority of Northern Ireland’s border is the sea. To the east is the Irish sea that separates it from Great Britain, and to the north, the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s these bodies of water that make it a fantastic place for scuba diving. It’s not just water in abundance that’s on offer here: where the land meets the sea, the coast line has a wealth of fascinating natural features such as cliffs, rocks, inlets of the sea and caves. The waters are home to all kinds of flora and fauna, from seals and dolphins to fish that dwell on the seabed and kelp forests that sway in the currents. Finally, there are unnatural scenes, like shipwrecks that have lurked in the depths since sinking in unfortunate circumstances, which nature is slowly and steadily claiming for its own. Divers are among the privileged few who will ever see these sights, making it a great scuba spot. But it’s also a fantastic place to learn how to dive and start your own underwater journey.

Where are the best places to go scuba diving in Northern Ireland?

• Portrush: This resort town on the Atlantic coast is the starting point for some fantastic diving stories. That includes many aspiring divers’ first experiences and training courses in scuba schools in the town, but also trips to fascinating locations along the shoreline. It’s possible to explore this region’s most famous natural wonder, the Giant’s Causeway, in a totally new way by doint this activity. Or you can cross the sea to the skerries - rocky islands that boast caves, 30 metre high underwater boulder slopes, and interesting sea sponges and Dead Man’s Fingers coral. Below the surface at Portstewart, there are numerous shipwrecks to be explored, including a German submarine from the Second World War in the inky dark 65 metres down, as well as kelp and large fish like pollock. And that’s not to mention the waters under the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ballintoy, where you’ll find a cavern that penetrates under the tiny island which the bridge connects to the mainland. As well as scuba diving, you can try free diving here, which involves the bare minimum of equipment and maximum freedom.

• Larne: This town is on the Irish Sea coast. There’s a club here who are experts when it comes to local dive sites. Highlights include beautiful maerl beds - a kind of algae - at Ballygally, and some impressive shipwrecks. There’s the SS-Chirripo and 4,000 tonne cargo liner Elders and Fyffes at Black Head, which were both sunk during the First World War. And at Hunter Rock, the Victorian steamer The State of Louisiana, which was broken into three pieces by the rocky outcrop before sinking.

• Lisburn: Just outside Belfast, Lisburn is a hub for scuba diving. There’s a heated pool which is perfect for getting a taste of diving without having to worry about tides, currents, visibility or, of course, the temperature of the sea! It’s also a place where experienced divers can complete specialised courses, for example night dives or rescue training.

• Strangford Lough: This is a huge inlet of the sea near Newtownards in County Down. It’s protected from currents and waves, so it’s a good place for beginners, but there are also some rewarding sites for regular divers. Near the town of Portaferry, the wreck of the Empire Tana, known locally as the Lee’s Wreck, is one of the most popular destinations in the area. The destroyed hull of the ship is covered in algae and corals, whilst within the structure you can come face to face with conger eels and lobsters. Another interesting wreck is the Alastor, which mysteriously sank while being repaired at Ringhaddy.

• Newry: Carlingford Lough, which separates Northern Ireland from the Republic, is a good place for casual diving and for novices. The Mountains of Mourne rise above the water on either side, making this a wonderful place to be when you're under the water and above it. It’s also a good place to enjoy snorkelling, as there are fish that swim near the surface and interesting features not far below.

What kind of experiences can you find here?

- If you’ve never been scuba diving before, you might have doubts about how to get into this sport. And here it couldn’t be simpler. There are clubs and schools with plenty of equipment and access to heated pools, and you can simply approach one of these for a taster session, usually known as a Try Dive or a Discover Scuba. An experienced instructor will explain the kit and equipment to you at the poolside, before you take your first immersion in the pool. These sessions usually last 1 or 2 hours. When it comes to freediving, you can organise a half or full day intro course in Portrush, to have a go at this unique, almost meditative way of diving.

- For all those who care keen to become competent, independent divers, some training is in order. The two scuba organisations that operate in the UK, PADI and BSAC, are present in Northern Ireland, and you can follow a course designed by either one at schools around the coast. If you go with the former, it’s an Open Water course, whereas the latter is a Ocean Diver course. Both involve numerous dives in pools and the sea, as well as studying some theory, and take several days to complete.

- The PADI and BSAC courses will earn you a certificate and the ability to complete unsupervised dives around the world, but you’ll soon realise that you’ve only dipped a toe into the waters of this world. There’s so much to learn, from search and rescue techniques to night time diving to the use of technical equipment. Continue your journey here with one of these courses.

Requirements to do this activity

Making the transition from terrestrial life to subaquatic exploration isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s only for accomplished swimmers and bonafide adventurers. In fact, children as young as 8 years old can have their first experiences, in heated pools with trial sessions or even scuba parties. When it comes to completing a training course, the little ones have to wait until they’re 14 years of age, but they can enjoy the PADI Bubblemakers club and Seal Team, or go snorkelling, until then. Adults of all abilities are welcome to have a go at scuba diving too, with expert instructors at schools. And freediving experiences are inclusive of everyone over 12 years of age.

Take a deep breath and jump right in by booking an experience with us!