Scottish Borders dive sites

Yes, St Abbs Head is one of Scotland's best shore diving sites. The main entry point is at St Abbs harbour, where a slipway provides easy access to the water. The marine reserve begins immediately north of the harbour and encompasses the rocky coastline around the headland. From the entry point you can swim to several dive sites along the coast within a few minutes. The depth increases gradually to around 25 metres at the outer sites. Car parking is available near the harbour and there is a dive shop in the village for air fills and equipment rental.

Wolf fish, also known as catfish locally, are one of the signature species at St Abbs Head. They occupy permanent dens in the rocky gullies and overhangs, typically at depths between 12 and 20 metres. Several individuals have been resident in the same dens for years and are well known to local divers. The dive shop and local guides can point you to current wolf fish locations. The fish are generally docile but have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so maintaining a respectful distance is important. They are most reliably seen between May and October.

St Abbs Head is consistently rated among the best shore dives in the United Kingdom. The voluntary marine reserve status since 1984 has allowed fish populations to recover beyond levels seen at unprotected sites, and the diversity of invertebrate life rivals any UK location. Visibility is unusually good for the North Sea, averaging 10 to 15 metres in summer with peaks of 20 metres or more. The ease of shore access makes it particularly attractive compared to boat-dependent sites. The main drawbacks are the cold water temperatures and occasional east coast surge during onshore winds.