Diving in the area is centred on the local pier which is situated in an extremely sheltered and clean inlet. The inlet itself is eminently suitable for introductory dives and beginner training. Its clear waters and sandy bottom are full of life and flatfish are plentiful. The waters vary in depth from 5–10m and it is very 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 from 10–30m 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 south westerly winds with virtually no current and it is an excellent location for novice and experienced divers alike. The fish life in the gullies and on top of the reefs can be prolific due to the shelter offered by the ragged rock faces.

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.

Lemon Rock lies about half-way to the Skelligs and is also well worth a visit. The rock itself is a microcosm of the whole surrounding area. Off the south face there is beautiful scenic diving down to 37m. Two light iron anchors lie together on a large flat rock, evidence of a mishap at sea some time in the past. More evidence lies on top of the rock itself. To the north side there are beautiful terraces for a stepped descent as far as you want to go.

Duchalla Head, about 20 min. distance by RIB, and southeast from the pier in Finan’s 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, ballan 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, clearer waters. It is also common to find large cod and conger cohabiting in the same crevice. It’s hard to know what they find in common, but there is some mutual bond between them.

Puffin Island is 10 min. 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 mirrors the overwater landscape, sheer rock faces and craggy outcrops. The island which is a bird sanctuary is home to many seabirds, 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 the tide can be treacherous and instantaneous. Puffin Head is for the 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 southwestwards 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 “close shaved” all the algae from the rock, and one gets the impression of a “bald head’ while diving on the top of the reefs. The sheltered nooks and crannies are covered in an abundance of sponges and “bejewelled” anemones of all types. The fish and crustacean life is outstanding. Early mornings often see dolphins and pilot whales on the surface. Puffin Head is guaranteed to provide an exciting and spectacular dive every time.

Diving anywhere west of the sound, along the coast to Valentia, is also excellent. Special attention should be paid to 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 min.

The loveliest and calmest of the local offshore reefs is the uncharted Montana – 18–55m. First dived about 1993, it got its name because a popular member of the dive-crew, hailed from that US state! The Montana Reef lies 750m SE of Puffin Island Sound, with the ‘Glen’ pier in transit with Florry Moriarty’s two-storey, yellow house.