Easy Divers

Easy Divers is situated in the harbour of Ilfracombe, serving as a gateway to the diverse marine environments of North Devon. The centre has been operating since 2015, providing a structured and professional environment for both new and seasoned divers.

Their operations are centred around excursions to significant local sites, most notably the Lundy Island Marine Conservation 'no take' Zone. This area offers a protected habitat that allows for a high density of marine life, ranging from kelp forests to sheltered reefs.

The centre is led by Simon Barker, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with nearly 25 years of teaching experience. He is supported by Cath Barker, who manages the administration and marketing operations.

As a PADI 5 Star centre, the focus is on small group training and safety. The team is experienced in handling a wide range of divers, from those taking their first breaths underwater to those looking to refresh their skills in a controlled environment.

The centre provides a comprehensive range of PADI courses. Beginners can start with the PADI Scuba Diver or the PADI Open Water Course, with specialized packages available that include seal encounters.

For divers looking to progress or refine their abilities, the PADI Advanced Open Water course and PADI Reactivate are offered. They also provide the PADI Open Water Referral and Pool Skills Refresher for those needing to update their proficiency in a controlled setting.

The centre operates a catamaran with a capacity for 10 divers. The vessel is equipped with a dive lift to assist with entry and exit, as well as onboard toilets to ensure comfort during longer trips.

During the excursions, hot drinks and chocolate bars are provided on board. The boat departs from Ilfracombe harbour, providing direct access to the offshore sites.

For those who do not wish to carry their own kit, a full range of equipment is available for hire, including 5mm wetsuits, 5mm shorties, masks, fins, snorkels, hoods, and gloves.

Training is supported by an on-site heated outdoor pool with a depth of 3 metres, which is particularly useful for skills practice or refresher sessions before heading into the open water.

The waters around Lundy Island are home to significant pelagic visitors during the summer, including Minke whales, Basking sharks, and Ocean sunfish. You may also encounter porpoises and dolphins passing through the area.

In the kelp forests and reefs, you will find a variety of species such as Wrasse, Conger eel, Octopus, and various species of jellyfish. Dogfish sharks and Roussette are also common residents of these waters.

Macro life and crustaceans are abundant, including Lobster, Spiny spider crab, and Octopus. Keep an eye out for Nudibranchs and various species of crab and jellyfish moving through the habitat.

Seasonal highlights include Puffins from May to June, and the Spiny spider crab during July and August. Jellyfish are also frequently seen in late June and July.

The best period for diving in this region is from mid-May to mid-October. During this window, the environment is most suitable for the excursions offered to Lundy Island.

Larkstone Cove provides a specific area of sheltered water with low current, making it an ideal location for those practicing buoyancy or performing initial training dives.