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Dive centre · SA68 0PL Lawrenny · United Kingdom

4.914 Google reviews

Celtic Deep

Head 30 miles offshore from the Welsh coast to encounter blue sharks in the open ocean waters of the Celtic Deep.

What sets this centre apart

  • MCA coded vessels licensed for 12 passengers up to 60 miles offshore
  • Social enterprise driven by marine conservationists and freedivers
  • Specialised in low-impact wildlife encounters
  • Skilled crew with valid First Aid certificates
  • Professional qualifications held by all skippers
  • Access to open ocean shark and tuna encounters
  • Expertise in freediving and snorkelling expeditions

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Celtic Deep about the centre

Based in Lawrenny, Celtic Deep operates as a social enterprise led by marine conservationists and experienced freedivers. They focus on providing low-impact wildlife experiences that prioritise the connection between people and the iconic marine life of the Pembrokeshire coast.

Their trips are designed for those seeking more than a standard tour, offering encounters with some of the UK's most significant marine megafauna. Whether you are looking to observe bluefin tuna in the open ocean or snorkel with grey seals around the islands, the focus remains on purposeful, mission-led exploration.

The club and its team

The team is composed of marine conservationists and professional freedivers who integrate research and community outreach into their daily operations. This expertise ensures that every trip serves as a platform for impactful marine study and conservation awareness.

Safety and professionalism are central to their service. All boat crew hold valid First Aid certificates, and skippers are professionally qualified. The vessels are inspected by the Marine Coastguard Agency and licensed to MCA code of practice MGN 280, ensuring they are capable of carrying 12 passengers up to 60 miles offshore.

The centre at a glance

Affiliation
SSI
Website available in
English
Boats
12 passengers
Equipment rental
full set, fins/mask/snorkel, wetsuit only
Oxygen on board
Yes
Access and transfers
Dale Harbour (SA62 3RB) for Puffin & Seal Trips, parking £5/day car, £10/day van. Martins Haven (SA62 3BH) alternative. Neyland Marina (SA73 1PY) for Celtic Deep Trips, free parking. Tenby Harbour (SA70 7BN) for Lundy Island Trips, drop-off then park at multi-storey car park (SA70 7LT, £6/24hrs). Snorkelling/freediving locations vary (St Brides Haven, Manorbier, Stackpole Quay).

Courses on offer

Celtic Deep offers specialised training in freediving, catering to those looking to develop their breath-hold capabilities and underwater movement.

Beyond freediving, the centre provides various opportunities for snorkellers to explore the local marine environment through guided wildlife encounters.

The boats

The centre operates vessels coded for 12 passengers, specifically designed to handle offshore trips up to 60 miles from the coast. These boats are equipped with safety gear that meets and exceeds legal requirements for the area.

Depending on the specific itinerary, trips may depart from Neyland Marina, Dale Harbour, or Tenby Harbour. For those heading to the islands, the boats provide access to Skomer, Skokholm, and Lundy Island.

Equipment and gases

Full equipment hire is available for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins. For those needing additional items, they also provide gloves, socks, hoods, and weight belts.

Specific freediving wetsuits are also available for hire to suit the requirements of breath-hold diving.

Dive sites with Celtic Deep

The Celtic Deep is an open ocean environment located roughly 30 miles from the Welsh coast. It is a premier location for observing large pelagic species such as blue sharks, whales, and giant bluefin tuna.

Skomer & Skokholm consist of island environments that host globally significant colonies. These trips allow you to encounter Atlantic grey seals and various seabird species in their natural habitat.

Lundy Island is a designated marine nature reserve. The waters surrounding the island are a known hotspot for dolphins and whales, and the area is famous for its resident seal populations.

And some of the dive sites the centre runs.

The Celtic DeepSkomer & SkokholmLundy Island

Marine life around SA68 0PL Lawrenny

The open ocean and island waters host a variety of iconic marine megafauna. You may encounter blue sharks, whales, dolphins, and large bluefin tuna during offshore trips.

In the island environments, Atlantic grey seals are a primary attraction, particularly during their breeding season from August to November. If visiting between April and July, you will also find significant colonies of puffins.

For those interested in the smaller inhabitants of the Pembrokeshire coast, the area supports a diverse range of marine life including various seabirds and resident seal populations.

Diving conditions

Trips are subject to weather and sea conditions, and the centre reserves the right to relocate or reschedule trips to ensure safety. These excursions are noted as being more physically demanding than typical wildlife tours.

Due to the nature of open ocean and island trips, participants must declare any medical conditions. A doctor's note is required for certain cardiovascular, neurological, or bone and back conditions.

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