In another entry from SCUBA magazine's 2025 writing competition, A Dive to Remember, Mark Florida-James of Isle of Purbeck Sub-Aqua Club recalls an inspirational visit to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel.
Briefing:
Mean, moody and magnificent… Lundy Island, the jewel of the Bristol Channel, lies 12 miles off the North Devon Coast. A Landmark Trust nature reserve, it provides great opportunities to dive with the ‘Labradors of the sea’. Nor is chumming required, and you certainly don’t need a cage. These wonderful creatures are naturally curious and are frequently photographed interacting with divers and snorkellers.
The dive:
My memorable dive was with my partner and dive buddy, Amanda and her daughter Sofia , who was on her first Lundy experience. This was the second day of our trip. It had been rough on Day 1, so we spent that day exploring the island on foot, finishing off with a lively discussion with the island’s vicar in the pub.
Sunday morning came and we were greeted by more clement weather. Our luck was in! We made the 90-minute crossing swapping dive stories. As you approach, the island cannot fail to impress. Rugged and imposing (think of the film ‘King Kong’), with seals sunbathing on the rocks.
We quickly kitted-up, allowing the four snorkellers to enter the water first (with a final warning from the skipper not to get too close.) Snorkellers are a great bonus, as by time the divers are ready the seals have usually slipped into the sea. Once in the water, we did a quick check, okays were exchanged and we made our short descent.
A curious visitor approaches Sofia
Previously we have waited in one spot, watching grey flashes in the distance as they circle, gradually getting closer, sizing up their visitors. Not this time. Within seconds there was a medium size seal swimming below our legs. So cumbersome on land, underwater they glide effortlessly.
Moving closer, this inquisitive animal approached Sofia head- on, nuzzling. She retreated, ever calm and camera poised, snapped the seal and I snapped her. Magical! From then on, the rest of the dive could not disappoint. We had many more sightings, sometimes of grey torpedoes shooting past, sometimes playing with other seals. Nature in the raw: impressive, humbling.
Debrief:
Back on board, the smiles were contagious. Why bother to dive the UK and Ireland I am often asked? For moments like these. For the privilege of seeing what so few do. And maybe for that special photo that reminds us life always seems better underwater! Top tip: these are wild animals. Let them come to you. Resist the temptation to touch, as we may pass diseases harmless to us but disastrous for the seals. Also, book early and maybe consider trying for two days.
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We want to hear from YOU. Tell us your scuba (or snorkel) story - how you got into the sport and what brought you to BSAC. Whether you were already trained with another agency, started as a young snorkel diver or found us later in life. Email your story to marketing@bsac.com with the subject 'My scuba/snorkel story' and some pictures and yours might be the next story we share!
This article was originally published in SCUBA magazine, Issue 159, October 2025. For more membership benefits, visit bsac.com/benefits.
Images in this online version may have been substituted from the original images in SCUBA magazine due to usage rights.
