As of 9 October, Singapore has announced upcoming travel lanes to 8 different destinations on top of the already established ones with Germany and Brunei. Amongst the countries opened on vaccinated travel lanes (VTL), the UK is one of them.
Coveted by many scuba divers in Singapore, the UK houses some of the best diving spots in the world. As such, scuba divers from all over the world will be eager to travel abroad and dive in international waters again. Singapore is no different, especially having been landlocked on the tiny island with little local dive spots for the longest of times.
In this article, we will share the 5 best spots in the UK where Singaporeans can flock over to in the coming months to pursue their scuba diving adventures.
Scapa Flow, Orkney
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Home to dozens of wrecks from the first and second world war including the German first world war fleet the Scapa Flow, this dive spot is often teemed with divers from all over the world who flock over to catch a glimpse of the magnificent wreckage. Over there, divers can try out dive and stay packages such as the one offered by Huskyan and casual divers can also enjoy shore dives along Churchill Barriers which are structures built in 1940 to fend off ships approaching the harbour from the eastern direction.
It is popular amongst divers who are both experienced as well as those who are just starting out. Divers who are looking for guided dives may approach Kraken Diving which is Scapa’s only dive school where they extend beyond the conventional catalog with guided boat diving and snorkel safaris.
Scapa Flow is a 16min drive from Kirkwall Airport which is located North of Scotland. Singaporean scuba divers who are looking to travel there may book a flight direct to Kirkwall Airport.
Lundy Island, Devon
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Located off the coast of north Devon, the island of Lundy is known mostly for its birdlife and diving venues and is home to a large resident population of friendly Atlantic grey seals. Over the course of the diving season from May to September, many divers from all over the world including Singapore flock over to experience what the island has to offer.
Scuba divers who are looking to rent diving gears and go on day trips may approach Easy Divers where they provide packages such as two guided dives with full diving equipment hire for £177.
Located West of Barnstaple, divers looking to visit from Singapore will need to book a flight to Exeter. Thereafter, divers may book a ferry that leaves from either Bideford or Ilfracombe to Lundy Island.
Farne Islands, Northumberland
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Home to the beloved grey seals, Farne Islands is popular amongst divers who flock here during the late summer and early autumn to catch them before the breeding season. The sheer cliffs and crevices that act as homes to an abundance of underwater crustaceans such as lobsters, shrimp and edible crabs as well as multiple species of sea slugs and anemones.
This is a great spot for beginner divers as there are several shallow and protected sites that are perfect for those who are just starting out. Scuba divers often depart on boats from Seahouses and those who are looking to embark on boat trips can approach Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips to book a package of two dives and full diving equipment rental for £150.
Located off the Northumberland Coast, divers looking to visit will have to hop on either one of the three ferries departing from Inner Farne, Staple or Longstone. Singaporean tourists may hop on a flight to Edinburgh where they can take a train or bus to either one of these locations to board the ferry to Farne Islands.
Capernwray, Lancaster
Located just outside of Lancaster, Capernway is a flooded quarry and is considered one of the more unique inland diving destinations in the UK. Amongst the wreckage is a helicopter, minesweeper, cannon and a 120-seater plane. On top of that, the waters are home to an abundance of friendly rainbow trout.
Measuring at a depth of 18m, this diving spot is perfect for both intermediate divers. Divers who are interested in renting diving packages may approach Capernwray Diving Centre.
Travellers will need to hop aboard a flight to Manchester followed by a train or bus ride to Lancaster. Thereafter divers can proceed to Capernwray Diving Centre via a 17min car ride.
Swanage pier, Dorset
The late-Victorian pier holds a plethora of marine life including spider crabs, cuckoo wrasse, bream and cuttlefish. Waters are shallow at only five metres deep and are therefore beginner friendly.
Scuba divers looking to book diving packages with equipment rental may approach Divers Down located on the pier for about £95. Divers may also hop aboard boats for trips out to wrecks such as the Fleur De Lys, a sunken French crabbing boat at 13 metres.
Located South of England, divers travelling from Singapore will have to hop on a flight to Southampton followed by a train or car ride to Swanage.
Conclusion
What are some of these spots that you are planning to visit? Let us know in the comments down below!