Dive into the Magic of Dublin Bay with Oceandivers

Guarded by Howth Head to the north and Bray Head to the south, Dublin Bay offers some of Ireland’s most accessible and exciting dive sites. Whether you’re newly certified or an experienced diver, Oceandivers runs regular boat dives from Dún Laoghaire Harbour at the Coal Harbour slipway to explore the very best underwater locations in the bay.

Our fast 8.5 metre RIB departs just beside the East Pier and cruises across Scotsman’s Bay, offering sweeping views of Dublin’s south coast. The approach to Dalkey Island, with its wild, rugged beauty and deep historical roots, is a highlight in itself.

Top Dive Sites in Dublin Bay

Scotsman’s Bay
Located just outside the harbour, this shallow sheltered site is perfect for training, refreshers, or easy dives. It’s home to sea hares, flatfish, and the occasional pipefish hiding among the kelp.

Dalkey Island Drift
This exciting drift dive sweeps you along the island’s northern edge, riding the current through kelp forests and gullies rich with marine life. Best enjoyed on a rising tide with a watchful eye on conditions.

Seal Bay (Northeast Dalkey Island)
True to its name, Seal Bay is one of the best spots to encounter grey seals both on the rocks and in the water. It’s a calm, scenic site that’s great for all levels of certified diver.

South Tip of Dalkey Island
Exposed and full of movement, the southern tip drops away dramatically. The currents here bring in a steady flow of nutrients, feeding an abundance of marine life including wrasse, pollock, and large conger eels.

Muglins Lighthouse
A dramatic granite rock just east of Dalkey Island, the Muglins drop steeply to over twenty metres. Its ledges are carpeted with plumose anemones, sponges, and sometimes patrolled by lobster or crab the size of your forearm.

Sorrento Terrace Reef
Just off the iconic row of Victorian houses, this lesser-dived site offers a vertical granite wall covered in filter feeders. On a clear day, it’s a hidden gem with striking topography and excellent photo opportunities.

Dalkey Island and the Seal Colonies

Dalkey Island itself is home to one of Dublin Bay’s largest grey seal colonies. As our boat passes nearby, you’ll often see them hauled out on the rocks or swimming beside us. Underwater, seal interactions are often a highlight — curious individuals will sometimes glide past divers or even circle the group in playful fashion.

Booking Your Dive

All boat dives depart from the public slipway at the Coal Harbour in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, with check-in one hour before departure. Parking and access are straightforward, making for a smooth start to the day.

You must be a certified diver with at least a PADI Scuba Diver certification or equivalent. New to Irish waters? We can run a Local Orientation Dive with one of our Divemasters to introduce you to the gear and techniques used in colder, lower-visibility conditions.

Dublin Bay might not have the crystal waters of the west, but it more than makes up for it with marine life, history, seal encounters, and the chance to dive within minutes of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

Book your Dublin Bay dive today and explore the hidden underwater world with Oceandivers.