The Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are a group of rocky islands off the Northumberland coast, famous worldwide for their large colony of grey seals that make diving here an unforgettable experience. Playful seal pups regularly interact with divers during the autumn and winter months, swimming face-to-face and nibbling on fins. Beyond the seal encounters, the islands offer dramatic underwater scenery with kelp-covered gullies, walls dropping to 35 meters, and dense communities of soft corals, anemones, and crustaceans. The exposed North Sea location means conditions can be challenging with cold temperatures, swell, and currents. Boat access only from Seahouses harbor. The Farnes are consistently rated among the UK's top dive destinations for wildlife encounters.