| Background info/history/introduction | The bay is a marine conservation area and there is a marine exhibition at the quayside – free entry. The access and bay is part of the Smedmore Estate – the manor house is nearby and is occasionally open to the public. The Clavel Tower on the hillside above the bay was built as a folly by a former owner of the estate. Kimmeridge is a pretty and historic village with narrow roads that can be congested in the summer season. There is a very nice farmhouse B+B in the village which is happy to cater for divers |
| Coordinates WSG 84 | OS Map ref SY 909 787 |
| Coordinates confirmed on plotter yes/no | NA |
| Transit distance by sea NM | Approx 13 nm from Ferrybridge Marina |
| Depth max/min | Within the bay, max depth is around 6-7 metres. Further out it reaches 15 metres or more, but that depth is best achieved by boat. |
| Orientation of target | The bay faces south and so is affected by any winds from the SW especially. |
| Slack (ref. nearest appropriate port) | 3 hours < HW Portland 3 hours > HW Portland N.B There are only weak currents within the bay, but stronger tides outside. |
| Hazards | The area is very close to the Purbeck Gunnery Ranges and any boat launching from the bay needs to be aware of this and consult either the range website or a range warden who is frequently based in a hut in the quay. Also, boats from Portland pass the ranges and need to check access for transit. |
| Condition of wreck | NA |
| Restrictions (war grave etc) | As a Marine Area the look-but-don’t-touch philosophy applies. Also, there is the possibility of finding dud, blank, or spent ammunition in the outer areas of the bay. There are speed restrictions for boats in the bay (8 knots). Access to the estate and bay is via Wareham/Stoborough and a private toll road (£5 for cars, extra for any trailers as of 2020). |
| Highlights | Plentiful marine life also the occasional dolphin, large sea bass and rumours of sharks offshore. Visibility underwater is usually good at around 5-6 metres, sometimes better after a long, calm period. High winds can stir up the sandy bottom close to shore and reduce vis to zero. Bottom is mainly sandy, with some rock close to shore and low ledges running out to sea. |
| Recommendations | An ideal early dive for a newly-qualified Ocean Diver, either from shore or boat. Ideal training ground for basic skills. Nice relaxing second dive for more experienced divers, after a picnic lunch ashore. There are public toilets near the quayside which have recently been upgraded. There is plenty of space for kitting up by the access point, which is a rough (and slippery) concrete quay. There are no refreshments available at the quayside although there is a very nice tearoom-cum-restaurant in the village. |
| Dive charter boats | Divers Down, based in Swanage, would be the most convenient and closest. |
| Videos | ‘Underwater Photography for Science and Conservation’ by Dr. Matt Doggett, https://youtu.be/Zw0HvGp-O-U |
| Other reference sources | Dive Dorset, Page 132 |
| Disclaimer: | Please note that Newbury Scuba Diving Club cannot be held responsible for any incorrect data relating to these dive sites. Every diver/dive manager is responsible for checking the accuracy of the data themselves prior to commencing their own diving activity by using appropriate charts, tidal flow information and other approved reference materials. |