Scotland might be renowned for its dramatic landscapes and ancient castles, but it’s also the location of some of the most stunning underwater landscapes in the UK. With everything from the dramatic kelp forests of the west coast to the vibrant sea life of the Orkney Islands, scuba diving in Scotland is an unforgettable experience—even for kids. But where is it safe to take the kids diving? What will you spot in the form of marine life? And how on earth do you organize a family diving trip? All of this and more is revealed in this guide to a fantastic underwater experience with your children.
Best Places to Scuba Dive with Children in Scotland
There are numerous diving locations around Scotland suitable for beginners and families. While some are better suited to experienced divers, there are plenty of places where children can safely discover the wonders of the deep.
1. St Abbs Marine Reserve (Berwickshire)
St Abbs is one of Scotland’s best sites for family diving. The site is a marine reserve, meaning the waters are both full of life and protected from overfishing. The shallow waters and decent visibility also make it perfect for children learning to dive.
What you can see: Colourful anemones, sea urchins, lobsters, and even curious seals.
Best time: April to October offers best visibility and warmer waters.
Safety level: Perfect for beginners with shallow dive sites and calm waters.
2. The Isle of Skye
The clear waters of the Isle of Skye offer breathtaking diving sites with shore access, making it perfect for families looking for a relaxed diving experience.
What you can see: Fish in schools, crabs, starfish, and the occasional basking shark in the summer months.
Best time: May to September for warmer water and better weather.
Safety rating: Generally superb, but always monitor weather conditions before diving.
3. Loch Fyne (Argyll and Bute)
If you prefer a sheltered dive site, Loch Fyne is a good choice. The loch is renowned for its calm water and is thus highly suitable for young divers.
What you can see: Scallops, crabs, sea cucumbers, and small sharks like dogfish.
Best time: Throughout the year, but summer is better for kids.
Safety level: Very safe, with little current and good visibility.
4. Orkney Islands (Scapa Flow)
For those with older children or teenagers who are also seasoned divers, Scapa Flow in Orkney is an excellent choice. With several sunken warships, the site is steeped in history and marine life.
What you can see: Wrecks, giant jellyfish, seals, and a variety of fish species.
Best time: May to September.
Safety level: More experienced junior divers are suitable due to deeper waters.
Is Scuba Diving Safe for Children in Scotland?
Safety is the top priority when diving with children, and Scotland has many beginner-friendly sites. However, there are a few important things to remember:
Minimum Age: The majority of diving schools in Scotland accept children from 8 years of age for pool basic training and 10 for open water dives.
Supervision: Have your child dive with a certified instructor at all times if your child is new to scuba diving.
Equipment: Children need properly fitting wetsuits, masks, and regulators for both comfort and safety.
Weather Conditions: Scotland’s waters are cold, and a dry suit is recommended for winter months.
What Marine Life Can You See?
Scotland’s waters are teeming with an amazing variety of sea life, and each dive is an adventure.
Common Fish: Wrasse, cod, haddock, and flatfish.
Larger Marine Life: Seals, basking sharks (which are harmless plankton-eaters), and dolphins.
Other Creatures: Sea anemones, colourful starfish, octopuses, and jellyfish.
Each dive is different, and if you’re fortunate, you can witness something truly spectacular.
How Much Does Scuba Diving in Scotland Cost?
The cost of a family diving trip depends on location, equipment rental, and whether you require an instructor.
Try Dive Experience (Introductory Lesson in a Pool): £30–£50 per person.
Open Water Beginner Course: £300–£500 per person (including certification).
Guided Dives for Certified Divers: £50–£100 per person, depending on location.
Equipment Rental: £20–£50 per day should you not already have your own gear.
The majority of diving centres offer family discounts, so it’s always worth asking at the time of booking.
Can You Take Pictures Underwater?
Yes! The underwater scenery in Scotland is spectacular, and photographing it can be a great way to memorize your dives.
Underwater Cameras: GoPros and other waterproof action cameras are ideal.
Lighting: Scotland’s waters are dark, and therefore an external light or red filter improves photograph quality.
Editing Your Footage: Edit and share your films after diving through the use of applications that allow you to create GIF clips out of your video footage.
How to Plan a Family Scuba Diving Trip in Scotland
Planning a diving vacation with children requires preparation, but with the proper approach, it can be a fantastic family experience.
Step 1: Choose the Correct Destination
Choose a destination with conditions that are favorable for beginners, i.e., shallow water, little or no current, and good visibility.
Step 2: Book a Family-Friendly Dive Centre
The majority of dive centres in Scotland are oriented towards beginner training, so children will feel comfortable and safe.
Step 3: Check Equipment Availability
Ensure the dive centre has correctly sized wetsuits and masks for children. If bringing your own, make sure everything fits properly before the trip.
Step 4: Plan Your Trip in the Right Season
Summer months (May to September) provide the best conditions for family diving, with warmer water and calmer seas.
Step 5: Prepare for the Cold Water
Scottish waters can be cold, even in summer, so make sure your children wear thick wetsuits or dry suits.
Step 6: Capture the Moment
Allow the children to live in the moment, but also bring along an underwater camera to record their first dive.
Final Thoughts
Scotland offers some of the UK’s most fun and family-friendly scuba diving. With proper preparation, children can safely dive to explore stunning underwater scenery full of marine life, centuries-old wrecks, and vibrant kelp forests. While there is an initial outlay for training and equipment required for diving, the rewards—adventure, exploration, and quality time together—are well worth the expense.
Therefore, whether you’re swimming alongside the crystal waters of St Abbs or scuba diving alongside seals in Skye, a Scottish scuba diving holiday with children is a memory that will last a lifetime.
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