Eddystone Lighthouse

Eddystone Lighthouse is a reef dive site located 19 km (roughly 12 miles) south of Plymouth, built around the iconic lighthouse that stands on an exposed offshore reef system. The north side of the reef features shallow, kelp-covered gullies, while the southern reefs descend to around 40 m with pinnacles, boulder plains, and white shell gravel that reflects ambient light and gives the site its characteristic brightness. The Horseshoe Reef area, close to the lighthouse between the rocks on either side, begins at around 20 m and slopes south-west to 30 m and beyond.

Marine life at Eddystone includes pink sea fans — reported to be in notably better condition than at more frequently dived sites — cuckoo wrasse described as bold and fearless, schools of bass and pollack hanging at the surface, juvenile wrasse among the sea fans at depth, jewel anemone-covered pinnacles, crabs, starfish, sea urchins, and seaslugs. Congers and crustaceans are found in the granite gullies and coves.

The site is boat access only, given its offshore position 19 km from Plymouth. The offshore location means visibility is frequently exceptional; a logged dive recorded 8–10 m on a moderate day, with water temperature running at 11–12°C. Strong currents can run across the reef, though calmer days offer conditions with no current at all, making timing and conditions critical to planning a visit.