Aqua Blue Divers Lundy Island Trip. 3rd July 2008

diverjon

The day started very early, with threatening black clouds & rain squalls on the drive to Ilfracombe. After a hearty breakfast at Shirlys Cafe we made our way back to the harbour and were able to unload right on the quay side onto the cat hulled Obsession 2. Amazingly we set off right on time with an expected travel time over to Lundy of an hour & a quarter.

The sun came out & we did not have a drop of rain the whole day. All the way to Lundy we were running into a very heavy sea which was hard going, so just over 2 hours later we arrived at the island & sheltered in the flat calm lee on the east side.

Two scenic dives were opted for. The first on Gannets Wall, which started at about 12 meters & petering out at about 42 meters, excellent for all level of divers. Lots of life about including Lobsters, Edible Crabs, Spider Crab, Cuckoo, Corkwing, Goldsinny, Rock cook & Ballam Wrasse, various beautifully coloured cup-corals, huge scallops, starfish & lots more.

We then anchored up in the shallows of Gannets Bay. The tide was out & a large number of seals including some pups were basking on the rocky shore line. Most people opted to go & snorkeling with the seals for a while, but i decided to don my scuba kit & use up my remaining air from the previous dive. The skipper asked us all to be back on the boat in half an hour. Finning in the direction of where the seal were, I sat on the sea bed at 4 meters & hoped the seals would be inquisitive enough to check me out. After about 5 minutes, the first seal appeared then another & soon i was surrounded by 5 adults & a couple of young ones. It was truly amazing to see these creatures in there natural environment. Some great photo opportunities. One of the seals became so friendly it eventually came & rested itself across my legs & lap. All too soon the half hour was up. I had to take my leave & make my way back to the boat. What an incredible experience.

The next dive was to be on the Knoll Pins, which are 2 large rock formations that jut out of the sea at low water, again full of life & colour. I have dived this site a few times before & after the experience with the seals i opted to call it a day.

I'm really looking forward to our return trip later in September. A few spaces are still available.

The return trip to Ilfracombe was a much more pleasant journey & only took us an hour. All in all a fantastic day, which will remain with me fo a very long time. Great company, friendly crew & awesome dives. Thank you everyone who joined us. Also thanks to Bruce for the entertainment, the pictures will tell the story!!!!!