PORTHKERRIS NEWS 2011/2012
Greetings from Porthkerris!  Hope you had a good Xmas and a merry new year!! Things here at Porthkerris have been slowing down since October, although we have been getting quite a few shore divers throughout the winter months….

NEWS We’ve had a busy year here at Porthkerris; not only has the diving been going full steam ahead, the house is also coming along nicely. We are just about to start rendering it in the next few days.  Feedback in the past from our customers points towards there being a shortage of short term self catering accommodation and package deals in the area so the plan is to incorporate some self catering diver accommodation into the new build. Hopefully the long term plan here is that there are going to be 3 apartments at the front of the house, close to the pool.  Two of them will be able to sleep 2 people – there will also be a locked door joining these so there will be the option to open them up as a family room.  The beds in these can be double or twins.  Both of these apartments will include a kitchenette and a bathroom with shower, toilet and sink.  The third apartment will have 4 single beds, this will also have a separate kitchenette and bathroom.  At the rear of the house there will be another self-contained apartment sleeping up to 4 people. It will have an open plan kitchen/ dining area/sitting room, a bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom will have 2 single beds  (which can be made into a double bed). The sitting room will have a double sofa bed. And if you’re looking for a wonderful little hideaway then there will also be the Log Cabin.  It has its own separate entrance porch with an outside seating area for at least 10 people, the kitchen/sitting room is a large open space and there are 3 bedrooms.  Two of the rooms will have 2 single beds and one will have 4 single beds.  The idea for the cabin is that it will be booked on an individual basis, so if you are on your own you could be sharing the cabin with 7 other people. Along with the accommodation we are also building a 3 metre deep dive pool. This is next to the 3 apartments.  This will help us for our courses but it will also be available for hire so clubs can come down, finish training that needs to be done in the pool and then have their first sea dive from the shore, only metres away.  We could create the perfect package, to include accommodation, pool hire, kit hire, lecture room etc! We are also planning to start using the pool to get more of our local community involved,. Te pool will also enable us to do children’s Bubblemaker and Seal Team, which we haven’t been able to offer before.  We have added to our camping area, landscaping an area overlooking the sea on the slope on the left down towards the beach. It will be a lovely area, not far from the facilities and a great view. It will comfortably fit about 6 – 8 tents. We have been running all three boats throughout the year, the Cat, the Kitten and the Rib.  This will be the same for next year too.  During the winter months we do take the boats out of the water but this doesn’t mean that we can’t run.  If you fancy a winter dive or two then we can launch the Kitten and if the weather forbids this then we can run the Rib (within reason).  So if you have any dates in mind give a call and we can pencil you in. 

SEALIFE This year wasn’t so good for the Basking Sharks. Although we did run quite a few successful trips we didn’t see them in such large numbers as 2010.  So, fingers crossed next year will be a good one! Word according to the experts is that 2012 is going to be an excellent year for basking sharks. As many of you will have heard we did have a rather special visitor at the beginning of September – An incredibly friendly dolphin.  Remarkably it stayed with the Celtic Cat for the whole 5 hours of the trip. When they reached their first dive on the Volnay, just 5 minutes from Porthkerris, the dolphin played with the divers on the surface for 45 minutes before escorting each buddy pair down the shot line before going back to the boat to escort the next pair. Even playing with them on the seabed.  When the boat returned to Porthkerris in between dives, the dolphin obviously noticed that there were more diver playmates on the shore dive ‘Drawna Rock’ so made its way there for a good half an hour to the excitement of a lot of happy shore divers. Snorkelers too were not ignored, and at times the dolphin came in to about 3 metres of water just off the beach where it enjoyed having its underside rubbed!

BOOKINGS We are always on the end of the phone or email for bookings.  Either 01326 280620 or info@porthkerris.com. We are taking bookings for 2012 so if you have any dates in mind, please do get in touch…….. Contact us if you are interested in boat dives, shore dives, courses, camping and we’ll book you in! The Celtic Cat is getting VERY booked up at weekends during the season…so if you have got a particular date in mind, especially for the CAT, we suggest that you get yourself penciled in to avoid disappointment. We tend to have more availability on the kitten as we can run up to 6 trips a day on this boat. She is also proving to be an incredibly popular boat especially with her new diver lift. Divers also particularly love the fact that they only have to handle their kit once as they get kitted up on the beach and walk straight onto the boat.

NEXT YEAR Over the winter our staff have a break and go off and do other stuff. Dave spends every waking hour on his surf board, Finn is busy pulling down and rebuilding his house, Jeremy continues with his ‘normal’ job with St Austell Brewery, Darren will be helping us build the house and we stay at Porthkerris holding the fort, taking bookings, charters, air etc etc as usual. Dave, Jeremy, Darren and Finn will all be back working here this year. Darren is currently learning to be a Skipper. As well as already being a PADI instructor, Dave is also becoming a BSAC instructor so we can offer BSAC courses as well as Padi courses here at Porthkerris.

FACEBOOK Keep an eye on our Facebook page for news as it happens, courses and boat spaces. Some of the divers have put some wonderful Porthkerris pictures on the site.

SAD GOOD BYES After 3 years working at Porthkerris, Sarah has decided to go off and travel so won’t be back this year. She is currently off doing the ski season! Sarah has been a fantastic part of the Porthkerris team and a great friend to us all and we will all miss her terribly. She started as a non diver, but whilst working at Porthkerris she got up to Rescue diver level and has completed some of her dive master course with us and has proved to be an excellent diver. She finally got to see her first basking shark last year and hasn’t stopped smiling since!! We wish her all the best……After a season at Porthkerris, Jules has decided to have a career change away from catering so will not be running the beach café  next year. She is a good friend and lives locally so she’ll be around. We wish her well with her new ventures…

VACANCIES FOR 2012 We will be looking for someone to run the beach café next year. We can either employ someone on an hourly basis throughout the busy season (Easter to October). If we do this then we would need the person to be able to multi task and do other jobs as required (i.e. air fills, L&R etc). Alternatively someone could rent the café off us. They would then be their own boss and all we would require is that they open the café at set times and 7 days a week, unless agreed otherwise (i.e. bad weather, quiet days etc). We will also need someone to work in the office/shop. This job is full time, seasonal (March to October) working flexible days and hours. We ask that they have experience with computers and diving, although this is not essential as training can be given. As usual we will be taking on dive master internships all throughout the season.        

Anyway, that’s all for now folks! We gladly welcome feedback from everyone who has visited us here at Porthkerris, and if there is anything which we could improve on here to make your experience better then please let us know. 

Best wishes from  Jo and Mike ( and all at Porthkerris……)

Usually the biggest visitor at Porthkerris Dive Centre on the Lizard in Cornwall is the Basking Shark. However, on Friday September the 9^th as Skipper Mike, (owner of Porthkerris Dive Centre) prepared to row out to the Celtic Cat ahead of his charter with Lincoln BSAC, he noticed a dolphin circling it. On seeing Mike row out the dolphin chaperoned him to the boat. Then, remarkably it stayed with the boat for the whole 5 hours of the trip. When they reached their first dive on the Volnay, just 5 minutes from Porthkerris, the dolphin played with the divers on the surface for 45 minutes before escorting each buddy pair down the shot line before going back to the boat to escort the next pair. Even playing with them on the seabed.

When the boat returned to Porthkerris in between dives, the dolphin obviously noticed that there were more diver playmates on the shore dive ‘Drawna Rock’ so made its way there for a good half an hour to the excitement of a lot of happy shore divers. Snorkelers too were not ignored, and at times the dolphin came in to about 3 metres of water just off the beach where it enjoyed having its underside rubbed!

The beach was a buzz of excitement. Darren, one of the lucky divers said “I’ve seen some spectacular things on the shore dive here at Porthkerris; cuttle fish, seals, conga eels, and even a basking shark, but this has to top it”. Another diver from the Lincoln club said on facebook that it was the best day of her life! Another said that Thailand is nothing compared to Porthkerris for the diving, especially when you get to swim with the friendliest dolphin ever!

The dolphin, easily identifiable by a big nick in its dorsal fin, is famous for its friendly manner but hasn’t been spotted in the area for a while.

 It just shows that you never know what you are going to bump into when diving in Britain and that Great British diving should never be underestimated.

Many thanks to 'Lincoln and District BSAC 109' for these wonderful photos.

FISHING

Porthkerris is a very well known popular area for fishing and very popular for fish! We have a large area specifically for fishing, so there is plenty of space to choose from.  Mackeral is the most common fish caught from the rocks here, especially during April/May when we get huge shoals coming in.
We must stress that here at Porthkerris we like to think that whatever you take from the sea, such as Mackeral is to be eaten or used for something – please don't kill just because you can!  And if you are one of the fishermen catching we are always grateful for a couple in the shop!
Prices for fishing are £2.00 per person fishing and £2.00 to park the car……And this lasts all day!    

KAYAKING/CANOEING

We often get quite a few kayakers come to Porthkerris to launch, we are a very sheltered bay in most winds so it makes for an easy access.  The wind to look for is East, so do give us a call to check the conditions before you come down if you see that the wind is in this direction.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The kayaking off Porthkerris is 'Stunning', not only do you have a long stretch of cornish coastline to admire, there is also a pub that you can stop off at in the next bay along!  And if you're lucky you might get a Basking Shark come alongside you!  We also have The Helford River close to us, which is fantastic for kayaking, with lots of creeks to amble around.
In the past we have also had kayaking clubs come down and camp and use the place for their 'Festivities' with races, games and general fun competitions going on.  
We do not charge people to launch their kayaks from Porthkerris, but do charge £2.00 to park the car per day.

HIKING

The coastal footpath comes right through Porthkerris so we are a great stop off point, we have a beach front camping area, toilets, showers, cafe, pub within walking distance and stunning views.  Porthkerris is situated between the bay of Porthallow and the bay of Porthoustock.  And if you fancy trying out the underwater world we could always book in a 'Try Dive' !
We welcome walkers through and often get a few stopping off during their charity marathon walk.

If you are interested in any of the above activities and would like more information about them please do not hesitate to contact us…….We are on 01326 280620 or info@porthkerris.com

THE ANDOLA 10m

The Andola, a 2093-ton, 275ft three-masted sailing ship is shallow, but interesting.  Maximum depth is 10m. Her bow is to the south and is marked by great lengths of anchor chain. Broken plates and ribs are all around. Some sections of her double bottom are hidden under the thick weed of summer, which is why some say she is best in the spring.

CARMARTHEN 20m

A Steamship of 3000 tonnes the wreck of the Carmarthen is a pleasant dive with much marine life around her in 20m. Most of the broken wreckage stands 3m proud, though her boilers are a good 5m from the sand/shingle seabed. She has been well salvaged. Her 12-pdr Japanese gun is gone, but there is some ammunition for it buried under the sand.

CITRINE 22m

The Citrine became wrecked close to Cadgwith within a five minute boat ride of shore. The Citrine is the closest in approx 22m of water a half mile from land.  She lies in the main tidal stream from the Lizard Point to Black Head and you can get unbelievable visibility for British waters.  It does need to be dived at slack water particularly on a spring tide. The wrecks and the surrounding reefs support a great variety of fish life (pollack, pouting, cod, ling, wrasse, bass etc) which in turn attracts many predatory monk fish (anglers) and conger eels. The reefs in the surrounding areas are a photographers dream being covered with sponges, worms, starfish, urchins, and soft & hard corals.

CITY OF GHENT 30m

The City of Ghent became wrecked close to Cadgwith within a five minute boat ride of shore. The City of Ghent is in 30m and about a mile from shore. She lies in the main tidal stream from the Lizard Point to Black Head and you can get unbelievable visibility for British waters. It does need to be dived at slack water particularly on a spring tide. The wrecks and the surrounding reefs supports a great variety of fish life (pollack, pouting, cod, ling, wrasse, bass etc) which in turn attracts many predatory monk fish (anglers) and conger eels. The reefs in the surrounding areas are a photographers dream being covered with sponges, worms, starfish, urchins, and soft & hard corals.

THE HELFORD RIVER 7 – 12m

The Helford River is one of our most raved about dives.  There is an abundance of life on the river bed, expect to see thornback rays, hermit crabs, scallops, sea squirts and many more.  It is especially great if you like the smaller things in life!

HERA 17m

The Hera was a 4 mast 280ft long steel barque that foundered in rough weather on the 30th January 1914.  At 16m deep, the Hera is an ideal wreck for beginners and training dives.  Diveable pretty much at any state of the tide, it also makes a great second dive to follow a deeper offshore wreck on slack water.  There are plenty of gaps in the metalwork and crevices beneath the hull-plates that are worth a look inside for any of the usual wreck life, such as lobsters and conger eels.

MOHEGAN 15 – 29m

The Mohegan is the best-known and most dived wreck on the Manacles.  There was a loss of 106 lives. A mass burial of some of the victims took place in St Keverne church. The site is marked by a simple cross. The wreck is an unforgettable dive, with the bow in some 15 metres and the remainder in 29metres.  The ship lies on the seaward side of Carn du Rock and any dive planned for this area should be on slack water.  Slack water is 1 hour after high or low tide.  It takes at least 4 dives just to cover the wreck.   Marine life on the rocks includes gorgonia fans, dead men’s fingers and jewel anemones. On the sand you might spot the occasional flattie or anglerfish.

PANCRA HEAD 10 – 28m

Pancra is best dived in slack water but it can be done as a drift by the suitably qualified and experienced. There are plenty of conger eels and assorted reef life.  Boulders, gullies and kelp forest mark the dive site.

PENWIN 6 – 36m

The Penwin is an outstanding granite reef some 200m north of the Manacles. It descends from about 6m down to 35m or more. One of the main features of the reef is a vertical granite wall blanketed with invertebrate life.  As with the whole of the Manacles area there is a profusion of marine life and the extra depth can often make for improved visibility. The area is extremely tidal and care should be taken as the surrounding seabed drops off rapidly.

RAGLAND REEF 5 – 45m

This is the most popular of the reef dives on the Manacles. It is a pinnacle dive from 5-45 metres.  Raglan’s Reef starts to seaward as a very steeply rising rock covered with a thick blanket of many different species of anemones. It begins at a depth of 45m and rises to about 5m. It falls again on the shoreward side, gently undulating between 12 and 20m for approximately 100m. Life is usually prolific, with ballan wrasse, cuckoo wrasse, corkwing wrasse and goldsinny making up the vast majority of the fish life. In deeper waters, lying on the many ledges look out for ling, dogfish, John Dory, striped mullet and anglerfish.

ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE 12m

She sank on 22^nd March 1920.  Today she lies in app. 12m of water, on sand and a real haven for marine life. A pleasant shallow dive, but watch out for boat traffic.  Look out for the bib under the plates, conger in the box sections and splendid ballen wrasse all over. The wreck is small so don’t forget the surrounding sand which is home to cuttlefish, rays, tube worms, dragonets and quite a few crabs under the scattered wreckage.

SPYRIDION 18m

This 1708-ton steamer, laden with grain from the Black Sea for Falmouth, hit the Voices in the dark on 8 February, 1890.  The wreck makes a pretty dive. There is much plating and some ribs still standing in 18m, where her small single boiler is in full view. Her big spare iron prop lies flat inshore of the wreck in slightly deeper water. It is difficult to spot.

VASE 10 – 42m

The Vase is a very pretty, colourful reef dive. It is part of the Manacles and is a rock that is wedding cake shaped with three tiers at varying depths. The rocks are covered in kelp, sea fans and sponges and beautiful jewel anemones of all colours imaginable, coating the granite on the north-east corner of Vase Rock. There are sandy gullies and coves within the rocks that provide shelter from the current and are home to numerous sea urchins, starfish, crabs, pollack and wrasse. The current here can be exceptionally strong, especially on springs when it is only possible to dive on slack.

VERITAS 36m

She sank on August 5^th 1907 and today lies upside down on a sand and shingle bottom at 39m. Her bow is to the north, and her remains are well scattered to seaward. Her iron propeller is still there, and part of the stern is intact. Her two boilers are clear.

VOLNAY 21m

Homeward from Canada with luxury goods and ammunition, this wreck detonated a contact mine on 14^th December 1917 off the Manacles, and was bought into Porthallow bay and anchored a quarter of a mile off Porthkerris beach, where she sank in 21 metres. It is a non-tidal, nice and easy wreck to dive.  Today the Volnay lies in nearly 70 feet of water on a sandy bottom. Although the wreck is well broken up, there are still some very large pieces, but the whole site is covered in a fine layer of silty sand and you must be careful not to stir things up.  You may find some shell cases, lead balls or cordite if you are lucky.

PORTHKERRIS DIVERS KIT HIRE 2012

The renter is to pay full value of rented items, plus any costs incurred in collection, in case of loss or full repair costs in case of damage.  Any thefts will be reported to the police and/or local authorities.
 

Food and Drink at Porthkerris

It is the ideal place to warm up with hot drinks between dives and to satisfy the post dive hunger pangs.   

It is normally open daily from 9.00am (earlier by arrangement), but opening times are subject to seasonal requirements.

You can sit, eat and relax and talk about your days diving.

We also have a BBQ area that you are welcome to use, just give us a call and we will book it for your date.

There will also be picnic hampers available to buy, perfect for campers!

And for those of you that are staying in a self catering hoilday home, we can cook your dinner too – there will be homemade lasagnes and spag bols that you can take home and stick in the oven, so you don't have to do anything!

So watch this space, we will even be able to do evening functions such as fish and chip nights, curry nights and more……To make a booking call 01326 280620 or email 'Jules' at info@porthkerris.com

Porthkerris Divers makes no recommendation or accepts responsibility for any of the accommodation listed below

Trengilly Wartha
Constantine
01326 340332
Trengilly Wartha is situated in a small hamlet in an area designated as being of outstanding natural beauty, about one mile from the village of Constantine. There are six cottage bedrooms in the hotel all have their own facilities and are thoughtfully and attractively furnished.

Treleague B&B and Cottage
St Keverne
01326 281500
Treleague is a family run B&B and self-catering cottage nestling at the top of the peaceful Porthallow valley with views down to the sea and over Falmouth Bay to St Anthony’s Head lighthouse. It is situated on the sheltered east side of the Lizard Peninsula, south of the Helford river.

Halwyn Holiday Cottages
St Keverne
01326 280359
Halwyn is an old Cornish farmstead, with the farmhouse believed to be around 250 years old, situated in a quiet and secluded valley on the Lizard Peninsula, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is 3 cosy and comfortable holiday homes and Bed and Breakfast accommodation is available in the farmhouse.

Gallentreath
Porthallow
01326 280400
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at Gallen-Treath. The guest house, established in 1965, is ideally situated with a panoramic view of both the sea and countryside. All our bedrooms are en-suite and individually decorated with colour televisions, tea/coffee making facilities and complimentary biscuits and we specialise in traditional English breakfasts and offer a tasty Vegetarian alternative using many local ingredients. Enjoy your meal whilst looking out over the village of Porthallow and the Falmouth Bay to St. Mawes, the St. Anthony lighthouse and beyond to Dodman Point.

The Five PilchardsPorthallow 01326 280256 David and Lynn Lambrick give you a warm welcome to The Five Pilchards Inn which can offer high quality home made food, a great pub atmosphere as well as newly refurbished Bed and Breakfast or Self Catering Accommodation.The Five Pilchards Freehouse is located close to the beach in the small Cornish village of Porthallow. This is also only a 10 -15 minute walk from the ‘Porthkerris Camping Field’.

Old Temperance House
St Keverne
01326 280986
In the village square of St Keverne, on the magnificent Lizard Peninsula of Cornwall, Old Temperance House is a lovingly renovated period property, with a selection of bedrooms and private luxury shower or bathrooms that we offer for your stay. You will be welcomed by the owners Clive and Denise. All our rooms have remote control Colour Televisions, CD Players with Radio’s and alarms, Hairdryers, Tea & Coffee making facilities and thermostatically controlled central heating radiators.

Ridge House
St Keverne
01326 368244
Ridge House is a wonderful detached property in the beautiful surroundings of the lizard peninsular. This beautifully furnished house includes a well fitted, well equipped kitchen with a range cooker, dishwasher, microwave and fridge with freezer compartment. Also downstairs there is a breakfast room, dining room, living room with TV, Freeview and DVD player, and downstairs toilet. The sleeping accommodation at Ridge House consists of three double bedrooms (1 with a double bed and spacious en-suite, the others have twin beds) and a downstairs single bedroom, sleeping a total of 7 people. A cot is also provided. Also upstairs is a good sized bathroom with whirlpool bath. There are beautiful views from two of the bedrooms over the village and the sea can be seen on clear days.

Parc an Grouse
St Keverne
01326 280259
Parc An Grouse is situated overlooking the ocean close to a quiet sandy beach and just a short walk from the village of St. Keverne in beautiful South Cornwall on the Lizard culdrose Peninsula the most southerly part of England, we are the ideal place to stay if you’d like to take advantage of the many activities that can be sought in South West Cornwall, the Coast Path is just at the bottom of the fields with many lovely walks, the picturesque fishing villages of Coverack, Cadgwith, Porthallow and Mullion are all close by. We now have available our new barn conversion with well equipped en-suite rooms also three large family en-suite rooms are available.

The Old Fire Station
St Keverne
01442 866156
The Old Fire Station provides comfortable first floor holiday accommodation in a converted Victorian fire station, with fine views over to Falmouth Bay. Located in the far south west of Cornwall, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Old Fire Station is in the heart of the peaceful village of St Keverne with its handsome village square, ancient church, pubs, restaurants and local shops. The accommodation is a flat which sleeps 4 plus a sofa bed, comprising of an open plan living/dining area with sofa bed, double bedroom, twin bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and garage space for beach gear, surf boards and bikes.

Tregonning Lea
St Keverne
01326 280947
Tregonning Lea is a large spacious modern bungalow on the edge of the village of St. Keverne, in a quiet and secluded position with a large garden and ample parking on site. There are three guest rooms, double en suite, and a twin and single room which share bathroom which has bath and shower. Colour tv in all rooms, tea and coffee facilities and hairdryer. A full english breakfast, with the option of a vegetarian breakfast, is served and packed lunches can be provided. There is parking available for 4 cars and a free Wi Fi connection is also available.

The Top House
The Lizard
01326 290974
Travel as far as you can south and you will happen upon Lizard village, the most southerly point in Britain. Nestled in the heart of the village is The Top House pub. The Top House has been a hostelry for more than 200 years and prior to this a farmhouse  it still retains the real country feel. Hotel accommodation was provided from the late 1800s up until the early 80s however we are very pleased to announce that we have just completed a major refurbishment of the hotel accommodation and we can now offer 8 superb double / twin ensuite rooms. The refurbishment was inspired by the natural surrounding coastline and some of the views need to be experienced to be believed.

Atlantic House
Lizard Village
01326 290399
Luxury B&B on The Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall. Situated in an enviable position down a quiet country lane and close to the dramatic Cornish Coast, Atlantic House is the perfect place to stay for a luxury, relaxing break. Being the only 5* Guest House on The Lizard Peninsula, this is no ordinary bed and breakfast. All rooms are bright and sunny, with elegant decor, heavenly beds with plump feather pillows, delicious Cornish breakfasts; from the moment you arrive every effort is made to make your stay special. With a sea view from most rooms, caring and generous hospitality, what more could you want from a holiday in Cornwall.

Skyburriowe Farm House
Helston
01326 221646
Skyburriowe Farmhouse is situated in a leafy no through road on the outskirts of Mawgan village on the Lizard Peninsula. The farmhouse is set on a working dairy farm whose owners are true Cornish and has been in the family for generations. The house is approximately 120 years old and boasts original stained glass arched landing window and porch door. This more than comfortable Bed and Breakfast offers spacious well furnished en-suite rooms, complete with tea/coffee making facilities, colour TVs , hairdryers, alarm clocks and central heating radiators.

The Three Tuns St. Keverne 01326 280949 In the real traditions of Inn keeping, The Three Tuns Hotel is many things to many different people a place for a quick snack and a pint, for family outings to catch up with friends, for a good meal or for a comfortable hotel to base yourself from, whether being a walker, part of a diving club or on a family holiday.

White Hart Hotel
St Keverne
01326 280325
The White Hart Hotel is situated in St. Keverne on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. Commanding an entire side of the village square, The White Hart offers views of the 15th century church opposite and is only 1 mile from the infamous Manacle rocks which have claimed many ships. The nearby Acorn trail is a must for walkers. Nearby attractions include Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station and Flambards Theme Park in Helston. We offer a wide range of facilities for you to enjoy including Bed & Breakfast accommodation, fine dining and Public Bar. We have developed our menus using the finest fresh local produce and have an extensive Chef’s Specials board featuring local seafood.

Paris Hotel
Coverack
01326 280258
The Paris Hotel is situated in the peaceful and charming fishing village of Coverack, Cornwall. It was built by the Redruth Brewery back in 1907 and was named after the liner SS PARIS which ran aground on the headland on whit Monday 1899. The hotel has now been under new management since April 2004 and offers the chance to come and relax and enjoy the wonderful sea views from the garden whilst sampling a drink from the bar, or food in the restaurant. The Hotel has four comfortable rooms available for guests, comprising three double bedrooms and one room with twin beds.All rooms are ensuite with a television and tea and coffee making facilities. Every room has superb views of the sea. The menu, which changes daily, gives a varied selection consisting of locally caught fresh fish, shellfish, meats, and vegetarian options, supplemented with a quality wine list.

Other accommodation

Tarranki
Porthallow
01326 280671

Rose Cottage
Porthallow
01326 280360

Kernowyon-Chy
Porthallow
01326 280478

Tremar Becan
St Keverne
01326 280014

Eden House
St Keverne
01326 280675

2012 Prices for Porthkerris Divers

Parking/ Cars/van-minibus 2.00
Daily Shore Diving Excellent unlimited shore dive per-person on Drawna Reef  5.00
Fishing  2.00 

CAMPING
CAMPING FIELD (SHORE DIVING NOT INCLUDED) -Camping and Overnight Parking Car / Van / Camper / Tent (inclusive of parking and 2 people) 10.00
Each Additional Person  5.00
SHORE DIVE AREA (SHORE DIVING INCLUDED) 10 per person per night (this includes shore diving  and parking). Minumumpayment per tent in shore dive area (1 person) 15.00 Each Additional Person   5.00

Boat Mooring / Overnight Parking 5.00 Electric Hook Up (per night) 15.00 Launch / Recovery 9.00am till 5.00pm 12.00 (Additional hourly charge out of hours 10.00)
Boat transport beach to parking area 3.00

AIR

Air fill per cylinder 4.00

Air per pony cylinder 3.00
Cylinder hire including first air fill 7.00
Nitrox
Nitrox fill per cylinder <40% 7.00
Nitrox fill per cylinder <70% 8.00
Nitrox fill per cylinder <100% 10.00
Nitrox cylinder hire including first fill 10.00
Rebreather Fills P.O.A

WE OFFER A RANGE OF BOATS CHARTERS FOR DIVERS (Air not included)

CELTIC CAT – A 45ft Dive Catamaran cruise with 2 Dives (included sandwiches, crisps, fruit, chocolate, tea & coffee for lunch) 55.00

CELTIC KITTEN – a 8.5 metre Powercat hardboat – for one Dive per person per day 25.00 OR 2 Dives per person per day 40.00.

PREDATOR – an 8 metre catamaran RIB – for one Dive per person per day 25.00 OR 2 Dives per person per day 40.00.

A further Discount of one person free on each full boat booking (Subject to full payment with booking)

Trips over 20 miles round trip minimum 60.00 per diver (minimum booking of 8 divers)

Trips to Scylla on Celtic Cat, 2 dives 80.00 per diver (minimum booking of 8 divers)

ESCORTED DIVES

Shore dives for one diver one dive 35.00 Two dives 55.00
Boat dives for one diver one dive 60.00 Two dives 85.00

BOOKING AND CANCELATION POLICY

All bookings must be paid for in advance. We ask for a 50% deposit to secure the booking and the balance is due 8 weeks before the trip.

Confirmation of bookings cannot be given until full payment has been received

For cancellations that are made in advance of 14 days of the trip, deposits are non refundable, but are transferable within the same year of booking. The balance, minus the deposit is however refundable. Should the Kitten be unable to run (i.e. due to weather etc), where possible we will run the RIB instead. No refund can be given to people who choose not to take this alternative.

For cancellations made in the 14 days before the trip, no refund can be given. In the event of weather conditions or "force majeur" causing us to cancel arrangements, your payment for that part of your booking will be refunded at the end of your holiday.

All visitors must report to the dive shop/office to collect their boarding / air cards on arrival

PADI Specialities

Porthkerris offer a full range of PADI specialties if the one you are interested in is not listed below contact us for details.

Enriched Air Diver (NITROX)
Having a great time down there, but your table time has just run out, frustrating isn’t it.  This course will teach you how to use Nitrox up to 40%. 

It includes planning your dives, analysing your Nitrox, safety procedures for using and handling Nitrox.  Learn how to safely extend your bottom time using Nitrox. 

Entry requirements: PADI Open Water diver

Course dates: CALL FOR DATES – we are flexible

Cost: £145

Peak Performance Buoyancy
Once you have mastered perfect buoyancy you have mastered scuba diving.  There is nothing like that feeling of weightlessness.  Why not let us help you towards this goal with a Peak Performance Buoyancy Course.   

The course covers guidance on correct weighting techniques and fine tuning your buoyancy and streamlining your position underwater.  The course consists of 2 supervised dives over one day.  

Entry requirements: 15 years of age, PADI Open Water diver.

Course dates: CALL FOR DATES – we are flexible

Cost: £95

Dry Suit Diver
Have you just bought or are thinking of buying a drysuit and want to learn how to use it safely, let us show you how.  This will enhance your confidence and comfort on a dive, thereby increasing the time you are able to comfortably spend underwater.

This course consists of two dives concentrating on the finer points of dry suit diving and buoyancy control using dry suits whilst underwater.

Entry requirements: 15 years of age, PADI Open Water diver

Course dates: CALL FOR DATES – we are flexible

Cost: £120   

Special Offer! – 20% discount on undersuits!

Boat Diver
Thinking of diving from a boat, but not sure which end is which?  Not sure how to get off or back in again? A boat diver course will enhance your confidence and get you familiar with safe boat diving techniques.  With the Manacles reef just ½ a mile away, this would offer you far more variety of diving.   This course consists of two boat dives from our fast ribs or hard boat and will introduce you to boat protocol along with entry and exit techniques.

Entry requirements: PADI Open Water diver

Course dates: CALL FOR DATES – we are flexible

Cost: £150 (includes 2 boat dives)

Wreck Diver
With the Manacles Reef only 1 mile away claiming the life of many a ship, also with this area being a main shipping channel in the 2 world wars, there is an abundance of rusting hulks just waiting to be explored. 

This area has some of the best known wrecks in the South West waters.  Instead of just diving on a lump of rusting metal, come and learn about how to find the history of a wreck.

The course consists of four dives over two days, including the costs of the boat and will show you how to recognise the different parts of the wreck and map it, how to dive and navigate the wreck safely, special wreck diving techniques and how to use a guideline and reel.

Entry requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water diver

Course dates: CALL FOR DATES – we are flexible

Cost: £240

Duration: two days

Deep Diver
Want to see what is down there a little bit deeper?  Why not do it safely with an instructor?  The best bit of the reef wall always seems to be just that little bit too deep for your level of training and experience.

This course consists of how to plan and organise your deep dives safely, decompression table review and special equipment for deep diving.  It is four dives over two days and boats are included in the cost.  On completion of the course you will be able to expand your depth limitation from 30m to 40m, safely.

Entry requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water diver

Course dates: CALL FOR DATES – we are flexible

Cost: £240.00

Duration: two days