The Dive Centre
Ideally situated on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, the Porthkerris Dive Centre complex has a wide range of facilities, including on-site parking, which are all located within a few metres of the beach.
Diver training is available for the full range of PADI and BSAC courses from Open Water to Instructor, PADI Specialities, IANTD Nitrox & Advanced Nitrox and DAN O2 Provider. We also run SSI freediving courses.
We have a fully equipped classroom that clubs can hire to run their own training sessions. Haskel Trimix pumps are installed for Nitrox cylinder charging.
Porthkerris has one of the best shore dives in the UK. It is accessible to within a few metres by car and accessible for disabled divers. The dive is ideal for newly qualified Open Water Divers and experienced divers alike.
The cove, with Drawna Rocks standing off, nestles under high cliffs and is protected from all but Easterly Winds, therefore, in the summer, when the prevailing winds are occasionally very strong from the south west, Porthkerris is generally flat calm. Depending on the state of the tide, maximum depth reaches about 18 to 20 metres.
A wide range of pitches are available for camping in tents or caravans. The pitches are located on the beach and in our camping fields overlooking the whole of the Falmouth Bay area and the Manacles. There are also a number of electric hook-ups which are available by pre-booking.
Our retail shop on the beach front sells a wide range of diving gear, books, spares and gifts. We have an extensive range of equipment for hire including dry suits and semi-dry suits. Our Hard boat and Rib are available for charter providing a shuttle service to the nearby wrecks and scenic reefs. All of our qualified skippers are also experienced divers with a thorough knowledge of the conditions on the scenic reef and wreck sites.
Qualified first aid providers are available on site at all times. An emergency telephone is situated on the beach and a public telephone is available in the shop and we also have toilets, showers, changing rooms and facilities for kit wash which are available 24 hrs.
We have a catering wagon which is located on the beach next to the compressor room. It is open daily from 9.00am (earlier by arrangement), but may be subject to seasonal requirements.
Information:
- Porthkerris is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with this entire coastline being a carefully maintained conservation area.
- Spear fishing is not allowed and no shellfish may be collected or handled.
- No private compressors are allowed.
- Visitors are requested to be considerate to others regarding noise, obstructions and rubbish disposal.
- We actively encourage recycling by the provision of recycling bins by the Catering Wagon.
- The nearest fuel is available about two miles away.