Valentia Island (Bray Head & Kanturk)
Site Overview
Valentia Island offers a satisfying mix of wall, wreck and kelp diving centred on Bray Head and the steamer Kanturk. The Bray Head wall drops through kelp forest to cod, pollack and crayfish, while the Kanturk lies at 15-22 m as a recognisable steamer wreck draped in life. Grey seals are occasional visitors and the island’s sheltered east side keeps conditions manageable. It is a versatile site for intermediate divers, combining history, scenery and accessible marine life close to the Skellig launch points. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers.
Dive Briefing
"Choose the wall or the wreck and brief on depth, current and the kelp. Descend along Bray Head controlling buoyancy to avoid the kelp, or locate the Kanturk by its profile on the sand. Watch for crayfish in crevices and keep fins still over the reef. Plan gas for the moderate current, ascend with a safety stop, and be mindful of boat traffic near the harbour. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Cod
Gadus morhua
Best: Year-round
Pollack
Pollachius pollachius
Best: Year-round
Crayfish
Palinurus elephas
Best: Year-round
Grey Seal
Halichoerus grypus
Best: Year-round
Kelp Snail
Margarites helicinus
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate currents
- Kelp entanglement
- Boat traffic
- Cold water
- Surge at entry
- Fragile reef
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Good for intermediate divers with drysuit experience who want a varied dive with wall, wreck and kelp in one area. It also suits those building skills before attempting the outer islands. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Valentia Dive
- Portmagee Charters
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Dingle Skellig Hotel
Dingle • 5km away
The Lodge at Dingle
Dingle • 8km away