SCUBA diving in the Isles of Scilly & Southern Cornwall (2006) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Experience the enchanting Isles of Silly with crystal clear waters and a fantastic array of wrecks, marine life, and old-world charm.

Key Insights

• 💦 The Isles of Silly offer a unique and unforgettable diving experience with crystal clear waters and a wide variety of wrecks and marine life.
• ✋ The area is known for having a high concentration of shipwrecks, making it a haven for wreck diving enthusiasts.
• 🤢 Conservation efforts are important in protecting rare species such as the Sunfish and pink sea fan found in the area.
• 😜 The wrecks in the Isles of Silly provide opportunities for divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced divers seeking challenging dive sites.
• ⚓ The wrecks offer intact features, such as anchors, anchor chains, and machinery, highlighting the historical significance of the area.
• 🛰️ HMS Silla, a former frigate, offers divers the chance to explore a large interior and witness the wreckage's transition into an artificial reef.
• 🤢 Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including soft corals, polyps, sea fans, and different fish species.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the Isles of Silly a popular destination for divers?

The Isles of Silly are popular among divers due to their crystal clear waters, abundance of wrecks, and diverse marine life. The area offers a unique opportunity to explore historical wrecks and encounter various marine species.

Q: Are there any rare marine species to be found in the Isles of Silly?

Yes, the Isles of Silly offer protection to many rare species such as the Sunfish and pink sea fan. These species are threatened by factors like bottom trolling and water pollution, which emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts.

Q: What can divers expect to find when exploring the wrecks?

Divers can expect to see a wealth of marine life, including soft corals, polyps, sea fans, and various fish species. The wrecks also offer swim-throughs, tunnels, and intact features such as anchors, anchor chains, and machinery.

Q: Are there any challenging dive sites in the Isles of Silly?

The wreck of HMS Silla, a former frigate, offers a challenging dive experience with its large interior and numerous rooms. Good finning technique is necessary to navigate the ship and explore its machinery rooms, corridors, and gunning positions.

Q: How long have the wrecks been in the waters of the Isles of Silly?

Some wrecks, like the SS Italia and Karan, have been in the waters since 1917, while others are more recent, such as the wreck of the Sia from 1996. Despite their age, many wreck features remain intact, providing an interesting glimpse into maritime history.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Isles of Silly offer a unique diving experience with clear waters, wrecks, and abundant marine life.

• The area is known for having more shipwrecks per square mile than any other place on Earth.

• Divers can explore wrecks such as The Plimpton, The Hator, SS Italia, Karan, Hera, and HMS Silla with intact features and a variety of marine species.