Scott Waterman has been leading dives off the Anglesey coast for years, and maintains that this area provides the best diving in the world.
“I may be accused of bias, but whereas the Red Sea may be clearer, and other areas may be more varied and fertile, Anglesey as an island, gives contrast, all year round opportunities, with the fascination of so many wrecks and reefs, most of them undiscovered. When you think about it, you are only half an hour's drive from any of the island’s good diving areas”.
Scott, who operates out of the Anglesey Sea Zoo, plans to establish a training centre for beginners and novices. He claims that 96% of his clients return to Anglesey after their initial visit. “There are some 450,000 divers in the UK, and I think half of them have been to Anglesey.”
“It is so popular, that the seals swimming around Puffin Island come and greet you, like lost friends, and are ready to play. Seals can be enticed into one of their favourite tricks. If you turn over onto your back, and wave your fins, the seals will begin nibbling them, and then shake them from side to side, like a dog with a toy. Seals have incredibly sharp teeth, so you have been warned.”
Diving enthusiasts arrive from all over Europe. “We have German divers wanting to search the U Boats sank off the northern coast during the last war, with marine archaeologists buzzing around the wrecks and reefs in total amazement.” It is estimated, though no-one knows for sure, that there are 1200 wrecks littering the Anglesey shoreline, with only 350 registered.
There are dives to match all abilities, though novices are strongly recommended to take lessons, which are available locally at Anglesey Divers in Holyhead.
The reefs, especially off the west coast, act as a magnet to marine photographers. With so many reefs and wrecks to be found, Anglesey is a “buzz” word in the diving family.