St Andrews Lake is a premier scuba diving destination in the South East of England, located in Halling, Kent. This former chalk quarry has been transformed into a recreational lake, offering a unique and thrilling underwater experience for advanced divers. From sunken vehicles to submerged platforms, the lake’s diverse array of submerged attractions makes it a must-visit for any scuba enthusiast.
Accessibility and Facilities
St Andrews Lake is easily accessible, with ample parking and a well-equipped dive center on-site. The dive center provides essential amenities, including gear-up benches, changing rooms, and other facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient diving experience.
The water depth at St Andrews Lake ranges from a shallow 1.5 meters at the entry point to a maximum of 35 meters further from the shore. The lake’s bottom is composed of sand and chalk, providing a unique and challenging environment for divers.
Underwater Attractions
One of the primary draws of St Andrews Lake is the diverse range of underwater attractions that await divers. These include:
- A small plane
- Trucks
- Pleasure yachts
- A trapeze
- Two long containers
- Platforms at various depths
- A post box
- A lorry cab
- A transit van
- A caravan
- A double-decker bus
- A motor cruiser
- A 7.5-ton van
- A container
- A yacht
- A platform at the maximum depth of 34 meters
These submerged objects offer a thrilling and engaging exploration experience for advanced divers, with each item presenting its own unique challenges and opportunities for discovery.
Diving Conditions and Regulations
St Andrews Lake is closed to diving between July and August, and it is essential for divers to pay close attention to the lake’s opening hours. Paid diving is required, and advanced certifications, such as Advanced Open Water, Deep, and Drysuit, are highly recommended due to the lake’s chalk-based nature, which can easily get kicked up and reduce visibility.
The lake is open from 10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday, with clear water by 5 pm. On Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the lake is open from 10 am to 4 pm with clear water by 3 pm.
Accommodation Options
For those looking to extend their stay at St Andrews Lake, the site offers stunning floating lodges, providing a unique and comfortable overnight experience. These lodges allow divers to immerse themselves in the serene and picturesque surroundings of the lake, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer diving vacation.
Conclusion
St Andrews Lake is a true gem for scuba diving enthusiasts in the South East of England. With its diverse underwater attractions, easy accessibility, and well-equipped dive center, it offers a thrilling and engaging diving experience for advanced divers. Whether you’re exploring the sunken vehicles, discovering the submerged platforms, or simply enjoying the clear waters, St Andrews Lake is a must-visit destination for any scuba enthusiast.
References:
– YouTube Video
– Divers Guide
– Oyster Diving
– CLIFE
– TripAdvisor