Loch Long
Loch Long is one of Scotland's most popular and accessible dive destinations, offering a classic UK cold-water diving experience. This sea loch is renowned for its sheltered conditions, making it an excellent training ground for divers of all levels, from beginners to technical experts. The main attractions are the numerous shore-accessible wrecks, particularly the torpedo testing range wrecks near Arrochar. Divers can explore a unique underwater landscape where steep, silty slopes drop off into the dark, housing a surprising amount of marine life adapted to the cold, nutrient-rich waters.
Diving in Loch Long requires preparation for cold water, with drysuits being the standard choice year-round. Visibility can be variable, often best during the winter months when plankton blooms subside. Despite the challenging conditions, the reward is a uniquely British diving adventure. Its easy accessibility from major Scottish cities, combined with the convenience of shore diving and the thrill of exploring historic wrecks, makes Loch Long a must-visit destination for any diver looking to expand their skills and experience the rugged beauty of Scottish underwater environments.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Loch Long, United Kingdom?
The most popular site is undoubtedly the A-Frames or 'The Caves' at Conger Alley, located at the head of the loch near Arrochar. It's famed for its easy shore access via a large car park and the remnants of a torpedo testing range. Divers are drawn to the reliable encounters with large conger eels that inhabit the various pipes and structures. The site's convenience and unique underwater features make it a favourite for both training and recreational dives, offering a quintessential Loch Long experience.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Loch Long, United Kingdom?
Well-known sites include Conger Alley and the Twin Piers, both excellent for their accessibility and marine life. For a less crowded but rewarding dive, consider the wreck of the MV Captayannis in the Clyde, just outside the loch, or the deeper sites further down the loch like Finnart Oil Terminal. These sites often offer better visibility and different underwater topography but may require more planning or boat access, rewarding divers with a quieter, more exploratory experience.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Loch Long, United Kingdom?
Water temperatures in Loch Long are consistently cold year-round. In winter (December-March), temperatures can drop to a chilly 4-6°C (39-43°F). During the summer months (June-September), the surface water might warm up to 12-14°C (54-57°F), but it remains significantly colder at depth. A drysuit is strongly recommended for comfort and safety regardless of the season.
When is the best time to visit Loch Long, United Kingdom?
The best time for diving in Loch Long is often considered to be autumn and winter (September to March). During these months, plankton blooms die off, resulting in significantly better underwater visibility, often exceeding 10 meters. While air temperatures are colder, the underwater rewards are clearer views of the wrecks and marine life. Summer offers warmer surface conditions, but visibility can be reduced to just a few meters due to algae.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Loch Long, United Kingdom?
Visibility in Loch Long is highly variable and seasonal. During summer, plankton blooms can reduce visibility to 1-5 meters, creating very green, murky conditions. In contrast, the winter months from October to April typically offer the best conditions, with visibility often improving to 8-15 meters. Weather also plays a role, as heavy rain can increase runoff from the surrounding hills, temporarily decreasing clarity near the shore.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Loch Long, United Kingdom?
Loch Long does not feature large-scale migrations like whale sharks or manta rays. The main seasonal event is the plankton bloom in spring and summer, which reduces visibility but brings in juvenile fish and jellyfish. In late summer and autumn, you may see large congregations of dogfish. The primary attractions are the resident species, such as conger eels, crabs, and lobsters, which can be found year-round, making the diving consistently interesting for macro life enthusiasts.
What marine life can I expect to see in Loch Long, United Kingdom?
Despite the cold water, Loch Long supports a surprising diversity of marine life. Divers can expect to see large conger eels, numerous species of crab (edible, spider, hermit), lobsters, and prawns. The structures are often covered in anemones, dead man's fingers, and sea squirts. Fish life includes wrasse, pollack, cod, dogfish, and various flatfish like plaice and flounder. Look closely for smaller critters like sea slugs and scorpionfish.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Loch Long, United Kingdom?
A drysuit is the standard and highly recommended choice for diving in Loch Long at any time of year due to the consistently cold water temperatures, which range from 4-14°C. While some hardy divers might use a 7mm semi-dry wetsuit with a hood and gloves in the peak of summer, a drysuit provides far superior thermal protection, allowing for longer, safer, and more comfortable dives.
How do I get to Loch Long, United Kingdom?
Loch Long is easily accessible by car. The primary dive sites at the head of the loch are near the village of Arrochar, about an hour's drive from Glasgow. The nearest major airport is Glasgow International Airport (GLA). From the airport, you can rent a car and follow the A82 road along Loch Lomond, then the A814 to Arrochar. Public transport is limited, so driving is the most practical option for transporting dive gear.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Loch Long, United Kingdom?
Diving in Loch Long is almost exclusively shore-based. There are no dedicated liveaboards operating within the loch. The key dive sites, like Conger Alley, are easily accessible from the roadside, with parking available. Divers typically stay in nearby towns like Arrochar or Tarbet, where there are guesthouses and hotels. This setup offers flexibility and is very cost-effective, making shore-based diving the only practical option for this destination.