Not one, but two trips to the Farnes this year.

Well the boat is booked, so save the dates 26th & 27th July for our appointment with the wonderful sealife around the Farnes

What to expect

The seals are what the Farnes are all about and while I can’t guarantee a seal encounter at that time of the year it is highly likely. Add to that the wonderful marine life a great trip is pretty much a certainty. See this video by our very own Rob Mason for a taster of what it will be like.  As usual we will be diving with Billy Shiel, his boats are well known and have toilets and a diver lift so no struggling to get back in the boat.  We have booked the whole boat so we will be able to ask for the sites we want.

Apres dive? We are usually back in port by 1-2pm at the latest so there is plenty of time for other actives with your partner, family and friends The area around Seahouses is absolutely beautiful, great walks on the beach, a castle to visit….  there is so much to do. On Saturday night we usually meet up for meal, more details to follow.

Who can go?

The good news is that with depths ranging from 5 to 20 metres the Farnes are suitable for all levels of diver from Ocean Diver upwards that have a few dives of experience. If you are newly qualified and don’t have 10 dives since qualifying and would like to join us, please see the training officer to discuss getting some more experience.

What equipment do I need?

The suit is the most important thing here, while it is true to say that the sea is at it’s warmest at that time of year – it is not warm, 12/14c at best. 7mm semi-dry and vest – just  possible, dry suit – highly recommended. The rest is standard scuba equipment however make sure your regs are cold water rated. In addition equipment that is matched to your level of training, compass, torch, line cutter dsmb & reel. BCD and regs can be hired from the club but there are limited number sets so get your request in early. There are two dives a day so you will need two cylinders, the most common size being 12l. Again they can be hired from the club but limited in numbers, so book early.

Where can I  stay?

Here you are spoiled for choice, there is a plentiful supply of accommodation, hotels, B&B’s campsites for those wanting a DIY solution and even whole houses. booking.com & airbnb are a couple of good starting points, google is your friend here. Your accommodation must be booked and paid for separately from the diving by the participant. It usually best to book your accommodation early as prices tend to rise nearer the time. Most divers book Friday and Saturday night, it’s along drive on Saturday morning, though it has been done.

There are various campsites, some details and links on the club’s WhatsApp, including

Spring Hill Farm
Beadnell Bay
Annsteads Farm

All of which beggars the question…..

‘Ow much?

The price for the diving is £65 per day so £130 for the weekend. Air fills are £7 per and  are paid in cash directly to Billy. Transport to Seahouses, accommodation and food are all separate and paid for by the participant.

Some of you have already expressed your interest in this trip, if you could confirm your interest with me I would be grateful. Your place is secured  by a deposit of £50 paid to the club treasurer.by bank transfer, bank details are

Account name.          Barnsley BSAC Divers
Sort code            08-92-99
Account Number        65617726
Use reference            Your surname Farnes – July