Port Gaverne is both a popular shore dive as well as a common place to launch a boat for the likes of the Sphene or the Milly. Situated just north of the famous fishing port of Port Isaac, also now popularised by TV program Doc Martin, it was also the location of a dive centre for a while.

Parking is limited to a few spaces next to the beach and along the road and can be a problem in the summer. As with many shore dives there is a choice of a long walk at low tide or a long swim at high tide. I prefer the high tide option as it makes the gully easier and safer to negotiate. Having dived this both at night and during the daytime it is an interesting site. The long swim can be made underwater or on the surface to conserve gas; the northern edge is the preferred edge with a wider range of sea weed as it heads towards the gully. The reef can be covered with all sorts of life including anemoes and Scorpion Fish. Towards the end of the headland is a gully which seperates the island from the headland, the gully is quite wide at 3-4m and a depth of up to 9m. Swimming out of the gully there is a sprawling reef where you can get a depth of up to 12m. The area is a popular spot with fishermen and you can always find loads of fishing tackle on the bottom.

Always check the weather forecast before going, although it can be dived with some swell, too much swell will make it very dangerous, especially near the gully.

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Port Gaverne is a shallow spot with an interesting gully that is reached after a long surface swim.

Take a look at some of the other dive destinations.