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Browns bay

Alternative Names: None

Type of Dive: Shore and wreck dive

Suggested experience: Novice upwards

Travel directions: Google map

Parking directions: Car parking is on the roadside above the bay is not allowed anymore so you have to turn into Windsor Ave and park at the end of Windsor Terrace. 

Distance from Newcastle: 10.5 Miles 30 Min's

Lat & Long: 55° 2' 25.02'' N 1° 25' 48.21'' W Postcode NE26 2NT  Google

Tides: Tide tables   Best to dive here at high slack water

Depth: 9m

Site entry/exit: Walk down the steps from the road and turn right beside the swimming pool and across the rocks and enter the water to the south of the swimming pool. ( remember to be respectful to the locals )

Browns bay entry/exitBrowns bay entry/exit

Underwater directions: As you enter the water and head eastward there is a sandy plateau at around 4-6m, to the south of that there is a rocky reef which breaks the surface and extends seaward in a southeasterly direction. There is also a small forest of kelp located at a gap in the reef. There Is a lot to explore here and the sea life is famous Lumpsuckers, Octopus, Pipefish just to name a few. Look at the dive map below and pick what you would like to see.

Air & Nitrox: Deepblue   Aquanorth

Site Hazards: There can be a surface current here when the tide turns. Entry is from rocks which can be slippery. The rocky entry does mean you should also avoid heavy swell to avoid being bashed into these when at the surface. This is a popular fishing spot so you are well advised to bring along a line cutter.

Nearest Public phone:

Mobile Network service: Most work here.

Accommodation:

Other comments: There are three wrecks here... the Butetown, the Zephyros and The Astley. The Astley is in browns bay near the shore, the Zephyros is in the mouth of the bay (Can be seen on Google) and the Butetown is north of the mouth of browns bay. Don't forget to use the comments at the bottom of the page to let other Divers know what its like to dive here.

Pub:

Cafe:

Revision: 3

Thanks To: Genine Keogh

Links: Link

Created By: John Nicolson

Date: 7/12/10

Surface Photos: By Genine Keogh

Underwater Photos:  Utube   Utube    Contact me

Browns bay underwaterBrowns bay

Dive Map: New dive map by John Nicolson.

Browns bay dive map

Dive Report: Finlikecrazy A very popular dive site with local clubs and a great site for novice divers. A vast array of marine life and a very pretty reef system. Also in this bay are 3 heavily salvaged wrecks but still good for introductory wreck dives.

Dive Report: Comment in the box below.