One of the biggest attractions of diving at Porthkerris is the incredible variety of marine life found around the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula.
Thanks to its combination of rocky reefs, kelp forests, sheltered bays and access to deeper offshore sites, the area supports a rich underwater ecosystem throughout the year. Whether you are completing your first shore dive or exploring the reefs around The Manacles, there is always something interesting to spot beneath the surface.
The famous Drawna Rock shore dive is particularly well known for its marine biodiversity. Just a short swim from the beach, divers can explore gullies, rocky outcrops and kelp-covered reefs that provide shelter for a wide range of species. Pollack, wrasse and shoals of bib are commonly seen moving through the reef systems, while blennies and gobies can often be found hiding amongst cracks and crevices.
One of the highlights for many divers visiting Porthkerris is the chance to encounter cuttlefish. These intelligent and highly camouflaged creatures are often seen during the spring months as they move into shallower waters to breed. Spider crabs are another regular sight around the reefs, particularly during their seasonal migrations when large groups gather across the seabed.
The kelp forests around the bay are home to a surprising amount of smaller marine life. Careful divers may spot nudibranchs clinging to seaweed and rock surfaces, along with colourful plumose anemones, starfish and soft corals adding texture and colour to the underwater landscape. Lobsters and edible crabs are also frequently seen sheltering beneath ledges and boulders.
Seals are occasional visitors to the area and are known for their curiosity around divers. Encounters can never be guaranteed, but grey seals are regularly spotted around the Lizard coastline throughout the year. During the warmer months, divers and snorkellers may also be lucky enough to encounter basking sharks or dolphins offshore.
Boat dives around The Manacles offer the opportunity to experience even more of Cornwall’s marine wildlife. The reefs and wrecks in this area attract larger shoals of fish, while conger eels and Lobsters are often found hidden amongst the wreckage and rocky gullies. Seasonal plankton blooms can also bring an abundance of life into the area, creating excellent feeding conditions for many species.
Above the surface, the coastline around Porthkerris is equally rich in wildlife. Seabirds including cormorants, gannets and fulmars are regularly seen along the cliffs, while the surrounding countryside on the Lizard Peninsula supports a variety of wildflowers and coastal habitats unique to Cornwall.
At Porthkerris Divers, every dive offers something different. From tiny nudibranchs hidden within the reef to larger marine visitors passing through the bay, the waters around the Lizard Peninsula remain one of the best places in Cornwall to experience UK marine wildlife up close.
