Farne Islands Trip

Hard boat diving trip with Sovereign Diving in Seahouses.  Arrive Friday afternoon/evening.

Organiser and Dive Manager – Cath Lee

THE DIVING/BOAT

Two dives on Saturday and on Sunday, then drive home Sunday evening.  ‘Ropes off’, and the time we finish will depend upon the tides.

We’ll have exclusive use of their smaller boat which, being a catamaran is very stable in the water, and has a dive lift for easily getting back into the boat.  There is a toilet on-board.  Hot drinks will be provided between dives.

If we’re lucky, we might see some seals.  Even without the seals, there will be a wide variety of other marine life to enjoy.

Suitable for all grades of qualified diver as the diving won’t be deep.  All divers must be competent at deploying a DSMB.

Open to qualified young members, if accompanies by a suitably qualified parent or guardian.

ACCOMMODATION

Sovereign Diving no longer have their B&B.  Accommodation will therefore be at Farne Lodge in Beadnell which is offered on a ‘room only’ basis.  There is a cafe on-site where we can order breakfasts.  Twin and double, en-suite rooms available.

COST

The cost of the boat charter is £1,440 for the two days.  That works at at £120 per person with 12 divers.  A deposit of £42 per person will be required upon booking.

The cost of rooms at Farne Lodge isn’t fixed yet for 2024.  This year, it’s £60 per room per night.  I’m told that next year there might be a small increase, but it won’t be much.  Therefore the cost is likely to be in the region of £60 for the two nights if sharing a room, or £120 if you prefer single occupancy (subject to availability).  A 50% deposit is required upon booking which is non-refundable if, for any reason the diving doesn’t go ahead.

Other costs will include breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, and air fills.  There are several good restaurants and pubs in Seahouses and Beadnell, as well as fish & chip shops.  Nearer the time, we can look at booking a table for the Saturday night, so that we can all enjoy a meal together.

EQUIPMENT

Standard sea diving kit is required. A DSMB is essential for every diver. Two cylinders will be required as the boat doesn’t return to harbour between dives. We’ll be able to get cylinders re-filled at the end of the first day ready for the second day.

TRAVEL

We can look into possible car sharing nearer the time.

BOOKING

12 divers are the maximum number for this trip.  Two of Cath’s friends are joining us, so 10 places available for Lunesdale Divers members.  Please book on the website, below.

You will be required to pay a deposit of £72 within 14 days of booking (£102 deposit if you want single occupancy of a room).