Frequently Asked Questions
What services do we offer?
Our main business is diving trips, however we do offer private charters, sightseeing and scattering of ashes trips too. Please either contact us or send an enquiry for more details.
I've not used you before, so how do I book a trip?
We try and make it as easy as possible to book a trip. You can either contact us, send an enquiry or register on our booking system (takes 5 minutes) and you can join a trip.
Where do we find you?
The boat leaves from the light grey pontoon off the lower boat deck on Swanage pier (you can see it from the pier entrance). Walk past the dive shop (separate business), for approx 75 metres. The lower boat deck is on the left hand side. Mary Jo is a yellow and white hardboat, Viper is a white and black hardboat. Click here for more details.
What time does the pier open?
As a general rule the pier opens at 7am on weekends and 8am midweek and closes at 5pm.
We have an early start, so how do we get on the pier?
We have keys to the pier, so someone will be down to open the pier 1 hour before your leave time. Please make sure you are on time.
We have a trip returning to the pier after it closes, so how do we get off the pier?
We will let you off. Please make sure you return your trolleys and are ready to leave reasonably promptly after we return. The skipper will put the boat back on its mooring and meet you at the pier entrance.
What time do I need to be ready to board the boat?
Please be ready to board the boat a minimum of 15 minutes prior to departure. Do not be concerned if the boat is not at the pier as it is usually on a trip beforehand.
Who chooses the dive sites?
If you wish to book on an empty slot then you get to choose the site. Click on the 'enquire' button from our booking system next to the dive you wish to book (requires you to be logged in) and select a site from the drop down menu. An enquiry will be sent to us, then providing the site is suitable, we will confirm the dive for you.
Most local sites can be visited with just 2 divers; you can see more on our Dive Site Summary page. You can still request more distant sites with small groups, but remember certain sites will have minimum numbers, so an alternative site may be offered should the minimum number of divers not be achieved. Certain sites need to be dived on either High or Low water slack. You can see more on our interactive map of wrecks.
Are there any trolleys for transporting my kit?
Yes! The pier provide trolleys which are free to use for your diving kit. They can be found next to the Gents toilets before you get to the pier. You may leave the trolley(s) on the pier near our pontoon whilst you are out on a dive, but please leave them neatly stacked against the railings as there are other users of the pier and the pontoon, so please be considerate and keep access free. Please return your trolley once you are finished with it.
When/how do I pay for the dives?
All payment details can be seen here.
Should I need to cancel, am I expected to pay for the dives?
Please read our booking terms and conditions. If sufficient notice is provided (see T&Cs link), there will not be a charge. If it is a short notice cancellation, we will attempt to fill the empty boat spaces, but if we are not able to, we will expect payment.
What if the weather is looking unpredictable?
To ensure we have the latest weather prediction, we usually wait until the evening forecast to make a decision as to whether the dives will go ahead. If we feel circumstances are not suitable/unsafe, we will notify you the evening before. If you intend to leave before this time, please call us. Cancellations will be made by email, so please make sure your registered email is up to date when booking and please reply to let us know you have seen the cancellation (we wouldn't want you to have a wasted trip).
Do I get a refund should the diving be cancelled?
Yes, if the skipper decides to cancel, you will get a full refund. Any deposit or advance payment may also be carried forward to another date, if you so wish.
If the pier parking is full where else can I park?
There is a large car pack adjacent to the pier (approx 200 metres). We suggest you get a trolley, unload your kit at the pier entrance and then park your car.
Where can I get air/nitrox?
Both are available from the dive shop. Please bring your first fill with you to avoid missing the boat because of a queue for air. If the shop is closed, they usually have a telephone number for you to contact them.
I don't have a buddy, can I still dive? (solo diving)
We do allow solo diving, however we do ask that you are suitably qualified and are carrying a redundant air source (i.e. stage cylinder or twin set). If you are looking for a buddy then please contact us and we will try and find you one. Social media is also a great resource to find people to dive with.
Where can I find accommodation?
There are plenty of places to stay in Swanage. We have a page dedicated to diver friendly accommodation. Click here to view the page.
Do we hire diving kit?
Kit hire is available from the dive shop on Swanage pier. This would need to be arranged separately.
Do we get a guide when diving?
No, all dives are conducted by yourself and your buddy. A full briefing will be given. If you wish to know more about a dive site, please ask the skipper on the boat.
Training dives
We don't offer training, but if you contact us, we will try our best to find you someone who can.
