Capernwray Diving Centre

Over Kellet, Carnforth, Lancashire, England

Dive Site Map

Capernwray Dive Site Map

Map courtesy of dive-site.co.uk

Difficulty

All Levels - Beginner to Advanced

Max Depth

21m meters

Visibility

~6-10m meters

Water Type

Freshwater Quarry

Typical Conditions

Air Temp

15°C

Summer average
Water Temp

12°C

Can drop to 4°C at depth in winter
Visibility

Good (6-10m)

Typically excellent
Conditions

Calm

Sheltered quarry
Note: Thermoclines common - temperature drops significantly below 12m. 7mm wetsuit or drysuit recommended.

Underwater Attractions

  • Sunken boats and vessels including a cabin cruiser
  • Cessna light aircraft at 18m
  • Double-decker bus
  • Caravan at various depths
  • Submerged forest area
  • Training platforms at 6m, 9m, and 12m
  • Excellent visibility (typically 6-10m)
  • Sheltered quarry - protected from weather
  • Slipway for easy entry
  • Rope lines to main attractions
All attractions are marked with surface buoys and connected by guide ropes - perfect for navigation and photography!

Freshwater Life

  • Perch (very common)
  • Sturgeon (impressive specimens)
  • Roach
  • Eels
  • Crayfish
  • Various small fish species
Watch for the impressive sturgeon around the deeper areas - they can be quite large and make excellent photo subjects! Perch are very common throughout the site.

Recommended Dive Routes

Follow these popular routes to see the best of Capernwray. All routes start from the slipway.

The Circuit (Anticlockwise)

6-18m 45-60 min Open Water Diver

Start from the slipway, head left past the training platforms to the cabin cruiser, then on to the Cessna at 18m. Continue to the bus, caravan, and back via the boats. Perfect for first-time visitors.

Deep Attractions Tour

15-21m 40 min Advanced Open Water

Focus on the deeper attractions including the Cessna aircraft and deeper boat wrecks. Requires good buoyancy control.

Shallow/Training Route

3-12m 30-45 min All Levels

Perfect for training, refresher dives, or longer bottom times. Covers the platforms, shallow boat, and bus area.

Photography Special

6-15m 60+ min Open Water Diver

Leisurely dive focusing on the most photogenic attractions - the bus, boats, and caravan. Great for wide-angle and macro opportunities.

On-Site Facilities

Dive Center

Fully equipped dive center with shop

Equipment Rental

Full range of rental equipment available

Air & Nitrox

Air fills and Nitrox available on-site

Changing Facilities

Male and female changing rooms with hot showers

Café

On-site café serving hot and cold refreshments

Parking

Free parking for divers

Training

All levels of diver training from beginner to instructor

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible facilities and slipway entry

Important Safety Information

Membership or Day Pass Required

You must have a valid membership or purchase a day pass before diving. All diving agencies accepted. Check dive-site.co.uk/diving for details.

Check-in Required

All divers must register at reception and sign in before diving. Proof of certification and insurance required.

Quarry Rules

Stay within the buoyed areas. No swimming/snorkeling without full scuba equipment.

Depth Awareness

The quarry drops to 21m. Monitor depth carefully, especially around the Cessna aircraft.

Thermoclines

Expect significant temperature drops below 12m. Appropriate thermal protection essential - drysuit or thick wetsuit recommended.

Buddy System

Always dive with a buddy. Maintain contact and agree dive plan beforehand.

Visitor Information

Address

Capernwray Diving Centre
Over Kellet
Carnforth
Lancashire LA6 1BU
England

Contact

Phone: 01524 735736
Website: www.capernwray.co.uk
More Info: dive-site.co.uk/capernwray

Opening Hours

Weekends: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Midweek: By prior arrangement
Check website for seasonal variations and bank holidays

Entry Fees

Prices vary by season and day of week
Contact the dive center for current rates
Discounts available for groups and pre-booking

Advance Booking Strongly Recommended

Capernwray is a popular site, especially on weekends and during summer. Call ahead to check availability and reserve your dive slot. Walk-ins may not be accommodated during busy periods.

Photography Tips for Capernwray

Lighting

Bring a powerful dive light or strobe. The quarry water can appear dark, especially at depth and during winter. A video light helps for macro work on the fish.

Best Subjects

The Cessna aircraft, double-decker bus, and cabin cruiser are iconic wide-angle shots. Sturgeon in the deeper areas make impressive subjects for photos.

Best Timing

Spring through autumn offers the best visibility and water temperature. Early morning dives have calmest surface conditions and often better visibility.

Perfect for Competition Entries! Capernwray's clear water and interesting subjects make it ideal for our Dive Fest photo competition. Remember - only photos taken during the event are eligible!

Dive Capernwray at North West Dive Fest!

Join us for organized group dives to Capernwray during Dive Fest 2026.
Perfect for all experience levels and great photo opportunities!

Back to Home Submit Your Photos Visit Capernwray Site Membership Info