Vale Castle Reef
Dive site
The rocky reef extending north from Vale Castle on Guernsey's northeast coast is a granite shelf dive ideal for novice to intermediate divers at slack water. Kelp forests in the shallows give way to dead men's fingers and jewel anemones at depth. Pollack school in mid-water over the reef crest, and large ballan wrasse and cuckoo wrasse are resident year-round. Rock outcrops shelter lobster, edible crab, and velvet swimming crabs. The site is accessible as a shore dive at certain tidal stages from L'Ancresse Bay.
Conditions
Depth
3 to 16 m
Good for beginners
Current
Usually gentle
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
6 to 12 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
9 to 18°C
5mm or 7mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 |
| Vis (m) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Current | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | calm | calm | Gentle | Moderate | Strong | Strong |
Field journal
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