

Best for beginner divers, shore entry, mild current.
Jenny Watts Cove in Strangford Lough is a sheltered reef site suitable for beginners. Divers and snorkellers access the water via a slipway or a set of steps with a handrail that leads into a rocky gully. Conditions are generally mild, though visitors should be aware of surge, boat traffic, and cold water temperatures ranging from 8C to 15C. Marine life recorded at the site includes very common sea squirts and snails. Divers may also encounter uncommon sea slugs, barnacle-eating dorids, crabs, common sea stars, grey sea slugs, rock crabs, and European green crabs. Rare sightings include wrasses, tompot blennies, sea stars, and brittle stars. Facilities include parking, toilets, showers, and changing rooms.
54.66855, -5.68252
The site is best dived about an hour prior to High Water Belfast and should be avoided at Low Water due to entry and exit hazards.
By car, from the Bryansburn Road roundabout in Bangor, take the exit onto Maxwell Road. Turn left onto Downshire Road and immediately right onto Brompton Road. Follow the road to the bottom and park on the side of the road. The entry point is from the slipway or shore approximately 50m walk from the road end.
Recorded at this site
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
8-15°C
Current
Mild
You can observe very common sea squirts and snails. Uncommon species include sea slugs, barnacle-eating dorids, various crabs, common sea stars, and grey sea slugs. Rare sightings include wrasses, tompot blennies, and brittle stars.
Yes, Jenny Watts Cove is considered suitable for beginners due to its sheltered nature and mild currents.
This is a shore entry site, accessible via a slipway or a set of steps with a handrail.
Yes, the site is suitable for both diving and snorkelling, with a snorkel rating of 4/5.
Hazards include boat traffic, cold water, jellyfish, and surge.
Diving at Jenny Watts Cove in Bangor requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Jenny Watts Cove in Bangor. Water temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C.
Jenny Watts Cove in Bangor typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.