Fossil Beds
Bracklesham Bay, located in the United Kingdom, is a prime diving spot for beginners. This beautiful dive site offers a unique opportunity to explore clay sediments that were deposited approximately 46 million years ago during the Eocene epoch. These clay beds have eroded over time, revealing an abundance of fossilized shark and ray teeth.
One of the main attractions of this dive is the chance to search for fossils. It is advisable to dive in areas with a sandy bottom as they are more likely to yield these ancient treasures. However, don't be surprised if you encounter fascinating marine life such as Hermit crabs and other small creatures.
With a maximum depth of 12m and visibility reaching up to 2m, this drift dive promises an unforgettable underwater experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Bracklesham Bay offers a captivating adventure that combines history and marine exploration.
Discover the wonders of the past and immerse yourself in the rich underwater world at this remarkable dive site in Bracklesham.
One of the main attractions of this dive is the chance to search for fossils. It is advisable to dive in areas with a sandy bottom as they are more likely to yield these ancient treasures. However, don't be surprised if you encounter fascinating marine life such as Hermit crabs and other small creatures.
With a maximum depth of 12m and visibility reaching up to 2m, this drift dive promises an unforgettable underwater experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Bracklesham Bay offers a captivating adventure that combines history and marine exploration.
Discover the wonders of the past and immerse yourself in the rich underwater world at this remarkable dive site in Bracklesham.
Diving Conditions Score for Fossil Beds
5
AverageAverage conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Fossil Beds
Depth
12m
Visibility
2m
Experience Level
beginner
Weather Conditions for Fossil Beds
Wave Height
0.74m
Wind Speed
28.4 m/s
Water Temp
15.8°C
Visibility
21.86km
Cloud Cover
100%
Wave Period
3.85s
Air Temperature
17.7°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Fossil Beds
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Fossil Beds
Best time to dive: 17:00 with score 6.760066666666666/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.68m, Wind 17.3 m/s.Best night dive time: 5:00 with score 6.343333333333334/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Fossil Beds: 06:00
Sunset at Fossil Beds: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Fossil Beds are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best Overall
17:00Score: 6.8/10
Waves: 0.68m (4.1s), Wind: 17.3 m/s
Best Night
5:00Score: 6.3/10
Waves: 0.62m, Wind: 20.9 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Fossil BedsAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Fossil Beds
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Fossil Beds
Winter
Avg. Score: 8.1/10
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Fossil Beds
January
Score: 8.6
December
Score: 8.0
February
Score: 7.8
Ideal Conditions for Fossil Beds
Water Temp
18.8°C / 65.8°F
July
Visibility
15.2m / 49.9ft
January
Wave Height
0.9m / 3.0ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Fossil Beds
Fossil Beds shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (18.8°C) and December the coldest (1.7°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.9m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 17, 2026
Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.
19 Dive sites near Fossil Beds in
Got feedback?
Help us improve this dive site by giving us feedback.