Selsey Lifeboat Station
Most divers prefer to explore this site during slack water, which occurs around HW-4 or HW+3, depending on the tides. Additionally, the site offers the opportunity for drift diving during flood or ebb tides. Night divers are also welcome, but it is important to use a Surface Marker Buoy at all times due to the presence of lifeboats and fishing boat traffic.
Underwater, you will encounter a plethora of fascinating marine life. Gobies, shannies, and dragonets are commonly spotted, while the months of May to late summer bring sightings of cuttlefish. Crabs, including Sponge, Spider, and Edible varieties, as well as lobsters and nudibranchs, are abundant. If you're lucky, you may even encounter cat-sharks, rays, and seahorses during your dive.
The depth at this dive site varies from shallow to slightly deeper areas. The maximum depth is around 10m, with the deepest parts closer to the Bill reaching a maximum depth of 910m. However, for beginners and those looking for a shallower dive, the depth remains relatively consistent at around 6m. The visibility at the site is approximately 4m, allowing for clear underwater exploration.
The bottom topography of this dive site changes, creating a diverse range of marine habitats. From moorings to large boulders, there are numerous small objects that provide shelter for various marine species. As you dive further out, beyond the fishing boats, you'll notice variations in the marine life due to these changes in the underwater landscape.
To plan your dive, it is recommended to consult the slack water guide times, which are typically HW-4 or HW+3. However, during Spring tides, it may be more suitable to adjust these times to HW-3.5 or HW+3.5. Observing the moored boats and wind direction can also serve as helpful guides for your diving schedule.
Come and explore the wonders of this dive site located in the United Kingdom. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, the diverse marine life and unique underwater landscape make it a must-visit destination. Remember to follow safe diving practices and enjoy your underwater adventure off the beautiful shores of Selsey.
Diving Conditions Score for Selsey Lifeboat Station
Average conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Selsey Lifeboat Station
Depth
6m
Visibility
4m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Selsey Lifeboat Station
Wave Height
0.56m
Wind Speed
10.4 m/s
Water Temp
15.9°C
Visibility
23.32km
Cloud Cover
98%
Wave Period
5.05s
Air Temperature
16°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Selsey Lifeboat Station
Best time to dive: 12:00 with score 7.563076923076923/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.4m, Wind 9.7 m/s.Best night dive time: 18:00 with score 7.2416915422885575/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Selsey Lifeboat Station 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.
Score: 7.6/10
Waves: 0.4m (6.5s), Wind: 9.7 m/s
Score: 7.2/10
Waves: 0.34m, Wind: 9.4 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Selsey Lifeboat StationAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Selsey Lifeboat Station
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 Selsey Lifeboat Station
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Selsey Lifeboat Station
Ideal Conditions for Selsey Lifeboat Station
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 Selsey Lifeboat Station
Selsey Lifeboat Station 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 18, 2026