Top-Tier Scuba Diving Experiences in the United Kingdom
Loch Carron, nestled on the west coast of county Ross and Cromarty and part of the Scottish Highlands, is a hidden treasure for underwater photographers. This sea loch, an extended arm of the sea often narrow and partially landlocked, offers a rich and diverse marine ecosystem that caters to both macro and wide-angle photography enthusiasts.
Divers access the water from shore at Loch Carron, with tank fills available by appointment with a local commercial diver. The tidal currents here can reach up to 3 knots (3.5 mph) in the narrows, providing an exhilarating dive experience.
One of the most striking features of Loch Carron is the flame shell bed, a vibrant underwater landscape where nudibranchs, including Caronella pulicida and Eubranchus tricolor, can be found in great numbers, particularly in early spring. Amphipods can often be seen on top of deadman's fingers when their polyps are retracted, and skeleton shrimp can often be found on Sea Beard hydroids (Nemertesia antennina). Brittle stars form immense beds in certain areas, offering wide-angle photography opportunities.
A unique combination for super-macro subjects like Amphipods in Loch Carron is the Nikon 105mm VR with the Nauticam SMC-1.
Loch Carron has been designated as a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA) due to its large flame shell bed. Commercial fishing gear that damages the bottom is prohibited in this protected area, ensuring the preservation of this underwater haven.
Beyond Loch Carron, Scottish sea lochs are a haven for cold-water divers seeking diverse marine habitats. The best UK destination for underwater photography, particularly for macro photography, is the Scottish sea lochs.
Loch Etive, especially at the Falls of Lora, offers dynamic tidal conditions and rocky reef habitats ideal for diverse marine life shots. Loch Hourn is known for a thriving ecosystem around salmon farms, where you can find a variety of marine life such as feather stars, peacock worms, catsharks, jellyfish, wrasse, anemones, urchins, soft coral, and scallops.
The Sea Lochs around the Isle of Skye (e.g., Loch Coruisk) and locations such as St. Abbs Head (though not a sea loch but nearby) are also favored for cold water rocky reefs, providing excellent opportunities for wide and macro photography targeting cold-water marine species.
Overall, Scottish sea lochs are rich in diverse marine habitats, providing opportunities for both detailed macro subjects and expansive wide-angle compositions in underwater photography. Loch Carron, Loch Etive, and Loch Hourn stand out as particularly good choices for a combination of diverse subject matter and photographic opportunities.
- A trip to Loch Carron, a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands, is a must for underwater photographers seeking diverse marine ecosystems.
- The rich and diverse marine life in Loch Carron caters to both macro and wide-angle photography enthusiasts, making it a unique destination for underwater photography.
- Divers access the water in Loch Carron from the shore, with tank fills available upon appointment with a local commercial diver.
- The tidal currents in Loch Carron can reach up to 3 knots (3.5 mph) in the narrows, providing an exhilarating dive experience.
- One of the most striking features of Loch Carron is the flame shell bed, where nudibranchs like Caronella pulicida and Eubranchus tricolor can be found in great numbers.
- Commercial fishing gear that damages the bottom is prohibited in the Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA) of Loch Carron, ensuring the preservation of this underwater haven.
- Beyond Loch Carron, other Scottish sea lochs, such as Loch Etive and Loch Hourn, are also havens for cold-water divers and underwater photographers.
- Loch Etive, particularly at the Falls of Lora, offers dynamic tidal conditions and rocky reef habitats ideal for diverse marine life shots, while Loch Hourn is known for a thriving ecosystem around salmon farms.
- The Sea Lochs around the Isle of Skye and St. Abbs Head are also favored for cold water rocky reefs, offering excellent opportunities for wide and macro photography targeting cold-water marine species.
