Lundy Island is a slow island. Lundy is a small island that rises up from the water off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes into the Bristol Channel. It’s a three-mile long, half-mile wide granite sentinel with nothing between it and North America but the ocean.
Rees gives us the signal to dive in. We remove layers of clothing and replace them with snorkeling masks and fins. My eyes adjust as I dive in.
Unexpectedly, the water was crystal clear and turquoise. A grey seal quickly approached. It’s impossible to believe how cute he is, with his curious eyes that lock on me in a mix between surprise and calm familiarity.
Soon after that, I see a few shimmering jellyfish drifting by me, their tentacles trailing behind them like silk ribbons on a breeze. Dolphins, porpoises, sharks, puffins, and whales also live here—and over the next three hours we silently search, waiting to see who else might emerge. The blue sharks and baskings sharks I had in mind did not show up, but on the way to shore we saw several pods. Everyone aboard enjoys the moment.
On the shore, I remove my wetsuit and thank Rees. My imagination races after a glimpse at this underwater world. Rees says that there is nothing more rewarding than helping someone experience the same epiphany, which is the realization that the sea, they have known their whole life, has magic, mystery and wild beauty. Our goal is to expose as many people to the wonders and beauty of our marine life here in Wales, and to inspire a lifetime of underwater adventures. I will never see this coast the same again.
Book a Celtic Deep Experience
Celtic Deep provides single-day and multi-day trips, with the majority of them taking place from April through October. It’s important to choose a trip that is suited to the season you are interested in to maximize your experience. You can expect to see Atlantic greyseals and puffins between April and July. Then, towards the end August and September, minke whales and long-finned Pilot Whales as well as bluefin and yellowfin Tuna will be present. Standard is a minimum age of 16+ with an adult, but shorter family-friendly trips are available for children as young as 10+ or 12+.
Booking fees of 6% are added to all trips. Prices range between $150-$500 for adults. Celtic Deep offers a wide range of rental equipment to help you get into the water or stay warm. When booking, you can fill out a rental equipment request form. Full gear hire costs $70 per person and per day.
Pembrokeshire: How to get there
Pembrokeshire, a coastal county in Wales, is easily accessible from London. The fastest trains take an average of five hours and fifteen minutes to travel from London Paddington Station in Pembroke (tickets start at $60). The bus will take you from London Victoria Station in under seven hours. Booking in advance will result in a better price.
What to do?
Grove of Narberth: This lovable boutique hotel was once a dilapidated country house—now, it’s a feat in upcycling with chic interiors, exceptional hospitality, and sustainability commitments. The hotel uses 100% renewable energy, and 80% of the food they consume comes from its two acres of kitchen garden. Vegetable waste and coffee grinds are also composted at the property. The 25 rooms and suites offer total peace and tranquility, set in 26 acres of woodlands, gardens and rolling fields.
Roch Castle HotelDates back to 12Th Roch Castle was built in the 17th century and looks straight out of a fantasy. It is situated within Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park. Wales’ rugged coastal area is a delight to explore. With rolling hills one side and panoramic sea views the other, you can enjoy both.
