Silver Steps, Falmouth
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A relaxed entry, reliable marine life, and the kind of site you keep coming back to.
First Time at Silver Steps?
If you've ever stood at the top of Pendennis Point, looked out across the bay, and wondered if that sloped path was worth following down — it is. Silver Steps might not look like much at first glance, but it’s one of those sites that quietly earns a place in your regular dive rotation.
Whether you’re new to diving, getting back in the water after a break, or just after an easy-going shore dive with plenty to see, this spot ticks all the boxes. It’s not about depth or drama here — it’s about the kind of dive that leaves you smiling on the surface and already planning your return.
📍 Location: Pendennis Point, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4WZ
- Parking: Free and right by the top of the path — Pendennis Point car park.
- Access: A short, sloping walk leads to a set of concrete steps that drop you straight into the sea. They're what give the site its name and make entry easy, especially at high tide.
🌊 Dive Site Conditions
- Depth: 0–12m average, with up to 15m possible on high tide if you head further out.
- Tides: Best dived at high tide — entry/exit is smoother, and you’ll usually get better vis.
- Visibility: 3–8m on a good day; expect less after storms or swell.
- Water Temp: 8°C in winter to around 17°C in late summer.
- Exposure Protection: 5–7mm wetsuit for summer, drysuit if you’re here outside the warmer months.
- Pro Tip: In winter, bring a thermos for post-dive defrosting. A warm drink after a cold dive goes a long way.
🔍 What You'll See
Silver Steps is a great reminder that you don’t have to go deep or far to find good marine life. It’s a particularly fun site for macro lovers and anyone who enjoys a slow, observational dive.
Keep an eye out for:
- Tompot blennies, scorpionfish, and gobies hiding in rocky crevices
- Spider crabs, velvet swimmers, and the occasional lobster
- Cuttlefish, especially in spring and summer
- Pipefish, and if you're lucky, a John Dory in the distance
- A mix of nudibranchs, anemones, and colorful seaweeds that make every metre worth exploring
At night, the site really comes alive. Squid, cuttlefish, and larger crustaceans take over. It’s well worth trying a night dive here if you're comfortable and equipped for it.
🧭 Dive Plan
Entry: Use the steps for a seated or giant stride entry. At high tide, it's a smooth slide in.
Route:
- Swim out 20–30m to reach the reef and kelp zone.
- Keep the rocky wall on your right if you're planning a loop, or just mooch along the bottom and back.
- Turn around at 100 bar or around 25–30 minutes, depending on your air.
- Return the same way, keeping your eyes peeled — often you see different critters on the way back.
Exit: Head back to the steps, being mindful of surge and slippery rocks, especially at low tide.
✅ Good to Know
- Very beginner-friendly — perfect for Open Water training, refreshers, or practice dives.
- Expect to share the site with local dive schools, particularly on weekends.
- Conditions can change quickly — after storms, visibility drops and the site can be silty.
- No toilets on-site, but Gyllyngvase Beach (a short drive away) has facilities and cafes.
- Best diving from May to September, though locals dive it year-round.
Lesson Learned: If you’re planning a night dive, scout the site during daylight hours first. It makes a big difference in how relaxed you feel underwater once the sun’s gone down.
🛟 Safety Tips
- Always check tide times and weather — surge can build up here without much warning.
- Use a DSMB — the site is close to boating routes, especially in summer.
- Watch for fishing lines and shore anglers along the rocks.
- For night dives, bring a backup torch, and if possible, have a shore marshal.
🧰 Gear Recommendations
- Torch: Handy for looking under ledges — essential for night diving.
- Compass: Easy to lose direction if visibility drops.
- Gloves: Optional but helpful on slippery rocks or colder days.
- Camera: Macro mode ready — it’s a hotspot for small critters and behavior shots.
🐟 Final Thoughts
Silver Steps isn’t flashy, and that’s kind of the point. It’s a dive that offers consistency, calm, and the kind of marine life that rewards patient, curious divers. It’s the perfect site to build confidence, test out new kit, or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon underwater.
Not every dive needs to be deep or dramatic to be memorable — and Silver Steps is proof of that.
Next time you’re in Falmouth, throw your kit in the boot, grab a buddy, and take the steps down. Chances are you’ll come back up with something new to talk about — even if it’s just a surprisingly charismatic blenny.