Diving
Diving
Explore the underwater world of Donegal with our fully equipped charter boat, the Elsie Jayne.
Perfect for both recreational and technical divers, our trips provide access to some of the region’s most spectacular dive sites. Whether you’re exploring wrecks, reefs, or underwater landscapes, each dive is an opportunity to discover the rich marine life of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Our Boat
The Elsie Jayne offers ample deck space for dive gear, twin sets, double tanks, and re-breathers. An electric dive lift is installed to make entering and exiting the water safe and convenient for all divers. With 10 comfortable bench seats for divers and dedicated storage for equipment, your comfort and safety are our priority.
Our Skipper
Jim Muldowney is the owner and skipper of the Elsie Jayne, fully qualified to lead safe and professional dive charters. With years of experience in Donegal’s coastal waters, Jim knows the local dive sites intimately and can offer guidance on conditions, entry points and the best spots to explore. Friendly and knowledgeable, he ensures every dive is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Scuba Discovery (Try a Dive)
Experience the thrill of scuba diving on the Arranmore Blueway, Ireland’s first accredited coastal Blueway. This Try-A-Dive session is designed for beginners and those looking for a short, guided underwater adventure in a safe and welcoming environment.
Dive beneath the Atlantic waves and discover a vibrant marine world. Encounter colourful fish, explore striking rock formations, and glide through crystal-clear waters as you get a first taste of life beneath the surface.
You’ll be guided by a qualified instructor who will introduce you to the equipment, explain the basics of diving, and make sure you feel comfortable and confident before and during your dive.
- Adults: €120 per person Children (aged 12+): €100 per person
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Dive Sites at Arranmore Island
A large prominent light marker that stands at the entrance to Arran roads. This small island can be dived on all sides with large boulders and is full of sea life.
A large cargo steamer with boiler, winch, anchor and propeller still visible. A great second or third dive.
Easier accessed by sea. Sheer walls and gullies and overhangs make this a great dive.
A large pinnacle rock where you can drop down to 40m if desired to a sandy floor leading back up along a series of large “steps ” in the rock to bring you along large boulders and dead end wall, rise up to 6m to go over top and do safety stop along a kelp bed. A personal favourite.
Another spectacular dive area. On the west side the sheer wall drops of quickly to 40m leading to a large gully giving sheer walls, at the end brings you to an open cave with pebble beach and you can see the black vertical rock seam that cuts through Green Island and Arranmore.
A large trawler that went down in the 80s. She lies on her starboard side nestled beside a reef. The boat is intact with trawl nets at the stern and propeller still visible. The wreck is festooned with anemones and a few large congers.
A small harbour pier that provides easy access for a shore dive Swim through entrance to sand and boulders turn and follow contour. Large cave entrance, torch essential.
A large pebble beach. Access is difficult on land so boat is the best approach. Beautiful gullies and sand bottom, crevices jammed packed with crabs.
A small bay that holds a fantastic dive with gullies, caves and one with a blow hole that resembles the moon
This is the main channel between Burtonport and Arranmore Island. Probably to best drift dive in Ireland and needs to be timed correctly as will go from nice drift to washing machine very quickly! Steep sides, large boulders and plenty of nooks and crannies so bring a torch. Plenty of old bottles, pottery etc as there were herring factories on both sides of the channel in the distant past.
Known near and far as one of the best dives in Ireland. This cavern is situated on the north corner of Arranmore near Tor rock. If photography is your thing, this is the place for you.
Plenty of sheer faces, overhangs and gullies make this a popular dive
Get in Touch
Ready to dive into the underwater wonders of Donegal? Book your dive charter today aboard the Elsie Jayne and explore these incredible sites with expert guidance. Contact Jim directly on 086 3300516 to discuss your dive plans, availability, and any special requirements. Your next unforgettable dive adventure is just a call away!