A nudibranch (Jorunna tormentosa) captured seen on our shore dive by Portland castle A nudibranch (Jorunna tormentosa) captured seen on our shore dive by Portland castle

Bright and early, the morning after finishing term, a big group of us from OUUEG headed down to Portland for a fun diving trip organized by Karim. Upon arrival we were greeted by a very choppy ocean and high winds – so our skipper made the wise decision to call off boat diving for Saturday. However, this didn’t stop us from going out and having three incredible shore dives near Portland Castle instead. Included was my first night dive – which I loved! This site was shallow but full of marine life. My favorite encounters were the nudibranchs, gobies, pipefish, plaice, shrimp and lobsters.

A shoal of fish captured by David A shoal of fish captured by David

That evening, we went to Portland Bill Lighthouse for an amazing view – and even saw a group of Manx Shearwaters fly past us. We all loved seeing Pulpit Rock, which is one of the tourist attractions in the area. It was formed in the 1870s after an arch was cut away by quarrymen, and the leaning slab was added to give the appearance of an open bible leaning on a pulpit! We stayed in Portland outdoor center hostel – which was a good location and had a very nice cafe beneath it where Oscar got the largest English breakfast I have ever seen!

Oscar getting a photoshoot by Portland lighthouse! Oscar getting a photoshoot by Portland lighthouse!

Sunday was calmer and allowed two boat dives at Balaclava Bay, on The Dredger and then the landing craft! We saw seals, shags and oystercatchers along the breakwater and David told me all about the unique history of the area. My highlights included seeing a giant conger eel skeleton, another nudibranch and a juvenile cuttlefish. We all managed to make it home in good time – with some very efficient tiding away. The last dive on this trip marked my 20th dive – hopefully lots more with OUUEG to come!