There is no doubt at all that when life is normal, some of the best diving in the UK can be found on the Isles of Scilly.
Very soon, visitors will flock back after the pandemic and many will be eager to get out and amongst the wildlife and wonderful shipwrecks that the Isles of Scilly has to offer. Some sites, such as the Western Rocks, Gilstone and Menawethan have barely welcomed anybody in such a long time, whilst wrecks such as the Italia 13-40m, Plympton from 1909 and Hathor 17-48m will doubtless have benefited from the growth of further coral.
The wildlife around the islands will also have benefited from the tourist break. Land creatures on the Isles of Scilly, such as red squirrels on Tresco and many insects, have been boosted by fewer visitors, and some birds have been spotted nesting on pathways usually well-trodden by walkers. The same could be said for the sea: when we finally get back in the water, what new wonders might we encounter?
If your diving appetite has been whetted and you are unable to travel to the Isles of Scilly right now, you may wish to turn to video games for solace. Much of the country did over the pandemic, with major sporting events moving online and Zoom calls becoming the way to socially interact with friends.
Treasures of the Deep
Searching ships for salvage and treasure is a great way to get a glimpse into how life once was, certainly for the sailors who sailed those wonderful vessels. That makes Treasure of the Deep on the PlayStation quite interesting, as it simulates such endeavors but, at the same time, gives the player a glimpse into how video games once were, too. Released in 1997, it has elements of scuba diving and underwater exploration and is still great fun today.
ScubaVenture: The Search for Pirate's Treasure
Any visitor to St Mary’s used to enjoy a visit to the Man of War until it closed, hunting for a little slice of pirate treasure from a salvaged shipwreck and this 1993 title gives you the chance to find some virtually of your own. Like Treasure of the Deep, it is a trip into the past both virtually in terms of the source material, and literally as the game is now almost 30-years-old. It is great fun though and whilst not a scuba simulation, there is enough to keep you occupied until we can take you out once again.
Dive: The Medes Islands Secret
Dive: The Medes Islands Secrets was released on the Nintendo Wii in 2010 and is still one of the very best scuba simulators out there. Not only do you get to explore the deep, but you can upgrade equipment and tailor your diver to your own tastes. It is no match for actually being in the water, but if you are yearning for a dive and cannot get to the Isles of Scilly this summer, then why not hunt out a Nintendo Wii, pick up a copy of Dive secondhand and experience all the fun of the ocean without getting a hair on your head wet?