capernwray

Just a few years ago, the old flooded quarry at Capernwray, near Carnforth, was disused and abandoned and visited only by a handful of local scuba divers.  Today, Jackdaw Quarry, as it is known locally, is home to Capernwray Diving Centre, one of the most progressive and professional scuba diving operations in the UK.

The diving centre at Capernwray has been in existence since 1995 and has witnessed considerable growth and change in that time. In 2002, the opening of the state-of-the-art clubhouse signaled a new chapter in the development of the Centre.  Designed by award-winning Manchester architect, Stephen Hodder and built by a small team of master craftsmen, the new building is simply stunning.  Built on two levels, the ground floor features a restaurant and licensed bar whilst the first floor houses the conference room, together with a huge private terrace overlooking the diver's entry to the water.  We will always continue to update and improve our facilities but the completion of this major project goes a long way to making Capernwray what we truly believe it to be, the best diving centre in the country.

There is a wealth of information contained within this website; please take the time to browse the site and see for yourself why we all think this place is worth a visit.  In particular, the Dive School pages cover the various courses we offer and go into some detail regarding our teaching philosophy and our determination to offer only the highest standard of diving education possible.

Picturesque location, easy parking, clean water, Helthe omnipresent fish, enthusiastic and helpful staff, a 60ft minesweeper, Murphy the dog…, there are many reasons why divers return time and again to Capernwray. The addition of a diver's clubhouse that simply has no equal in this country further adds to the other good reasons why we think you should come and dive here too, if you've not been before!

We hope we can portray a little of what makes this place tick; the atmosphere, the location and setting, the facilities we can now offer and above all, the great bunch of people, all of whom are hand-picked for their experience and professionalism, who will ensure that you receive a very warm welcome on your first and hopefully, subsequent visits.

We know Capernwray is rather special; I hope you will think so to. We look forward to welcoming you here soon.

REGISTRATION

We are very keen to promote safe diving practices at Capernwray so insist on certain requirements before allowing divers into the water. We are the pioneers of ‘diver registration’, having employed such a system since 1995.

All divers (including entry level student divers) diving at Capernwray must be registered. All divers visiting the site for the first time are asked to show their current diving qualifications and complete a registration form. This simply records details of the diver’s name and address, training agency, qualification level etc. Students on entry level courses only are charged £2.50 and issued with a pink card which is valid for 6 months.  When the student has qualified they should upgrade to the full registration which will cost a further £5, but includes one free weekday entry to the site.

New members who are already qualified divers will register fully on their first visit and will be charged £7.50, but this also includes one free weekday entry.

All new members will complete the registration form where they will be asked to sign to accept the site condition and rules, a copy of which will be issued as part of the registration process.

On subsequent visits, we simply check each diver’s card, ensure that they are observing the rules and are buddied-up correctly. This is a simple and well proven system that has met with almost universal approval from staff and customers alike. It allows a considerable degree of control over all diving in the quarry and gives us the ultimate sanction in withdrawing the cards and denying entry to the site on the rare occasion that we witness obviously unsafe diving practices.

DAILY FEES

Currently a days diving costs £10.00. If you are already registered, this is all you will have to pay. If it is your first visit, then the registration fees as above will apply.

Wednesday night  (late night) entry is £8, this comes into effect after 4pm only! Hours are as always-the site is open till 9pm, last dive at 8!

We offer a "season ticket" of 10 visits for £80. Please note this is only available to individuals, not clubs/groups/organisations.

PLEASE NOTE:

Divers under the age of twelve are not permitted at Capernwray. Also, it is vital that divers visiting Capernwray for the first time bring their diving qualifications with them. 

NO QUALIFICATIONS = NO DIVING!!

Opening Hours
Monday: 10am - 5pm
Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
Wednesday: 10am - 5pm
Thursday: 10am - 5pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 5pm
Bank Holidays: 10am - 4pm

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SITE IS CLOSED EVERY MONDAY (EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS)

We run late night diving every Wednesday night over the summer. The first late night for 2006 will be on Wednesday 29th March 2006. Last dive on these evenings will be 8pm with gates locked at 9pm. It is a bit cheaper too (after 4pm) See the Registration and Fees section

The closing times above are GATES LOCKED times! The last dive is always one hour before this e.g. 4pm at weekends. Please plan your diving so as to be off-site by the appropriate time.

01524 735132