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A scuba diver creates a trail of bubbles while exploring the deep ocean underwater.
📷 Kindel Media · Pexels

Outer Mulberry

3.7 — based on 14 community signals
4.4 12 species 49 contributors

Outer Mulberry is a UK dive site featuring the Phoenix Caisson wreck off Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. A unique artificial reef with documented marine life.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
WreckPhotoFriendlyShore entry

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Outer Mulberry location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
13.2 kn
Wave
1.6 m
Water
18.5°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (51%)
Now: WSW (245°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 3.35m

Next: High at 04:00 (+0.58m)

+1.4 m0 m-2.0 m
▲ 04:00 · +0.58m ▼ 10:00 · -1.36m ▲ 17:00 · +0.62m ▼ 23:00 · -1.13m Now -1.1m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV3.15 · mod Air PM2.57 · good 06:42 19:10
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 16.5 1.62 3 0mm
09-19 16.7 1.74 2 0mm
09-20 11.7 1.4 3 0mm
09-21 4.7 0.36 5 0mm
09-22 4.7 0.18 4 0mm
09-23 13 0.38 4 0mm
09-24 9.1 0.36 4 0mm

About this spot

Outer Mulberry sits off Pagham Harbour in West Sussex, England, centered on the Phoenix Caisson—a concrete structure that has become an artificial reef. The site attracts divers interested in wreck exploration and the marine ecosystem that has colonized this man-made environment. The caisson structure provides interesting contours and crevices for exploration, making it a notable destination for UK divers seeking something beyond natural formations. The spot is accessible year-round, giving divers flexibility in planning trips to the area. Community members have documented 12 species observations at the site, indicating a healthy and diverse marine population. Video documentation from three community dives provides visual reference for what to expect underwater, helping divers prepare for the conditions and features they'll encounter. Outer Mulberry operates outside a Marine Protected Area, which affects local regulations and access. The site appeals to divers with interest in artificial reefs, industrial heritage structures, and UK marine biology. Its proximity to the Sussex coast makes it accessible for regional dive operations. The documented community activity suggests an active local diving community familiar with the site's characteristics and conditions.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United Kingdom: 57 Sites From Wrecks to Seals

Dive types

WreckReef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type G · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 82km · ~19kg · €0

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Outer Mulberry?

Outer Mulberry is dived year-round, so you can plan trips based on your schedule and local weather conditions rather than seasonal restrictions. Check with local dive operators for current sea state and visibility forecasts before heading out.

What's the marine life like at Outer Mulberry?

The site has 12 documented species observations, showing good biodiversity. The Phoenix Caisson structure supports marine growth and attracts fish and invertebrates. Community videos offer direct visuals of the life present at the site.

How do I access Outer Mulberry?

Outer Mulberry is accessed from Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. It's not within a Marine Protected Area, so standard diving regulations apply. Contact local UK dive operators in the area for boat access and current conditions.

What's the main feature at Outer Mulberry?

The Phoenix Caisson, a concrete artificial reef structure, is the central attraction. It provides wreck-style diving in a UK location with interesting geology for exploration and marine life habitat.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

13 records · 9 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Limacus maculatus

Gastropoda · Limacidae
GBIF
Last seen:
22 Jan 2026
×1records

Crepidula fornicata

Gastropoda · Calyptraeidae
GBIF
Last seen:
20 Jan 2026
×2records

Arion ater

Gastropoda · Arionidae
GBIF
Last seen:
20 Jan 2026
×1records

Buccinum undatum

Gastropoda · Buccinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×3records

Limax maximus

Gastropoda · Limacidae
GBIF
Last seen:
17 Jan 2026
×1records

Raja montagui

Elasmobranchii · Rajidae
GBIF
Last seen:
16 Jan 2026
×2records

Botryllus schlosseri

Ascidiacea · Styelidae
GBIF
Last seen:
16 Jan 2026
×1records

Raja clavata

Elasmobranchii · Rajidae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Jan 2026
×1records

Scyliorhinus canicula

Elasmobranchii · Scyliorhinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Jan 2026
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Outer Mulberry, Selsey UK

Tony Howells

Far Mulberry - Selsey July 2021

Sim SCUBA Dives

La Mar, Inner Mulberry, Selsey bill

Tony Howells

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "Horns Lane is permanently inaccessible between Summer Lane and Church Barton House. For Church Barton House use the concrete road off Pagham Road to the south."

    anonymous · 2026-04-18
  • "Solent Scale Services Ltd. Unit 9, Quarry Lane Chichester West Sussex. PO19 8QA"

    anonymous · 2019-07-08
  • "This road is a 2 way access, can someone please help to rectify this."

    Rco97 · 2023-12-03
  • "onosm.org submitted note from a business: name: Japeto Ltd phone: 01243219912 website: https://www.japeto.co.uk/ twitter: facebook: email: [email protected] hours: category: Sculpture Gardens address: PO19 1BE"

    anonymous · 2021-10-21
wind peaks Dec-Feb-Nov, calmest Jul-Aug-Jun, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jun (100/100) Worst: Apr (0/100) Now: Sep (96/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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Broderick United Kingdom Diving
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