Because Horsea Island is mainly salt water it is able to support a wide variety of marine life. Over the previous years we have been monitoring the population along with marine biologists. This now forms part of our on going marine life project which includes the marine nature trail.

As the lake is topped up from the sea at high tide, the inhabitants of Horsea I.D.C. are constantly changing. Recently there have been sightings of Sea Bass and Pollock.

We have established populations of various species of crab, pipe-fish, gobies, lobster, eels, sea squirts, anemones, molluscs, sponges and mussels. We are particularly renowned for vast numbers of the harmless and beautiful Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia Aurita). These jellyfish have attracted attention from scientists and studies are ongoing. We have also had reports of a Conger Eel and Flounder.

One of the more unusual species resident here are the Pipe-fish which resemble straightened out Sea Horses. Being rather shy are usually found on the bottom amongst the weed. So keep your eyes open during your dive and you never know what you might see. If you do spot anything unusual we would be very happy to hear about it.

Horsea Island Dive Centre is comprised of 3 zones.

All the main attractions are buoyed for ease of location, although you are quite likely to come across smaller objects scattered around the lake, such as mines and torpedos none of which are live.

Each attraction often has a range of marine life conducting their own exploration of the area. Purposely placed in the lake early 1997 for our use, is a variety of military hardware.

To the east of the jetty in zone one you can find an armoured engineering vehicle and at the base of the jetty a variety of workbenches. Nearby are the Elizabethan Timbers and the stern of a ship.

Subject to availability, trips by RIB can be arranged for divers based in zone 3 who wish to explore zone 1 and gain experience of boat diving. Many divers use this as an ideal introduction to boat diving.

Zone Two has two platforms, a recompression chamber, a Land Rover ambulance, and an armoured personnel carrier.

In Zone three you can find a Wessex Helicopter, a Land Rover Ambulance, a Naval Cheverton ferry boat, four bridge sections, as used by the Royal Engineers, now serving as platforms and a recompression chamber marking the end of the zone.

The recently added Elizabethan timbers are an interesting addition to the attractions in Horsea Lake. Originally found during dredging operations in the Thames in 2003 and owned by the Nautical Archaeological Society they were added to the lake in April 2005. The timbers are accessed from Zone 1.

Subject to availability a boat shuttle operates from Zone 3

The NAS also organise information days giving divers the opportunity to find out more about this wreck and marine archaeology.