Diving in Cornwall & Devon

Explore 2228 dive sites in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Cornwall & Devon

Cornwall & Devon has 45 beginner, 20 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Cornwall & Devon

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Cornwall & Devon

  • Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Purbeck - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Gower - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Glamorgan Coast - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Tennyson - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Hamstead - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Hartland (Cornwall) - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • The Lizard - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Gribbin Head - Polperro - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • The Roseland - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Rame Head - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Trevose Head - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • St Agnes - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • North Solent - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whiteford - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • East Devon - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Godrevy - Portreath - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Pentire Point - Widemouth - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • South Devon - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • West Dorset - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Chichester Harbour - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (IUCN Category V)
  • Gower - Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (IUCN Category V)
  • Exmoor - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Hartland (Devon) - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Lundy - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • North Devon - Heritage Coast (IUCN Category V)
  • Chesil Beach & The Fleet - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chichester and Langstone Harbours - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category V)
  • Pagham Harbour - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Exe Estuary - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Burry Inlet - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sugar Loaf Hill and Saltern Cove - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Calshot Marshes - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Chessel Bay - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hook with Warsash - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Newtown Marshes - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Nutborne Marshes - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pagham Harbour - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pilsey Island - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Flat Holm - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Kenfig Pool And Dunes - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Portsmouth Harbour - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Severn Estuary - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Fremington Quay Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Braunton Burrows - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Poole Harbour - Site Of Special Scientific Interest (Gb) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Eling and Bury Marshes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Steeple Point to Marsland Mouth - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • St John's Lake - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tintagel Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • King's Quay Shore - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Trebetherick Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Medina Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pagham Harbour - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Trevone Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Aust Cliff - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge Ledges - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hope's Nose to Wall's Hill - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Studland Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Highcliffe to Milford Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hurst Castle and Lymington River Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hythe to Calshot Marshes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • West Dorset Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Morte Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bridgwater Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Langstone Harbour - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lincegrove and Hackett's Marshes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Babbacombe Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • North Solent - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Berry Head to Sharkham Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Meadfoot Sea Road - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bude Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Harbour Cove - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Saunton to Baggy Point Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Exe Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bedruthan Steps and Park Head - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Glenthorne - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Northam Burrows - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Boscastle to Widemouth - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Gerrans Bay to Camels Cove - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Upper Severn Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Western King - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Purton Passage - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Chesil & The Fleet - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hobby to Peppercombe - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Christchurch Harbour - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sidmouth to Beer Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Middle Hope - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Portishead Pier to Black Nore - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Steep Holm - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Saltern Cove - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Taw-Torridge Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cligga Head - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Trevose Head and Constantine Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Roundham Head - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Eglarooze Cliff - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Dawlish Warren - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Portsmouth Harbour - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Godrevy Head to St Agnes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hayle Estuary & Carrack Gladden - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Chichester Harbour - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Selsey, East Beach - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Kelsey Head - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Adur Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Felpham - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tremearne Par - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cudden Point to Prussia Cove - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Folly Rocks - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Meneage Coastal Section - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Arfordir Saundersfoot - Telpyn / Saundersfoot - Telpyn Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Barry Island - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Blackpill, Swansea - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bracelet Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Burry Inlet And Loughor Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Caswell Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Creigiau Llansteffan (Llanstephan Cliffs) - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Crymlyn Burrows - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • East Aberthaw Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Flat Holm - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hayes Point To Bendrick Rock - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cynffig/Kenfig - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Langland Bay (Rotherslade) - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Twyni Lacharn - Pentywyn / Laugharne - Pendine Burrows - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Arfordir Marros-Pentywyn / Marros-Pendine Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Merthyr Mawr - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Minchin Hole - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Monknash Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Arfordir Pen-Bre / Pembrey Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Penarth Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pwll-Du Head And Bishopston Valley - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Severn Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Southerndown Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • St. Margaret'S Island - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sully Island - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Twyni Chwitffordd, Morfa Landimor A Bae Brychdwn/Whiteford Burrows, Landimore Marsh And Broughton Ba - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Berrow Dunes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Axmouth to Lyme Regis Under Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Blue Anchor to Lilstock Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Wembury Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Westward Ho! Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lynher Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ladram Bay to Sidmouth - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Malpas Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bognor Reef - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bracklesham Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Penhale Dunes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pentire Peninsula - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Gwithian to Mexico Towans - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Climping Beach - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Porthleven Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Newtown Harbour - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bembridge Down - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bonchurch Landslips - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rock Dunes - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bouldnor and Hamstead Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Brading Marshes to St. Helen's Ledges - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Colwell Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Erme Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Browndown - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Barricane Beach - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lydney Cliff - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rosemullion - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lee-on-the Solent to Itchen Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Trevaunance Cove - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tamar - Tavy Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Porthleven Cliffs East - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Coverack Cove & Dolor Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Swanpool - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Marsland to Clovelly Coast - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Baulk Head to Mullion - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mermaid's Pool to Rowden Gut - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rame Head & Whitsand Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • St Michael's Mount - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Thorness Bay - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Upper Fal Estuary and Woods - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Newtown Harbour - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Duckpool to Furzey Cove - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Plymouth Sound Shores and Cliffs - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Yealm Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Dawlish Warren - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Afon Tywi - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Carricknath Point to Porthbean Beach - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cuckoo Rock to Turbot Point - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Freshwater East Cliffs To Skrinkle Haven - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hallsands-Beesands - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hele, Samson's and Combe Martin Bays - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lower Fal & Helford Intertidal - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lydstep Head To Tenby Burrows - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • River Usk (Lower Usk)/Afon Wysg (Wysg Isaf) - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ryde Sands and Wootton Creek - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sinah Common - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Tenby Cliffs And St. Catherine'S Island - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Waterwynch Bay To Saundersfoot Harbour - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Aber Taf / Taf Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Severn Estuary - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Compton Chine to Steephill Cove - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Slapton Ley - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Berrow Dunes - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Boldre Foreshore - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Exmouth - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hillsborough - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mercury Marshes - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Salcombe to Kingsbridge - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Swanpool - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • West Beach - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hackett's Marsh - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • West Hayling - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Gutner Point - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Poole Harbour - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solent and Southampton Water - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • North Dock Dunes - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Shoreham Beach - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • St Gothian Sands - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cardiff Bay Wetlands And Hamadryad Park - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Littoral du Dorset et de l'est du Devon - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Bae Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen Bay - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Burry Inlet - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries / Bae Caerfyrddin ac Aberoedd - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chesil and the Fleet - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chesil Beach and The Fleet - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chichester and Langstone Harbours - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Exe Estuary - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fal and Helford - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Kenfig / Cynffig - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Limestone Coast of South West Wales / Arfordir Calchfaen de Orllewin Cymru - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lizard Point - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lundy - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lyme Bay and Torbay - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pagham Harbour - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Plymouth Sound and Estuaries - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Poole Harbour - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Portsmouth Harbour - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Severn Estuary - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Severn Estuary / Môr Hafren - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solent and Southampton Water - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solent Maritime - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South Wight Maritime - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Studland to Portland - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tamar Estuaries Complex - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Wight-Barfleur Reef - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Kingmere - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lundy - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Padstow Bay and Surrounds - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pagham Harbour - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Poole Rocks - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Skerries Bank and Surrounds - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • South Dorset - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tamar Estuary Sites - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • The Manacles - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Torbay - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Upper Fowey and Pont Pill - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whitsand and Looe Bay - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Great Tor (Three Cliff Bay) - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Kynoch's Foreshore - Local Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pilsey Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Hayle Estuary - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Isley Marsh - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pagham Harbour - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Langstone Harbour - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Adur Estuary - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Brownsea Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Brownsham - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Dannonchapel and Tregardock - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Duckpool to Sandymouth - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Erth Barton and Erth Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Godrevy to Portreath - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Looe to Plymouth - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Newtown - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Portledge - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Prattshayes - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Redcliffe Bay - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Saltram - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • St Helen's Duver & Priory Wood - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • St Michael's Mount - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Penrose - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Tintagel - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Welcombe - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • West Bexington and Cogden - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • East Head West Wittering - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Crackington Haven & Dizzard - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • The Roseland - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Gower - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Kingmere - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lundy - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Padstow Bay and Surrounds - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pagham Harbour - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Poole Rocks - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Skerries Bank and Surrounds - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tamar Estuary - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • The Manacles - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Torbay - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Upper Fowey and Pont Pill - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Whitsand and Looe Bay - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South Dorset - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bideford to Foreland Point - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hartland Point to Tintagel - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mounts Bay - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Newquay and the Gannel - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Offshore Brighton - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Offshore Overfalls - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • The Needles - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Utopia - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Western Channel - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Newport Wetlands - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bideford to Foreland Point - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Hartland Point to Tintagel - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Mounts Bay - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Newquay and The Gannel - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Offshore Brighton - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Offshore Overfalls - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • The Needles - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Utopia - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Western Channel - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bristol Channel Approaches / Dynesfeydd Mor Hafren - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Les Minquiers - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Les Ecrehous - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Jersey Coast - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Falmouth Bay to St Austell Bay - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East of Start Point - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South-West Approaches to Bristol Channel - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • West of Wight-Barfleur - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Albert Field - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bembridge - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Camel Estuary - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Dart Estuary - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Devon Avon Estuary - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Erme Estuary - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Helford Estuary - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Morte Platform - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • North West of Lundy - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Purbeck Coast - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Selsey Bill and the Hounds - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • South of Portland - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Southbourne Rough - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Studland Bay - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Yarmouth to Cowes - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category IV)
  • Solent and Dorset Coast - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Dolphin Head Highly Protected Marine Area - Marine Conservation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Somerset Wetlands - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Morden Bog and Hyde Heath - Site of Special Scientific Interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sidmouth to West Bay - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lyme Bay and Torbay - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Start Point to Plymouth Sound & Eddystone - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lizard Point - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Exe Estuary - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chesil Beach and The Fleet - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries/ Bae Caerfyrddin ac Aberoedd - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Poole Harbour - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tamar Estuaries Complex - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chichester and Langstone Harbours - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Portsmouth Harbour - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solent and Southampton Water - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pagham Harbour - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bae Caerfyrddin/ Carmarthen Bay - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Burry Inlet - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Severn Estuary - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Severn Estuary/ Môr Hafren - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tintagel-Marsland-Clovelly Coast - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Plymouth Sound and Estuaries - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fal and Helford - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lundy - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bristol Channel Approaches / Dynesfeydd Môr Hafren - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solent Maritime - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South Wight Maritime - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chesil and the Fleet - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • River Usk/ Afon Wysg - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Penhale Dunes - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Kenfig/ Cynffig - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Braunton Burrows - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Falmouth Bay to St Austell Bay - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Solent and Dorset Coast - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Wight-Barfleur Reef - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Studland to Portland - Emerald Network (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Cornwall & Devon - Nearest Airports

  • Exeter International Airport (EXT), Exeter, Devon - 58 km away, approx 78 min travel time
  • Bristol Airport (BRS), Bristol - 106 km away, approx 131 min travel time
  • Cardiff International Airport (CWL), Cardiff - 116 km away, approx 141 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility like for scuba diving in Cornwall and Devon?
The best water temperature for diving in Cornwall and Devon is reported as 9.63°C for three months of the year. Specific details regarding typical visibility and other water conditions are not provided in the current data.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the waters of Cornwall and Devon?
While Cornwall and Devon is known for its marine reserves, specific details about the types of marine life divers can expect to see are not detailed in the current data. For general information on marine species, you can explore our wildlife database.
Which are the best dive sites in Cornwall and Devon for exploring shipwrecks and reefs?
Cornwall and Devon offers an impressive 2153 dive sites, making it a true 'shipwreck coast'. For exploring historic wrecks, popular intermediate sites include the DAWN GLEANER, KING CHARLES II, and HMS M1. Divers interested in reefs can explore sites like Holborough Lake, Candia, and Vivian Quarry, all suitable for intermediate divers.
Are there suitable dive sites in Cornwall and Devon for beginner scuba divers, or is it mostly for experienced divers?
Based on the provided data, all listed dive sites in Cornwall and Devon, such as the DAWN GLEANER wreck and Holborough Lake reef, are categorized as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some experience before exploring the majority of these sites. Beginners may need to consult local dive centers for specific entry-level options not detailed here.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Cornwall and Devon for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
For optimal water temperatures in Cornwall and Devon, the best months are reported to have a consistent 9.63°C. Information regarding specific periods for optimal visibility or peak marine life sightings is not provided in the current data. For more general advice on dive timing, visit our When to Dive section.
How do divers typically get to the main dive regions and sites within Cornwall and Devon?
While specific transportation methods to individual dive sites in Cornwall and Devon are not detailed, the region is well-supported by 60 dive centers. These centers typically organize boat trips to the numerous wreck and reef sites, such as the RMS Moldavia or Vivian Quarry. Divers usually coordinate with these local operators for access.
What are the chances of encountering larger marine animals like seals or basking sharks when diving in Cornwall and Devon?
The provided data for Cornwall and Devon does not include specific information on the chances of encountering larger marine animals like seals or basking sharks. While the region is noted for its marine reserves, details on specific wildlife sightings are not available. For general marine life information, you can refer to our wildlife database.
Are there good shore diving options available in Cornwall and Devon, or are most dives boat-dependent?
The provided data for Cornwall and Devon does not explicitly detail the availability of shore diving options versus boat-dependent dives. With 2153 dive sites, including many historic wrecks like the HMS Montague, and 60 dive centers, it is common for many sites to be accessed via boat. Divers should inquire with local dive centers for specific shore diving opportunities.