ACTIVE - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the *Active* is like stepping into a cold water time capsule. This 1874 steamship, resting at 27 metres, is a proper chunk of history off Cornwall. We love how much of her remains, especially the bow section – it’s still very recognisable, and you can really get a sense of her original form. The hull provides plenty of cover for lobster and crab, and we’ve often seen big conger eels tucked into the deeper recesses. She went down in 1881 after hitting Stag Rocks, and the wreck now hosts dense growths of plumose anemones, their white tentacles waving gently in the mild currents. Visibility here can be tricky, often a good 10-15 metres, but when it’s clearer, the scale of the wreck is impressive, spread across a rocky seabed. Our tip: aim for slack water on a neap tide. It makes exploring the interior sections much more comfortable. This is a site for experienced wreck divers who appreciate maritime history and aren’t afraid of a bit of gloom. It's a real slice of the past, wonderfully colonised by local marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.943660, -5.212133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Wreck History - ACTIVE

Year Sunk
1881
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The steamship Active, built in 1874 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was on a routine voyage from Neath, Wales, to Caen, France, in the winter of 1881. Laden with cargo, she navigated the notoriously treacherous waters off the Cornish coast. On January 4th, her journey came to an abrupt end when she struck the infamous Stag Rocks, a perilous reef well-known and feared by mariners.

Fatally wounded by the impact, the ship managed to pull away from the rocks but soon succumbed to the damage and sank into deeper water. Now lying at a respectable depth of 27 meters, the SS Active is a fantastic dive for Advanced Open Water certified divers. The wreck is well-broken, as is typical for a vessel of its age, with divers able to explore scattered boilers, engine components, and sections of the hull that are now encrusted with a vibrant tapestry of UK marine life.

Marine Protected Area: Lizard Point

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to ACTIVE

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ACTIVE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the ACTIVE dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the ACTIVE dive site is 27 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with appropriate deep diving certifications.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving at ACTIVE?
The ACTIVE dive site is a fascinating wreck dive, featuring the remains of a steam ship vessel that sank on January 4, 1881. This vessel, built in 1874, has dimensions of 44.6m x 6.4m and is classified as a dangerous wreck. While specific marine life is not detailed, wreck sites often attract a variety of local species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the ACTIVE dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The ACTIVE dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Therefore, it is not typically suitable for beginner divers, who should gain more experience before attempting this site.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at the ACTIVE dive site for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season to dive at the ACTIVE dive site for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the ACTIVE dive site?
Given that the ACTIVE dive site has a maximum depth of 27 meters and is classified as an intermediate wreck dive, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. For wreck diving specifically, a specialty wreck diving certification is highly recommended to safely explore the site, especially considering its classification as a dangerous wreck.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the ACTIVE dive site?
The available data for the ACTIVE dive site does not provide specific details regarding typical currents or water conditions. It is always advisable to check local dive reports and conditions immediately prior to your dive.