AMIABLE LUCITTE

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Jersey Coast

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - AMIABLE LUCITTE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Brigantine Amiable Lucitte, lost with all hands on the Paternoster Reef back in 1837, is a proper slice of Cornish maritime history. While it’s technically at 0m, meaning it's well within snorkelling depth, its character shines when you get below the surface. We find it’s best approached at slack tide, obviously, when the water settles and you can really get a sense of the scattered timbers. What you'll find isn't an intact hull, but rather the scattered remnants of a wooden vessel, beautifully encrusted and broken down by centuries of surge. Think of it as an archaeological treasure hunt. Look for the copper sheathing on the timbers, a faint green against the rock. We love the way the light filters through the kelp forest that has grown over everything; it gives the whole site a wonderfully eerie feel. Keep an eye out for blennies darting between crevices and the occasional wrasse nosing around the decaying wood. It's a gentle, reflective spot, perfect for divers who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of the sea, rather than big pelagics or dramatic drop-offs.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

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AMIABLE LUCITTE Wreck History

Year Sunk

1837

Vessel Type

sailing ship

Cause

grounding

The story of the Amiable Lucitte is a haunting tale from the age of sail. This brigantine was tragically lost on December 28, 1837, when it struck the treacherous Paternoster Reef off the coast of Cornwall. In an all-too-common tragedy for that era, the ship went down with its entire crew, leaving behind only the vessel's scattered remains as a testament to its final, fatal voyage. Lying at a depth of 0 meters, the wreck is now an intertidal site, with its remnants only visible to explorers and beachcombers during low tide. While not a scuba dive in the traditional sense, the site offers a powerful connection to the region's rich and often perilous maritime history.