ANDOLA - Cornwall & Devon

The Andola is a favourite of ours for a reason. It’s not about huge depths or shocking pelagics here; it’s about history you can touch. This barque, sunk in 1895 after a rough journey, now lies broken across the northern side of Shark’s Fin Rock. At just six metres, it’s a brilliant rummage for divers who appreciate the subtler side of wreck diving. We’ve spent many an hour tracing the outline of her collapsed hull, the timbers long gone but the general shape still there in the scattered metal plates and ribbing. What we love most is the way the local life has reclaimed it. You’ll find iridescent snakelocks anemones clinging to every surface, their tentacles waving in the gentle swell. Look closer into the crevices and under the plates for blennies peering out, or the occasional velvet swimming crab scuttling past. It’s an easy dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon, and we’d suggest going at slack water for the best visibility to really appreciate the details.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.053234, -5.056634
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - ANDOLA

Year Sunk
1895
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
659 GRT

The Andola was a hardy Norwegian barque built in 1869, accustomed to the rigors of 19th-century global trade. Her final, fateful voyage was an epic and arduous journey from Tacoma, on the west coast of North America, bound for Europe. The trip around Cape Horn was exceptionally difficult, and the ship arrived in Falmouth, Cornwall, a full two months overdue, undoubtedly bearing the scars of the sea.

After a brief stop, the Andola was ordered to proceed to her final destination of Hull. On January 29, 1895, as she attempted to navigate out of the Cornish coast, she fell victim to the infamous Manacles reef. The sailing ship tacked too late and was driven hard aground on the northern side of Shark's Fin Rock, a notorious ship-killer. Battered by the waves, the Andola quickly broke apart and was lost.

Resting in just 6 meters of water, the remains of the Andola are now scattered across the rocky seabed of the Manacles. Over a century of storm and surge has ensured that no large sections of the hull remain intact. For divers, this is a historical scavenger hunt. The site consists of flattened iron plates, frames, and other metal fixtures mingled with the kelp and rocks. It’s a dive that connects you directly to the perilous reality of Cornwall's maritime past, offering a poignant glimpse into a shipwreck from the great age of sail.

Marine Protected Area: The Manacles

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 ANDOLA

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 ANDOLA

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 are the typical diving depths at Andola dive sites?
The Andola dive site offers a typical diving depth of 6 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for various dive levels, allowing for extended bottom times to explore the wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Andola?
The primary underwater feature at Andola is the impressive wreck of a barque vessel, which sank on January 29, 1895. Measuring 84.1m x 12.5m, this non-dangerous wreck provides a fascinating structure to explore. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often attract a variety of local fish and invertebrates, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
Is diving at Andola suitable for beginner divers, or is it more challenging?
Diving at Andola is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While the depth is relatively shallow at 6 meters, the nature of wreck diving and potential local conditions mean it's best suited for divers with some experience. Beginners might find it challenging, and it's recommended to have appropriate certifications and skills for wreck exploration.
When is the best time of year to go diving in Andola for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings at Andola. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, it's advisable to consult local dive centers or our When to Dive section for seasonal insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Andola?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed, given the Andola dive site's intermediate difficulty and its nature as a wreck, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Additionally, a Wreck Diver specialty certification would be highly beneficial for safely exploring the barque vessel. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Andola dive sites?
The provided data does not detail the typical water conditions or currents at the Andola dive site. However, as the vessel went aground on the northern side of Sharks Fin Rock after tacking across the channel, divers should be prepared for potential currents in the area. It is always recommended to consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on conditions before your dive.