ANTILOPE - Cornwall & Devon

Forget dramatic drop-offs or technicolour reefs, Antilope is a different kind of magic. This isn't a deep dive; in fact, it’s not really a dive at all. This 18th-century sloop, which ran aground in the fog near Bolt Head, is completely exposed at low tide. We love it for its sheer accessibility and the feeling of walking through history. You’re exploring a wreck with your boots on, picking your way across the exposed timbers and frames. Barnacles and mussels cling to every surface, while sea anemones cluster in the shadowed crevices. Look closely and you’ll find small crabs scuttling for cover and blennies peering from cracks in the hull. It's a fantastic spot for snorkelers or even just a curious wanderer at extreme low tide. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny morning when the light reflects off the wet wood, making the whole structure glow. Just remember to check the tide times meticulously; you don't want to get cut off.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.079250, -1.667100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ANTILOPE

Vessel Type
sloop
Cause
grounding

The wreck of the Antilope, a sloop that ran aground in thick fog, offers a unique experience for coastal explorers and snorkelers in the Cornwall and Devon area. With a depth listed as zero meters, this wreck is intertidal, meaning parts of its hull and superstructure are visible above the water, particularly at low tide. This makes it an accessible and fascinating site to investigate without the need for full scuba gear. While the exact history and date of its sinking are not widely documented, its exposed remains serve as a stark reminder of the perils of navigating this rugged coastline, offering a glimpse into maritime history right from the shoreline.

Marine Protected Area: Les Ecrehous

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 ANTILOPE

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 ANTILOPE

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