ARACATACA - Cornwall & Devon

The Aracataca is a proper deep dive, sitting at 51 metres, so it’s one for the experienced trimix crowd. This banana boat, lost in a collision back in 1917, is surprisingly intact for its age and depth. We love the scale of it; at 114 metres long, you could spend multiple dives just mapping out its different sections. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft alley offers a real sense of its operational past, now draped in dead man’s fingers and home to some hefty conger eels. Visibility here can be hit or miss, typical for the English Channel, so picking a slack tide and a settled weather window is crucial. When it’s good, though, the sheer size of the Aracataca emerging from the gloom is genuinely impressive. It’s a challenging dive, but the rewards are in exploring a genuine piece of maritime history, now a vibrant artificial reef.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.602000, 0.030333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Wreck History - ARACATACA

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
Tonnage
4,154 GRT

The SS Aracataca was a British refrigerated cargo ship, one of the famous 'banana boats' operated by Elders & Fyffes. Built in 1911 by the renowned Workman, Clark and Company in Belfast, she was designed for the fast and reliable transport of fruit from the Caribbean and Central America to the United Kingdom. With a gross tonnage of 4,154, she was a modern and capable vessel for her time, plying the vital trade routes that kept Britain supplied.

Her career was cut short during the height of the First World War. On April 18th, 1917, while sailing in ballast from Liverpool to Port Limon, Costa Rica, she was navigating the treacherous waters off the Cornish coast. Under the strict wartime conditions of reduced lighting to avoid U-boat attacks, she tragically collided with the Belgian steamship SS Moliere. The damage was catastrophic, and the Aracataca sank quickly, coming to rest on the seabed 12 miles off Trevose Head.

Today, the Aracataca is a classic deep wreck dive for experienced technical divers. Lying upright on the sand at a depth of 51 meters, she remains remarkably intact. The sheer size of the vessel is impressive, and divers can explore the large superstructure, open holds, and deck machinery. The wreck is often swept by strong currents and visibility can be challenging, but on a clear day, it is a truly spectacular dive that offers a powerful connection to the maritime history of WWI.

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 ARACATACA

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 ARACATACA

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 the Aracataca dive site?
The Aracataca dive site is located at a depth of 51 meters. This deep wreck dive offers an exploration of the historic carrier vessel, which was sunk in 1917. You can learn more about this fascinating site at Aracataca.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Aracataca?
The primary underwater feature at Aracataca is the impressive wreck of a carrier vessel, built in 1911 and sunk in 1917. Divers can explore the remains of this 114.6m x 14.6m ship, which serves as a fascinating artificial reef. While specific marine life details for this site are not provided, wrecks often attract a variety of local species, which you can research further in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Aracataca, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Aracataca is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 51 meters, this site is not suitable for beginner divers who typically require shallower and less complex conditions. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for deep wreck diving to safely explore this historic vessel.
What is the best time of year to dive in Aracataca for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions and visibility at Aracataca is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on planning your dives in the Cornwall & Devon region, please consult our When to Dive section for broader insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Aracataca site?
Given the 51-meter depth and intermediate difficulty classification of the Aracataca wreck, divers should possess advanced certifications, specifically a deep diving specialty. A wreck diving specialty certification is also highly recommended to safely and effectively explore this historic carrier vessel. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for deep wreck diving.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Aracataca dive site?
Details regarding the typical currents and specific water conditions at the Aracataca dive site are not available in the provided data. Divers planning to visit this 51-meter deep wreck should always consult local dive operators for the most current information on conditions before diving.