ARANDORA STAR - Cornwall & Devon

The Arandora Star isn't what most divers picture when they think of a wreck dive. Forget huge ships; this is an 8.5-meter wooden fishing vessel, sunk in 2012. We love it because it’s a brilliant example of how quickly a relatively small structure can become a hub for local marine life. Dropping down to 45 meters, you'll find her sitting upright, largely intact, and absolutely smothered in plumose anemones – the white, feathery kind that wave gently in the current, making the whole wreck look soft and otherworldly. It's a surprisingly pretty dive, not for penetration, but for appreciating the transformation from working boat to artificial reef. The wheelhouse is still there, and you can peer into the small compartments where crabs scuttle. Look closely amongst the anemones and you’ll often spot squat lobsters tucked into crevices, and sometimes a conger eel coiled up in the deeper shadows. We’d suggest this one for experienced divers comfortable at depth, who appreciate the beauty of a smaller wreck and the vibrant life it now supports, rather than grand historical narratives. Dive it on a calm day; the visibility can be excellent, making those white anemones really pop against the dark wood.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.258865, -4.073250
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Wreck History - ARANDORA STAR

Year Sunk
2012
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Unlike the famous World War II liner of the same name, this Arandora Star is a much more modern and intimate wreck. This small, 8.5-meter wooden fishing vessel was built in 1976 and met its end on March 10, 2012. While out at sea, it began to take on water and sank very quickly. Fortunately, its single crew member was safely recovered. Today, the wreck sits upright on the seabed at a depth of 45 meters, making it a challenging but rewarding dive reserved for experienced technical or deep-certified divers. Its wooden structure remains largely intact, offering a ghostly silhouette in the deep blue waters off the coast of Cornwall and Devon. Over the past decade, it has begun to attract marine life, transforming from a maritime tragedy into a small, artificial reef.

Marine Protected Area: Wembury 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 ARANDORA STAR

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 ARANDORA STAR

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