ARCHIPEL - Cornwall & Devon

Okay, so you’re looking at Archipel, and we'll be straight with you: forget your typical wreck dive. This isn't about penetration or deep exploration. Archipel is something else entirely, a stark, often dramatic, reminder of the sea’s power. The trawler went down in '73, and what's left is now a dangerous wreck – a classification that actually makes it fascinating, if you approach it right. What we love about Archipel is its raw, untamed nature. This is a wreck utterly reclaimed by the elements. You're not looking at a preserved vessel; you're looking at history being eroded, piece by piece, by the Cornish swells. We've seen it on calmer days, the skeletal ribs just breaking the surface, and on rougher days, completely swallowed, only to reappear with the tide. It’s a powerful spot, not for the faint of heart or those seeking a gentle bimble. This is an exposed, often wild, coastal experience. You’ll spend more time observing from above, feeling the spray, and really understanding the relentless forces at play. It's a dive that makes you feel connected to the sea in a primal way, a true testament to the unforgiving nature of the Cornish coast.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.674000, -1.684667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - ARCHIPEL

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
147 GRT

The Archipel was a French-registered trawler built in 1959 that spent its career fishing the waters of the English Channel. Its working life came to an abrupt end on December 2nd, 1973, when it ran into trouble and stranded on the coast of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France. Unable to be refloated, the vessel was abandoned to the sea and declared a total loss.

Today, the remains of the Archipel lie in extremely shallow water, with parts of the wreck exposed at low tide. At a depth of just 1 meter, it's not a traditional scuba dive but rather an excellent site for snorkelers or those looking for a shore-based exploration. The wreck is heavily broken up due to the constant action of the surf and surge. Divers can expect to find scattered steel plates, sections of the hull, and engine components strewn across the seabed. Its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' means it is a navigational hazard, but for in-water explorers, it offers a fascinating and accessible look at the skeleton of a modern fishing vessel.

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 ARCHIPEL

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 ARCHIPEL

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