Arno - Cornwall & Devon

Bajo del Francés, just off Varadero, has a habit of surprising us. We’ve done our share of Cuban dives, and while the reefs aren't always what they once were, this site often punches above its weight. The real draw here, for us, is the chance encounter. We’ve seen swordfish cruise through the blue and, on one particularly memorable morning, a pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins decided to hang around for a good twenty minutes, putting on a show that felt almost personal. It's not about massive coral formations here, more about the smaller details and the pelagic visitors. Keep an eye out for the Atlantic yellow cowries tucked away, or the delicate left-handed jewel boxes clinging to overhangs. The little post horn squid are masters of camouflage, but if you spot one, they’re fascinating to watch. Currents can be mild to moderate, making it a good spot for divers comfortable with a bit of drift, and we find the early morning dives tend to be the calmest, and often, the most rewarding for those bigger animal sightings. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.700000, -0.750000

Marine Protected Area: Selsey, East Beach

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 Arno

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 Arno

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