ATHEN - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the Athen off the Cornish coast means a proper deep wreck exploration. This old steamship, sunk in 1906, sits upright at 53 metres, its structure largely intact despite the years. You'll descend onto the deck, often finding dogfish tucked into crevices and conger eels peering from inside the twin boilers. The triple expansion engine is a highlight, impressive in its scale, and the stern section holds more secrets for those with good bottom time and trim. It's a dive for experienced deep divers, certainly not for the faint of heart or those new to UK wreck diving, but it offers a rewarding glimpse into maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.346466, -2.456600
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 ATHEN

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 ATHEN

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 depths for scuba diving sites near Athens?
The data provided is for the "ATHEN" wreck located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not Athens, Greece. This specific steam ship wreck is found at a depth of 53 meters. For more details on this fascinating dive, visit the ATHEN dive site page.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can I expect to see when diving in Athens?
When diving the "ATHEN" wreck in Cornwall & Devon, UK, the primary attraction is the historical steam ship itself. This vessel, built in 1894 and sunk in 1906, features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. The provided data does not specify details about marine life at this particular site, but you can explore general marine life information on our wildlife database.
How difficult is scuba diving in Athens, and are there options for beginners?
Diving the "ATHEN" wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its depth of 53 meters and intermediate rating, it may not be suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for such conditions.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Athens for good conditions?
The provided data for the "ATHEN" wreck in Cornwall & Devon, UK does not include information regarding the best time of year for diving or typical water conditions. To plan your trip, we recommend checking general diving conditions for Cornwall & Devon or consulting our When to Dive guide for regional insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at sites around Athens?
For the "ATHEN" wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which lies at a depth of 53 meters and is rated as intermediate difficulty, advanced or technical diving certifications would typically be required. This depth exceeds the limits of entry-level certifications. Always ensure you have the appropriate training and experience for such deep wreck dives.
What are the typical water conditions, visibility, and currents like at Athens dive sites?
The specific data for the "ATHEN" wreck in Cornwall & Devon, UK does not provide details on typical water conditions, visibility, or currents. Divers interested in these aspects should research general conditions for diving in the Cornwall & Devon sub-region.