AUGUSTE AND LOUISE

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - AUGUSTE AND LOUISE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 17m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Auguste and Louise, a brigantine that went down in 1890, sits comfortably at 17 metres, making it a proper afternoon dive for most recreational divers. We love a wreck that doesn't demand technical skills but still delivers a real sense of history. She's spread out a bit now, as you'd expect after over a century on the seabed, but you can still pick out the ribs of her hull and parts of the wooden decking. It’s not one of those intact wrecks you swim through, more of an archaeological treasure hunt, but that’s precisely what makes it fascinating. The marine life here has truly made itself at home. Look closely among the timbers and you'll find plenty of spider crabs scuttling about, and conger eels often peek out from beneath collapsed sections of the hull. The light can be a bit dappled down there, even on a sunny day, which only adds to the atmosphere. We’d suggest going at slack water, as currents in this area can pick up, making it easier to really take your time examining the details of the wreck and the critters living on it. This site is brilliant for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the subtle beauty of a historical vessel slowly reclaimed by the sea.

Typical AUGUSTE AND LOUISE Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:2617:3111h 5m daylightGolden hour 16:47

AUGUSTE AND LOUISE Wreck History

Year Sunk

1890

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

unknown

A relic from the age of sail, the Auguste and Louise was a brigantine, a two-masted sailing vessel common in the 19th century. These versatile ships were the workhorses of the sea, carrying cargo across coastal and international waters. On April 7, 1890, the Auguste and Louise met its end in the notoriously tricky waters of the Channel Islands, sinking between Le Tielles and Pleinmont.

Lying at a depth of 17 meters, this wreck is perfectly situated for Open Water certified divers. Exploring a vessel from the 1800s is a unique experience, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era of maritime history. While over a century of immersion means the wooden hull is long gone, divers can still discover durable artifacts like anchors, chain, ballast stones, and perhaps pieces of cargo that tell the story of its final voyage. The wreck's 'Dangerous' classification warns divers that the remaining structure is broken and scattered, demanding careful navigation.