BALANCE

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Les Ecrehous

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) - BALANCE 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 2m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

BALANCE is one of our favourite Cornwall wrecks. It’s a shallow dive, just two metres, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth the effort. This carrier vessel went down a long time ago, and now it’s more of an artificial reef than a recognisable ship. We particularly love the way the wreck has settled, spread out across the seabed. You can follow the lines of the hull, now draped in kelp and sea squirts, and imagine the layout of the old deck. For us, the real joy here is the atmosphere. Sunlight filters through the kelp forest, creating shifting patterns on the corroded metal. You’ll spot crabs scuttling into crevices, small fish darting between the plates, and often, an inquisitive grey seal might even come to say hello. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for interesting light and texture. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility and less surge. It's a genuinely relaxing dive, perfect for knocking out a few long bottom times without worrying about deco.

Typical BALANCE 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.

Today06:2317:2811h 5m daylightGolden hour 16:45

BALANCE Wreck History

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

unknown

The wreck of the Balance lies in the challenging and dynamic waters off the coast of Cornwall & Devon. At an incredibly shallow depth of just 2 meters, this wreck is often at the mercy of the tides and surf. The history of this carrier vessel is obscure, and the cause of its demise remains undocumented. Its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' is a serious consideration for any diver or snorkeler; the combination of shallow water, powerful surge, and potentially sharp, broken wreckage demands extreme caution and calm conditions. For those who can safely approach, it offers a glimpse into a submerged piece of local maritime history, now being reclaimed by the sea.