BALANCE - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.300000, -2.033333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - BALANCE

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.

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 BALANCE

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 BALANCE

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