BARRYMAN - Cornwall & Devon

Barryman is a strange one. We’re talking about a wreck that sank in 1973, which sounds deep, doesn’t it? But she’s absolutely right there, stranded at Kimmeridge, barely a metre deep even at high tide. You’re not so much diving this as wading and snorkelling, really. It’s perfect if you’ve got kids who want to try snorkelling over something more interesting than just rocks, or if you’re into underwater photography and fancy a different kind of challenge. We love Barryman for its sheer accessibility and the way it shifts with the light. On a sunny day, the hull plates shimmer, covered in green algae and barnacles. You’ll spot blennies darting into crevices, and sometimes a curious crab scuttling across the exposed timbers. It’s a shallow-water photographer’s dream, letting you play with reflections and the movement of the surface. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, bright morning when the tide is just starting to come in, before too many people arrive. Just remember, it’s still the English Channel, so bring a decent wetsuit – even a metre of water can feel chilly!

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.611687, -2.134681
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - BARRYMAN

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
grounding

The Barryman was a sailing vessel that met its end in August 1973 when it stranded at Kimmeridge on the Dorset coast. Lying in just one metre of water, this is not a traditional scuba dive but an excellent site for discovery by snorkelers, freedivers, and trainee divers. The shallow, clear waters of Kimmeridge Bay make it an ideal location for exploration. While the vessel is heavily broken up from decades of wave action, snorkelers can enjoy hunting for the scattered remains of this modern wreck amidst the vibrant marine life of the bay's famous ledges.

Marine Protected Area: Purbeck Coast

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 BARRYMAN

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 BARRYMAN

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