BAYONNE - Cornwall & Devon

The Bayonne, a steel sailing vessel that went down in 1917, now lies at 51m, making it a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. This 86-meter ship is well-colonised by local critters, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to explore if you’re comfortable at depth. We’ve found conger eels tucked into the deeper sections and plenty of colourful jewel anemones covering the metalwork. With its exposed position off the Cornish coast, conditions can be variable, so pick a calm day for the best visibility. It’s a great deep wreck if you’re looking to add another historical vessel to your logbook.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.383335, -3.033333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 BAYONNE

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 BAYONNE

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 of dive sites in Bayonne?
The Bayonne dive site is a deep wreck, with a reported depth of 51 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with advanced training and experience in deep diving. You can explore this fascinating wreck site in Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see in Bayonne?
The Bayonne dive site is a significant underwater feature, being a large steel sailing vessel measuring 86.2m x 13.4m, sunk in 1917. As a wreck, it provides an artificial reef structure that often attracts various marine species, though specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data. Divers can explore the historical remains of this impressive wreck.
How challenging are the dive sites in Bayonne, and are they suitable for all experience levels?
The Bayonne dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level, primarily due to its depth of 51 meters. This depth typically requires divers to hold advanced certifications and have experience with deep diving. Therefore, it is not suitable for all experience levels, but rather for those with appropriate training and comfort in challenging conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive in Bayonne for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive in Bayonne for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required for diving in Bayonne?
Given the Bayonne dive site's depth of 51 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, advanced certifications such as PADI Deep Diver or equivalent are typically required. Divers should also have experience with wreck diving and be comfortable with the potential challenges of deep water environments.
What are the usual water temperatures, visibility, and currents like at Bayonne dive sites?
The provided data does not include information regarding the usual water temperatures, visibility, or currents at the Bayonne dive site. For details on typical conditions in the Cornwall & Devon region, it is best to consult local dive operators.