BEN OLIVER - Cornwall & Devon

The Ben Oliver, sitting shallow in the entrance to Chichester Harbour, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. At only a metre deep, it’s not about grand penetration or challenging currents; it’s about a relaxed, almost meditative dive. We love that you can pretty much spend an hour just circling the remains of the old dredger, poking around its 27-metre length. It’s completely encrusted, obviously. Think dense carpets of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying with the slightest movement of the water. Flounder often hug the sandy bottom next to the hull, perfectly camouflaged, and you’ll spot gobies darting between the crevices. Visibility can be a bit variable here, depending on the tide and recent weather, but we’ve had some cracking dives when it’s settled, offering clear views of the entire structure. It’s ideal for photographers looking to capture macro life against a wreck backdrop, or for anyone who just wants a simple, rewarding dip without the fuss of deep diving. Our favourite time to dive it is on a slack tide, just after high water, when the current is at its most forgiving.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.756966, -0.912586
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - BEN OLIVER

Vessel Type
dredger
Cause
unknown

The history of the Ben Oliver dredger is shrouded in mystery, with little known about the vessel or the circumstances of its sinking. What is certain is its final resting place at the entrance to Chichester Harbour, where it lies in just one metre of water. At 27 metres long, its shallow depth means that parts of its hull and superstructure are often visible from the surface, making it an easy site to locate.

For divers, the Ben Oliver presents a unique opportunity for a relaxed and accessible exploration. Its extreme shallow depth makes it an ideal site for novice divers, training dives, or even snorkelers on a calm day. Visibility can vary depending on the tide and weather, but on a clear day, the entire wreck can be taken in at a glance. Marine life has begun to colonise the structure, offering macro photography opportunities amidst the rusting metal. While not a challenging wreck, it's a fascinating piece of local maritime history sitting in plain sight.

Marine Protected Area: East Head West Wittering

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 BEN OLIVER

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 BEN OLIVER

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