BETTY R - Cornwall & Devon

The Betty R is one of those wrecks we often find ourselves recommending, not because it’s a deep, challenging dive, but because it’s just so… enjoyable. Sitting at a comfortable five metres, this former luxury pleasure craft hit a reef in 1971 and settled onto the seabed in two distinct pieces. You’ll find the bow and stern separated by maybe 20 metres, making for an easy swim-through. The shallow depth means fantastic ambient light on sunny days, really bringing out the golds and greens of the kelp that’s taken hold. We love nosing around the twin propeller shafts, often finding spider crabs lurking amongst the machinery. Shoals of bib flit in and out of the hull sections, and the occasional dogfish might be tucked under a plate. It’s an ideal site for new wreck divers looking to build confidence, or for photographers wanting to play with natural light and macro subjects. Plus, the minimal current usually means a relaxed dive, even for an hour.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.393913, -3.484539
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - BETTY R

Year Sunk
1971
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
grounding

The Betty R was a luxury pleasure craft that met an unfortunate end on May 4, 1971, when it struck a submerged reef off the coast and sank. Lying in just 5 meters of water, this is an extremely accessible wreck for novice divers and even snorkelers, offering a great introduction to wreck exploration. Due to its shallow depth, the site is heavily influenced by tides and weather, and what remains of the vessel has been broken up by decades of wave action.

Despite its 'Dangerous wreck' classification, which warns of potential sharp edges or entanglement, a cautious approach makes for a rewarding dive. The scattered remains have become a thriving habitat for local marine life, with crabs, lobsters, and various fish seeking shelter among the wreckage. It serves as a perfect example of how quickly nature can reclaim a man-made object.

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham 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 BETTY R

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 BETTY R

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