BONITA - Cornwall & Devon

Alright, Bonita. This one’s a proper character, a sailing vessel that called it quits in 1934 and now rests in an astonishingly shallow 1 metre of water. Yes, you read that right, one metre. We love it because it’s a bit unusual, a wreck you can practically walk to at low tide, making it perfect for an extended snorkel or a very, very shallow free-dive. You'll find the Bonita’s ribs and timbers spread across the sandy seabed, often picked out by the dappled sunlight filtering through the surface. It’s a ghost of its former self, but in that skeletal structure, you'll spot blennies darting between the frames and often a curious crab scuttling for cover. Look closely and you might even catch sight of flatfish camouflaged against the sand, pretending they’re not there. Our tip for this spot: go on a calm day with good sun. The visibility really pops then, and you get that lovely interplay of light and shadow on the wreck. It’s a quiet, reflective spot, more about soaking in the history and the subtle marine life than chasing big pelagics.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.382015, -3.364750
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - BONITA

Year Sunk
1934
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
unknown

The treacherous coastline of Cornwall & Devon claimed another victim in 1934 with the loss of the sailing vessel Bonita. Today, its remains lie in just one meter of water, making it one of the most accessible wrecks in the region. Battered by nearly a century of relentless surf and tides, the Bonita is no longer an intact ship but a scattered collection of timbers and metal, slowly being reclaimed by the marine environment.

Its shallow depth makes it an ideal site for snorkelers or for a 'scrappy' shore dive on a very calm day at high tide. The 'dangerous wreck' classification is a warning about sharp, rusted metal and the potential for strong coastal currents. Exploring the Bonita is a tangible connection to the age of sail and a reminder of the raw power of the sea along this historic and rugged coast.

Marine Protected Area: East Aberthaw 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 BONITA

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 BONITA

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