BORU OF NEYLAND - Cornwall & Devon

The Boru of Neyland isn't your grand, cathedral-like wreck, but it’s one of our favourite smaller, more intimate dives around Neyland. This 13.4-meter yacht settled onto the seabed back in 1995 after running aground, and while it's not deep – the depth is essentially zero, meaning parts can be exposed at low tide – it's full of character. We often find ourselves just floating above, watching the light play through the remains of the superstructure. The wreck is now a proper home for some interesting critters. You’ll spot crabs scuttling in and out of the nooks and crannies, and quite a few wrasse species dart between the barnacle-encrusted metalwork. It’s a fantastic site for macro photography, especially on a sunny day when the visibility really opens up. The Boru is best explored by careful divers, those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a small wreck and the life that takes hold. It's a shallow, sheltered spot, so it’s great for getting back in the water or just enjoying a relaxed dive without battling currents. Look for it around high slack water for the clearest views of the whole boat.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.163265, -4.657221
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BORU OF NEYLAND

Year Sunk
1995
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
grounding

Not all wrecks require a boat and scuba gear to explore. The Boru of Neyland, a 13.4-meter yacht, offers a different kind of wreck experience on the coast of Cornwall & Devon. In September 1995, the yacht ran aground, and while the crew made it safely to shore, their vessel did not. It came to rest at a depth of 0 meters, meaning its hull and superstructure are exposed, particularly during low tide.

This intertidal wreck is an excellent destination for beachcombers, kayakers, and snorkelers. At low tide, you can walk right up to the remains and examine the structure of the yacht as it lies on the shore, being slowly claimed by the coastal environment. It's a tangible piece of maritime history that can be seen and touched, offering a poignant reminder of the fine line between a safe passage and disaster along this rugged coastline.

Marine Protected Area: Lundy

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 BORU OF NEYLAND

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 BORU OF NEYLAND

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