BUFFALO - Cornwall & Devon

The Buffalo, a sturdy iron steamship from 1866, lies at a comfortable 27 metres in the often-chilly waters off Cornwall. We love a good historical wreck, and this one delivers without the deep-tech commitment. It’s not about huge pelagics here; it's about the structure itself and the smaller critters that have made it home. Visibility can be hit-or-miss, but when it's good, you can appreciate the scale of this 47.9-metre vessel. The single boiler is a prominent feature, and we always spend a good chunk of time picking apart the details of the compound expansion engine. It’s a proper rummage, full of nooks where conger eels lurk and jewel anemones flare in vibrant oranges and pinks. Look closely for nudibranchs on the encrusting sponges. We'd suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can be a bit lively otherwise, especially around the exposed sections of the hull. This wreck is perfect for divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a hunt for marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.320015, -5.302415
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Wreck History - BUFFALO

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Resting at 27 meters off the coast of Cornwall, the SS Buffalo is a classic steamship wreck that tells a story of a bygone era. Built of iron in 1866 by the renowned Thames Ironworks in London, she was a workhorse of her time, powered by a single boiler and a compound expansion engine. For over 50 years, she plied the seas, eventually coming under the ownership of James Little & Sons of Ayrshire.

Her long career came to an end on September 13th, 1918. While the exact cause of her sinking isn't recorded, her loss during the final months of World War I strongly suggests she was a casualty of the conflict, likely falling victim to a German U-boat's torpedo or mine. Today, the Buffalo offers a fascinating dive into the past. Her iron hull has succumbed to the sea over the last century, creating a scattered but intriguing site where divers can explore the remains of her machinery and imagine her final, fateful voyage in the treacherous waters of the Western Approaches.

Marine Protected Area: Godrevy Head to St Agnes

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 BUFFALO

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 BUFFALO

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 for diving at the Buffalo dive sites, including the shipwrecks and drift dives?
The Buffalo dive site, a fascinating shipwreck, typically offers diving depths around 27 meters. This depth allows divers to explore the remains of the steam ship vessel, built of iron in 1866. You can find more details about this specific wreck at Buffalo.
What kind of marine life and historical shipwrecks can divers expect to see when exploring the dive sites in Buffalo?
When exploring the Buffalo dive site, divers can expect to encounter a significant historical shipwreck-the steam ship vessel BUFFALO. This iron-built ship, sunk on September 13, 1918, measures 47.9m x 6.7m and features one boiler and a compound expansion engine. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, the wreck itself offers a rich historical exploration opportunity.
How challenging are the dive sites in Buffalo, and are there options suitable for beginner scuba divers?
The Buffalo dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, making it suitable for divers with some experience. It is also noted as a Dangerous wreck, which implies additional considerations for safety and skill. Due to its intermediate difficulty and classification, it may not be ideal for beginner scuba divers.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Buffalo for optimal water conditions and visibility?
The provided data for the Buffalo dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal water conditions and visibility. However, you can generally research seasonal conditions for diving in Cornwall & Devon to plan your trip. For general guidance on planning your dives, visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required or recommended for diving the various sites around Buffalo, especially for deeper wrecks or drift dives?
Given the Buffalo dive site's depth of 27 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent are generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training for deeper dives and wreck exploration. Always ensure your certification level matches the dive's requirements for safety.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like for diving in the Buffalo area, particularly in Lake Erie and the Niagara River?
The Buffalo dive site is located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, and the provided data does not include information on typical water conditions or currents. Furthermore, there is no mention of Lake Erie or the Niagara River in relation to this specific dive site. For general information on diving conditions in the United Kingdom, further research may be beneficial.