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