CADUCEUS - Cornwall & Devon

The Caduceus, she’s a proper old girl, and one we find ourselves gravitating to when the weather’s a bit lively. Forget your deep, dark wrecks; this one’s right there at 3 metres, often exposed at low tide. It’s a fantastic shore dive from Mill Bay, but you’ll want to time it perfectly with slack water on a rising tide. We’ve spent hours here, poking around the ribs and timbers, still quite substantial in places, especially towards the stern where the hull plates curve up. You get a real sense of her scale. What we love about the Caduceus is how the light plays on the kelp-draped timbers. It’s a shallow dive, so visibility is often excellent, letting you make out the ghostly shapes of the frames. Look closely amongst the weed and you’ll spot shannies peering out from crevices, blennies scooting across the wood, and tiny spider crabs clinging on. It’s not about big pelagics here; it's about the small, intricate world that has made this shipwreck home. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, when the sun is high and filters down through the surface chop, illuminating every barnacle-covered beam. It’s perfect for new divers or those looking for a relaxed, shallow exploration with a bit of history thrown in.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.764750, -0.967583
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - CADUCEUS

Year Sunk
1881
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
grounding

The Caduceus was a wooden sailing vessel built in Sunderland in 1857. In October 1881, while on a passage from Newcastle-upon-Tyne bound for Italy, she encountered treacherous conditions off the coast of Cornwall. The ship went ashore and was relentlessly battered by the waves until it broke apart. Fortunately, the entire crew was recovered safely, but the vessel was a total loss, its cargo and timbers scattered by the sea.

Today, the remains of the Caduceus lie in just three meters of water, making it an ideal dive for beginners or a fascinating snorkel on a calm day. Over 140 years of immersion have taken their toll on the wooden structure, and what remains is a scattered field of timbers, iron fittings, and other remnants of a bygone era of sail. Divers can explore the flattened wreckage, searching for clues to its past while enjoying the vibrant marine life that now calls this historic site home.

Marine Protected Area: Sinah Common

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 CADUCEUS

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 CADUCEUS

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 is the typical depth range for diving the Caduceus shipwreck?
The Caduceus shipwreck is a very shallow dive, typically found at a depth of 3 meters. This makes it an accessible site for many divers. You can explore more about this historic wreck at Caduceus.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the Caduceus dive site?
The Caduceus is a historic wooden sailing vessel that sank in 1881, offering a glimpse into maritime history with its remains. While specific marine life isn't detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various local species. Divers can explore the structure of this 37.8m x 8.5m vessel.
How difficult is the Caduceus dive site, and is it suitable for advanced open water divers?
The Caduceus dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This means it's generally suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level, including advanced open water divers. Its shallow depth of 3 meters makes it manageable for those comfortable with wreck diving fundamentals.
When is the best time of year to dive the Caduceus wreck for optimal visibility and calm conditions?
Our current data for the Caduceus wreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility or calm conditions. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, we recommend checking our When to Dive section for seasonal insights.
Are there any specific dive certifications required to explore the Caduceus shipwreck?
While no specific certification beyond an Open Water Diver is explicitly stated as "required," the intermediate difficulty classification suggests that divers should have adequate experience. An Advanced Open Water certification would certainly enhance your comfort and skills for exploring a wreck like the Caduceus.
What are the usual current conditions and water visibility at the Caduceus dive site?
Our available data for the Caduceus dive site does not include specific details on usual current conditions or water visibility. It is always recommended to consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for the most up-to-date information before planning your dive at Caduceus.