CAMARET
Protected Area
South of Portland
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - CAMARET offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Camaret sits close to shore, an accessible wreck that’s far more interesting than her small size suggests. She ran aground in 1989, tangled herself, and now lies broken on the seabed, her fishing vessel bones spread across the sand. We love the way the light filters through the kelp, illuminating sections of hull and the nooks where tommy ruffs and blennies hide. Exploring the Camaret feels like an archaeological dig; you can pick out engine parts, scattered deck gear, and even a discarded toilet bowl, all colonised by anemones and hydroids. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into the sand nearby, and the occasional curious seal zipping past. It’s a superb dive for newer wreck enthusiasts, or those looking for a relaxed second dive with plenty to poke around. Best dived at slack water to avoid any surge, and a decent torch really helps bring out the colours.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
CAMARET Wreck History
Year Sunk
1989
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding
The loss of the fishing vessel Camaret in January 1989 was the result of a common but crippling maritime accident: a fouled propeller. After a rope became entangled in its propulsion system, the 12.5-meter boat was left helpless and drifted ashore, becoming a permanent feature of the coastline. Lying at a depth of 0 meters, the Camaret is an intertidal wreck, with parts of its hull and superstructure visible above the water at low tide. This makes it a fantastic point of interest for beachcombers, photographers, and snorkelers. For divers, it offers an easy shore dive to explore the skeletal remains of the vessel as they are slowly reclaimed by the sea and colonized by marine life in the shallow surf.
Nearest Dive Centres to CAMARET
Dive shops near CAMARET
Dive Beyond Limited
Old Harbour Dive Centre
Divers Down
Mayim Mermaid Academy
Dorset Diving Services
Reviews for CAMARET
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CAMARET
CAMARET Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CAMARET, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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