CARISTOGA III - Cornwall & Devon

The Caristoga III, resting just off the coast, is a proper little surprise. Forget deep wreck penetration; this is a shallow dive, barely a meter deep at points, making it perfect for an extended snorkel or a very relaxed dive. We love that you can spend ages here, just floating above the wreckage of what was once a 9-meter steel-hulled cruiser. It went down in 2003, struck a rock in a westerly gale, and now it’s a jumble of metal plates and twisted spars. What you get here is a masterclass in how quickly the sea reclaims things. Barnacles encrust every surface, and we’ve often spotted blennies darting into crevices, while small pollack sometimes hang in the slight shadows the wreck creates. It’s not about grand scale, but the intimacy of exploring something lost and found, surrounded by the gentle ripple of the surface. We’d suggest a calm day for the best visibility, otherwise, the surge can really kick up the fine sand. Bring a good macro lens if you’re into photography – the details are where this wreck truly shines.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.711166, -0.789167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - CARISTOGA III

Year Sunk
2003
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
grounding

The Caristoga III is a modern wreck whose final moments were dramatic and swift. On October 25, 2003, this 9.1-meter steel-hulled motor cruiser was caught in a strong westerly gale off the coast of Cornwall. The vessel struck a rock and quickly sank, fortunately without loss of life. Lying at a depth of just one meter, the wreck is highly accessible but also subject to the full force of the sea, meaning it is significantly broken up.

Designated as a 'Dangerous Wreck', divers and snorkellers should exercise extreme caution, as the shallow depth and wave action can create hazardous conditions around the sharp, scattered remains. While not a classic penetration dive, the site offers an interesting opportunity for snorkelers or those on a shallow shore dive to explore the remnants of a recent shipwreck and observe how quickly nature begins to reclaim a vessel.

Marine Protected Area: Selsey, East Beach

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 CARISTOGA III

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 CARISTOGA III

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