CARISTOGA III
Protected Area
Selsey, East Beach
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) - CARISTOGA III offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical CARISTOGA III Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
CARISTOGA III Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to CARISTOGA III
Dive shops near CARISTOGA III
Sussex Diving & Leisure
Mulberry Marine Experiences CIC
Abyss Scuba School
In2 Diving
Ocean View
Andark Diving
Reviews for CARISTOGA III
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CARISTOGA III
CARISTOGA III Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CARISTOGA III, 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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