CATO (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Cato*, a steamship resting at 15 metres, is our pick for a rewarding wreck dive off the Cornwall and Devon coast. She’s not deep, which means more bottom time, and the historical context of a magnetic mine taking her in 1940 adds a layer of solemnity. You’ll often find decent visibility here, letting you trace the outline of her 70-metre hull as it emerges from the seabed. We love exploring the bow, which stands proud and is usually draped in a thick carpet of plumose anemones, their frilly heads swaying gently in the mild current. Keep an eye out for the resident pollock darting between the skeletal ribs of the superstructure, and if you’re lucky, a curious conger eel might peek out from a shadowy corner. This wreck is perfect for divers who appreciate history and enjoy the quiet exploration of a substantial but accessible maritime grave. It’s a dive that feels substantial without being overly challenging.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.388866, -3.604333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Monknash Coast

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 CATO (POSSIBLY)

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 CATO (POSSIBLY)

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