CATTEWATER - Cornwall & Devon

Cattewater isn’t about huge pelagics or technicolour corals. This is a journey back in time, submerged history right off Plymouth. We love it because it’s a tangible link to the past, an early sixteenth-century merchantman, lost around 1530, lying peacefully in just 8 metres of water. Think about that for a second. We’re talking Tudor era, and you can fin directly over it. The wreck itself is about 10 metres of coherent structure, mostly timbers, now encrusted and blended into the seabed. You’ll see the outlines of where the ship once was, and if your eyes are sharp, you might spot sections of the original cargo – we’ve seen divers point out what looked like bits of leather. What makes it genuinely special are the artefacts: those composite iron guns on their carriages, now lumps of history. It’s an intimate dive, more like an archaeological investigation than a coral drift. Visibility here can be a bit variable, as it’s in the Cattewater estuary, so pick your day. Slack tide is key, and we always suggest a run-out tide for clearer water. The site is shallow, making it perfect for newer divers interested in history, or anyone who enjoys a slow, contemplative explore rather than a fast-paced current ride. Look closely amongst the timbers and you'll find plenty of local life: crabs scuttling, blennies peeking from crevices, and small shoals of fish drifting over the ancient wood. It’s a very different kind of beauty, one that whispers stories.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.362072, -4.128225
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Western King

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 CATTEWATER

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 CATTEWATER

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

Is recreational scuba diving permitted in Cattewater Harbour?
Recreational scuba diving is generally not permitted at the Cattewater protected wreck site. This restriction is primarily due to its status as a significant historical site, safeguarding the early sixteenth-century vessel and its valuable artefact assemblage.
Why is leisure diving prohibited in Cattewater, and what are the reasons for these restrictions?
Leisure diving is prohibited at the Cattewater site primarily because it is designated as a protected wreck. This status is in place to safeguard the early sixteenth-century vessel and its valuable associated artefact assemblage, which includes composite iron guns, animal bones, leather, textiles, and a pewter syringe. These restrictions ensure the preservation of this significant historical site, which was lost circa 1530.
What types of diving, if any, are allowed in Cattewater, and what permits or qualifications are required for them?
The provided data does not specify what types of diving, if any, are permitted at the Cattewater protected wreck site, nor does it detail any required permits or qualifications. Generally, access to protected wrecks like this early sixteenth-century merchantman is highly restricted and typically reserved for archaeological or research purposes with specific governmental authorization.
What are the typical underwater conditions, such as currents, visibility, and depth, in Cattewater that might influence diving?
While leisure diving is prohibited, the Cattewater wreck is located at a depth of 8 meters. The site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty, which often suggests potential factors like limited visibility or currents that could influence diving conditions. However, specific details regarding typical currents or visibility are not provided in the available data.
What marine life or underwater features could be seen in Cattewater if diving were permitted?
If diving were permitted at Cattewater, divers would primarily encounter the fascinating underwater features of the early sixteenth-century vessel itself. The wreck comprises about 10 meters of coherent structure, along with an associated artefact assemblage including composite iron guns on carriages/sledges, animal bones, leather, textiles, and a pewter syringe. The available data does not specify any particular marine life present at this site.
Are there any nearby alternative dive sites to Cattewater that are open to recreational divers?
The provided data focuses exclusively on the Cattewater protected wreck site and does not include information about any nearby alternative dive sites open to recreational divers. To find other diving opportunities in the Cornwall & Devon region of the United Kingdom, you would need to consult additional resources.