wreck

Log This Dive

CATTEWATER

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.