CERES (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The wreck of the *Ceres* off the Devon coast is a peculiar beast, and we love it for its contradictions. At a paltry 6m, it’s about as shallow as a wreck dive gets, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's dull. Sunk way back in 1898, this iron steamer has had over a century for the sea to reclaim it. We found the low visibility on an overcast day really added to the atmosphere, a proper ghost ship feel with the green light filtering through. You'll spend most of your time exploring the scattered remains of the hull, now a jumble of twisted metal plates and ribs. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into any dark crevice you can find; they're almost guaranteed here. We'd suggest aiming for a slack tide, if you can time it, as the currents can pick up and make finning around the wreckage a bit of a workout. It’s not about grand swim-throughs, but more about appreciating the history and the sheer resilience of nature, as anemones and dead man’s fingers cling to every surface. This site is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of wreck sleuthing without the depth, offering a genuine sense of connection to maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.698246, -1.566584
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Marine Protected Area: Colwell Bay

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 CERES (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 CERES (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