CHANNEL QUEEN - Cornwall & Devon

The Channel Queen, off the Cornish coast, is one of those shallow wrecks we keep coming back to. Sunk back in 1898, this steamship is now well broken up, but that’s precisely what makes it so engaging. It sits in just 2 metres of water, so it’s perfect for a long, relaxed dive or even a snorkel on a calm day. We love finning over the jumbled metal plates and ribs, seeing how the ocean has reclaimed it. Look closely, and you’ll find crabs scuttling in every crevice and juvenile pollack darting between the rusty beams. The light penetration here is fantastic, really bringing out the vibrant greens and browns of the kelp and seaweeds that coat everything. Our favourite is spotting the nudibranchs grazing on the hydroids – they’re everywhere if you take your time. Because it’s so shallow, you can really explore without worrying about deco limits. It's a genuinely tranquil dive, ideal for photographers or anyone wanting to spend an hour just soaking up a piece of history that’s now part of the reef.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.509277, -2.575500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 CHANNEL QUEEN

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 CHANNEL QUEEN

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