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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Kodiak Queen dive site and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The provided data pertains to the dive site CHANNEL QUEEN in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not the Kodiak Queen. Based on the available information for the CHANNEL QUEEN, its maximum depth is 2m and it is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Therefore, I cannot confirm its suitability for beginner divers or provide details for the Kodiak Queen.
What kind of marine life and unique features can divers expect to see at the Kodiak Queen wreck?
The provided data describes the CHANNEL QUEEN, a steam ship vessel sunk in 1898, measuring 53.9m x 7.3m, and classified as a dangerous wreck. It does not contain information about marine life or unique features specific to the Kodiak Queen. For details on general marine life, you might explore our wildlife database.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like when diving the Kodiak Queen?
The provided context details the CHANNEL QUEEN dive site, not the Kodiak Queen. Unfortunately, the given data does not include specific information about typical current or visibility conditions for either the CHANNEL QUEEN or the Kodiak Queen. Always check local conditions before diving.
What is the best time of year to dive the Kodiak Queen for optimal conditions?
The data provided is for the CHANNEL QUEEN, located in the United Kingdom, and does not specify the best time of year for diving. Therefore, I cannot provide information on the optimal diving season for the Kodiak Queen based on this context. For general guidance on dive seasons, please visit our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Kodiak Queen in the BVI?
The provided information is for the CHANNEL QUEEN, an intermediate difficulty wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not the Kodiak Queen in the BVI. The data does not specify required certifications for either site. Divers should always ensure they have appropriate certifications for the dive difficulty and conditions.
How challenging is the Kodiak Queen dive, and is it considered an advanced dive site?
The provided data describes the CHANNEL QUEEN as an intermediate difficulty dive site, not the Kodiak Queen. Therefore, I cannot confirm the challenge level or whether the Kodiak Queen is considered an advanced dive site based on the given context. Always check with local dive operators for specific site requirements.