CHARLWOOD - Cornwall & Devon

The Charlwood, a grand sailing vessel lost to a collision in 1891, lies upright at 58 metres, making her a serious but incredibly rewarding dive for technical divers. We love the way she’s mostly intact, the bow pointing into the current, giving you a real sense of her scale as you descend through the gloom. You’ll often find decent visibility here, maybe 10-15 metres on a good day, allowing her masts and rigging to ghost into view, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. Our favourite part is the sterncastle; it’s collapsed a bit, but you can still peek into where the cabins once were, now home to ling and conger eels. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting on the deck plates too. We’d suggest getting there early to avoid any boat traffic, and always check the tides – slack water is essential for a dive this deep. It’s a proper expedition, but the Charlwood offers a humbling, beautiful glimpse into maritime history, best suited for experienced trimix divers comfortable with long deco obligations.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.191013, -4.369405
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Marine Protected Area: Whitsand and Looe 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 CHARLWOOD

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 CHARLWOOD

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 typical depth of the Charlwood dive site?
The Charlwood dive site has a typical depth of 58 meters, positioning it as a deep dive. This depth requires divers to possess appropriate training and experience for safe and enjoyable exploration.
What kind of wreck features and marine life can divers expect to see at the Charlwood dive site?
The Charlwood is a significant sailing vessel wreck, built in 1877 and measuring 60.3m x 9.8m, which foundered on October 26, 1891, following a collision. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, divers can expect to explore the substantial remains of this historic ship. For general information on marine life in the region, you can consult our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the Charlwood wreck, and what level of experience is recommended?
Diving the Charlwood wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its depth of 58 meters, divers should possess advanced certifications, such as a Deep Diver specialty, and have solid experience with deep wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What are the best times of year or conditions for diving the Charlwood wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or typical conditions for diving the Charlwood wreck. Divers interested in planning a trip should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents and visibility. For general guidance on dive planning, you can visit our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Charlwood wreck?
Given the Charlwood wreck's depth of 58 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, divers will typically need advanced certifications. This includes a Deep Diver specialty, and often a Wreck Diver certification is highly recommended to safely navigate and explore such a site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Charlwood dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Charlwood dive site. Divers are strongly advised to check with local dive centers or experienced guides for the most current conditions before planning their dive.