CHARLWOOD
Protected Area
Whitsand and Looe Bay
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - CHARLWOOD offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical CHARLWOOD Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 58m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to CHARLWOOD
Dive shops near CHARLWOOD
Dive Looe
Plymouth Diving Centre
Sound Diving Limited
Viewpoint Diving Centre
Scuba 2000
Karleyth Diving Ltd.
Reviews for CHARLWOOD
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CHARLWOOD
CHARLWOOD Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CHARLWOOD, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Cornwall & Devon, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Cornwall & DevonPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Cornwall & Devon.
Search stays in Cornwall & DevonDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near CHARLWOOD
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
