CHELARIS J

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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) - CHELARIS J offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 22m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Chelaris J, resting at a comfortable 22 metres, is one of those wrecks we return to again and again. She’s a compact fishing vessel, not huge, but perfectly formed for an hour of exploration. We love how her modest size means you can really get a feel for the whole structure in a single dive. Her wheelhouse is a fantastic spot to poke around, often with conger eels peering out from shadowed corners, their beady eyes following your torch beam. What makes the Chelaris J really sing is the way the marine life has completely claimed her. We’ve seen schools of pollack shimmering above the deck, and when the light catches them just right, it’s a beautiful sight. Lobsters are frequent residents, tucked into crevices, and we’ve even spotted catsharks cruising past her stern. For divers who enjoy smaller, more intimate wrecks with a healthy dose of resident critters, this one’s a winner. Our top tip: dive her on a slack tide, the current can pick up, but when it's calm, the visibility often extends beautifully, revealing every detail of her encrusted hull.