CHORLEY - Cornwall & Devon

The Chorley is one of those wrecks that really delivers a sense of scale. Lying deep at 54m, she’s a big steamship, over 100 metres long, and you feel every one of them as you descend onto the main deck. Built in 1901, then sunk in 1917, she’s been down there a long time, and the wreck is well broken but still very identifiable. We love exploring the bow section, it’s dramatic with plates peeling back like giant metal petals. Our favourite part, though, is midships around the twin boilers. They’re huge, standing proud of the seabed, absolutely smothered in plumose anemones – a truly vibrant pop of white and orange in the often muted light down there. You’ll find conger eels tucked into every dark crevice, and often lobsters peering out from under collapsed plating. This is a dive for experienced wreck heads, definitely. The depth means you’re on the clock, so good buoyancy and trim are essential to make the most of the limited bottom time. Pick a day with minimal current and good viz, if you can. It makes all the difference when you’re trying to take in the sheer size of the Chorley.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.317720, -3.053700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 CHORLEY

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 CHORLEY

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 for diving at Chorley (The Delph)?
The maximum depth for diving at the Chorley dive site is 54 meters. This makes it a significant deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience in such environments.
What kind of underwater attractions or marine life can divers expect to see at Chorley dive site?
Divers at the Chorley dive site can expect to explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel. This wreck, sunk on March 22, 1917, measures 103.6m x 14.7m and features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, making it an interesting site for both history and potential wildlife observation.
How challenging is diving at Chorley (The Delph) for different experience levels?
Diving at Chorley is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have gained experience beyond entry-level certifications and are comfortable with deeper dives and wreck environments. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills and training for a dive to 54 meters.
What are the best times of year or conditions for good visibility and enjoyable diving at Chorley?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or conditions for good visibility and enjoyable diving at Chorley. For optimal planning, divers should consult local dive operators or resources like DivePlnr's "When to Dive" section for up-to-date information on seasonal conditions in Cornwall & Devon.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Chorley (The Delph)?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the maximum depth of 54 meters and an intermediate difficulty rating, divers would typically need advanced deep diving certifications. This ensures they are trained for the challenges associated with technical depths and wreck diving. Always verify with a local dive center before planning your dive to Chorley.
Are there any significant currents or specific water conditions divers should be aware of at Chorley dive site?
The provided data does not include information about significant currents or specific water conditions at the Chorley dive site. As with any deep wreck dive, it is crucial to obtain current local conditions and forecasts from experienced dive operators in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.