CITY OF EXETER - Cornwall & Devon

The *City of Exeter* isn't a simple dive; it's a deep, dark journey into maritime history, and for us, that's what makes it a standout. Lying at 51 metres off the Lizard, this isn't one for the casual recreational diver. We’re talking serious technical diving, often with challenging conditions, but the rewards are significant. Built in 1870, this 69-meter steamship went down in 1887, carrying coal from Cardiff. She lies largely intact, a real testament to her construction. Dropping onto her deck, you can feel the cold water pressing in, the sense of depth is palpable. The main deck is still there, providing overhead environments for the experienced, and we particularly love exploring the bow section where the anchor chains are still visible, draped like ghostly serpents. Penetration here requires proper training and gas planning, but the cargo holds offer fascinating glimpses into her working life, now home to fat conger eels. Visibility can vary wildly with the tides, but on a good day, the wreck truly looms into view, adorned with plumose anemones that shimmer in the torchlight. You’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice and often see dogfish patrolling the perimeter. It’s a proper expedition, and that’s why we rate it so highly.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.117157, -4.730268
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: Lundy

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 CITY OF EXETER

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 CITY OF EXETER

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