CITY OF SWANSEA - Cornwall & Devon

The City of Swansea isn't your average pile of scattered metal, not by a long shot. This isn't a dive for the faint of heart or the perpetually chilly, but if you’re into proper wreck diving, it delivers. We love how intact the bow and stern sections are, standing proud at 28 metres. You can still make out the anchor chains, draped like forgotten jewellery, and often we’ve seen conger eels peering from the deeper crevices. It’s a dark dive, naturally, but that only adds to the atmosphere. As you descend through the often green-tinged water, the sheer size of the wreck starts to make sense. It’s a genuinely evocative dive, especially when the visibility stretches to a decent 10 metres. We’ve spent many a decompression stop just contemplating the history here. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting in the sand nearby and the occasional lobster tucked into an exposed pipe. This is a dive that suits experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of historical gravitas with their exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.517240, -3.267898
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: Lyme Bay and Torbay

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 SWANSEA

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 SWANSEA

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 of the SS City of Swansea wreck dive?
The maximum depth for diving the SS City of Swansea wreck is 28 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for those with appropriate certifications for intermediate depths.
What kind of marine life or wreck features can divers expect to see at the SS City of Swansea dive site?
Divers exploring the SS City of Swansea can expect to encounter the remains of a historic steam ship vessel, built in 1882 and sunk by a German submarine in 1917. The wreck measures 79.2 meters by 10.7 meters, offering substantial features to explore. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How difficult is the SS City of Swansea wreck dive, and what makes it challenging?
The SS City of Swansea wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," which implies potential hazards such as entanglement, sharp edges, or structural instability. Divers should approach this site with caution and appropriate training for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the SS City of Swansea wreck for optimal visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or conditions for optimal visibility at the SS City of Swansea wreck. For general guidance on dive conditions in the region, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section. Always check local dive reports before planning your trip.
What certifications are required to dive the SS City of Swansea wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, the SS City of Swansea is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive reaching a maximum depth of 28 meters. Divers should possess certifications appropriate for these depths and conditions, such as Advanced Open Water Diver, and ideally, specialized wreck diving training to safely navigate a "Dangerous wreck."
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the SS City of Swansea dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current or visibility conditions at the SS City of Swansea dive site. Divers are advised to consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.