CLAUDE - Cornwall & Devon

The Claude is a curious wreck, sitting at just two metres, practically a puddle dive, which we absolutely love. It’s not your deep, dark penetration site, but for a shallow exploration, it’s brilliant. You’re essentially snorkelling a piece of history, the remains of a tanker that ran aground in 1969. What you get here is pure, unadulterated wreck character, laid bare by the shallow water. You can clearly see the twisted metal, the ribs of the ship, all easily accessible. Sunlight streams right through it, painting the broken structure in shifting patterns. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny day, when visibility is at its best. Then you can really appreciate the way small crabs scuttle through crevices, and how tiny juvenile fish dart between the rusting plates. It’s perfect for new divers, or anyone who just fancies a relaxed, interesting bob around a piece of maritime history without needing a full tank. Bring a camera with a wide lens; the light is fantastic for photos.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.790570, -1.293105
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Solent Maritime

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 CLAUDE

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 CLAUDE

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