CLYDE - Cornwall & Devon

The Clyde, a steamship lost in 1902, rests at 33 metres, offering a satisfying dive for those keen on historical wrecks. We find her largely intact, a testament to her sturdy 1880 build. You can trace her 40-metre length, making out the single boiler and the lines of the compound expansion engine, now well-colonised by plumose anemones. It's a proper wreck dive, with plenty of nooks for conger eels to lurk and often schools of pollack circling the superstructure. We'd suggest this for divers comfortable with depth and slightly chillier UK waters, keen to immerse themselves in a piece of maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.516666, -1.550000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Marine Protected Area: Tennyson

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 CLYDE

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 CLYDE

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 are the typical depths for diving in the Clyde, and are there options for both shallow and deep dives?
The dive site Clyde typically offers dives to a depth of 33m. Based on the provided information, this specific wreck site is primarily an intermediate depth dive.
What kind of marine life and shipwrecks can divers expect to see when diving in the Clyde?
When diving the Clyde, divers can expect to explore a fascinating steam ship vessel, built in 1880 by Whitehaven Shipbuilding Co. This non-dangerous wreck, measuring 40.6m x 6.3m, offers an intriguing historical dive experience.
How challenging are the dive sites in the Clyde, and are they suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Clyde dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This makes it suitable for divers with some experience, but generally not recommended for absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to go diving in the Clyde for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for the Clyde dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required to dive in the Clyde, especially for wreck or deeper sites?
Given the Clyde is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive at 33m, divers would typically need certifications beyond basic Open Water. An Advanced Open Water certification is generally recommended, and specialized certifications like Deep Diver or Wreck Diver would be highly beneficial for safely exploring this site.
What are the typical water conditions like in the Clyde, including visibility, currents, and water temperature?
The provided data for the Clyde dive site does not include specific information on typical water conditions such as visibility, currents, or water temperature. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.