CONCH - Cornwall & Devon

The CONCH, a tanker torpedoed in 1916, rests at 43 metres off Anvil Point. She's a big old girl, 121 metres long, and while she's seen better days, the scale is impressive. We've found the bow section particularly interesting, still quite defined, with plenty of nooks for conger eels and lobsters. Visibility here can be a bit variable, as it often is in the Channel, so picking a calm day with neap tides is definitely our recommendation to get the best out of her. It’s a dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck exploration and cooler water.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.391666, -2.066667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
43m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 CONCH

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 CONCH

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 at Conch Reef, including the wall sections?
The CONCH wreck is found at a depth of 43 meters. This deep wreck dive offers an exploration of a sunken tanker vessel. For more details on this site, visit the CONCH dive site page.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Conch Reef?
The provided data for the CONCH wreck does not specify the types of marine life or coral formations divers can expect to see. However, wreck dives often attract various species seeking shelter and new habitats. For general information on marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Conch Reef, especially considering the currents and wall dives?
Diving the CONCH wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This site is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should approach it with appropriate experience and caution. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills for exploring such a significant historical site.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Conch Reef for optimal conditions and marine life viewing?
The provided data for the CONCH wreck does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions or marine life viewing. Conditions in United Kingdom waters can vary, so it's always best to check local forecasts before planning your dive. For general guidance on dive planning, visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive Conch Reef, particularly the deeper wall areas?
Given the CONCH wreck's depth of 43 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification. A Deep Diver specialty certification is highly recommended to safely explore this significant historical site. Always ensure your training and equipment are suitable for deep wreck diving.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Conch Reef?
The provided data for the CONCH wreck does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility. However, conditions in the Cornwall & Devon region can be variable, and wreck sites at 43 meters can sometimes experience currents. Divers should always consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date site conditions before planning their dive.