COQUETDALE (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Coquetdale is a big, proper steamship wreck, sitting upright on a sandy seabed at 38 metres. We love that it’s still so intact. You descend onto the stern, which gives you a real sense of its scale straight away. The wreck itself is a playground for advanced divers. You can drop into the engine room, exploring the triple-expansion engine and the two hefty boilers. Our favourite part is navigating the cargo holds, where the light plays with the suspended silt, creating an eerie, almost cathedral-like atmosphere. For species, expect conger eels peeking from every dark corner, plump lobsters tucked into crevices, and colourful jewel anemones coating the metalwork. It’s a site for those who appreciate history and a good penetration dive, offering a solid hour of exploration if you manage your gas right. Dive it on a slack tide, otherwise, you'll be fighting a significant current.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.426050, -1.702817
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 COQUETDALE (PROBABLY)

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 COQUETDALE (PROBABLY)

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 Coquetdale shipwreck dive site?
The SS Coquetdale shipwreck dive site reaches a maximum depth of 38 meters. This depth positions it as an exciting exploration for divers comfortable with deeper wreck environments. You can find more details about this site on its DivePlnr page.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the SS Coquetdale?
The SS Coquetdale is a fascinating steam ship wreck, originally built in 1923 by J Priestman & Co. Divers can explore its significant features, including two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 186NHP, and a single shaft. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, the 74.7m x 11.3m vessel, classified as a non-dangerous wreck, offers ample structure for marine inhabitants.
How challenging is the SS Coquetdale wreck dive, and is it suitable for advanced divers?
The SS Coquetdale wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, with a maximum depth of 38 meters. This makes it well-suited for experienced divers who are comfortable with deeper wreck explorations. Advanced divers will certainly find the historical aspects and structural integrity of this steam ship rewarding.
When is the best time of year to dive the SS Coquetdale for optimal conditions and visibility?
Based on the provided data, specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the SS Coquetdale dive site is not available. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, we recommend checking local dive reports or our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the SS Coquetdale shipwreck?
Given the SS Coquetdale is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive with a maximum depth of 38 meters, divers should possess certifications appropriate for deep diving and wreck exploration. Typically, this would include an Advanced Open Water Diver certification and potentially a Deep Diver specialty. These certifications ensure you are trained and equipped for the specific challenges of this dive site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the SS Coquetdale dive site near St. Catherine's Point?
The provided data does not include specific details about typical current and visibility conditions at the SS Coquetdale dive site. Furthermore, its proximity to St. Catherine's Point is not mentioned, as the site is located in Cornwall & Devon. For up-to-date information on local conditions, it's always best to consult local dive operators.