CORONATION INSHORE - Cornwall & Devon

The Coronation Inshore site is pure history, right under your nose. At just five meters deep, this isn't about vast wreck penetration, it's about connecting with a specific moment in time. We’re talking about the remains of a 17th-century English warship, foundered in a gale in 1691. It feels like swimming through an archaeological dig. You’ll see 64 cannons, cannonballs, and big bronze pulley wheels scattered across the seabed, all still bearing the Royal Navy’s broad arrow. The scale of these items, even after centuries, is striking. We love picking out the details, imagining the chaos of that storm. This site suits divers who appreciate historical context over dramatic intact structures, and the shallow depth means long bottom times to really take it all in. While it's not a coral reef, the marine life here is surprisingly engaging. Wrasse dart among the iron, anemones cling to the old wood, and sometimes a curious dogfish will nose around the cannonballs. It’s a gentle, reflective dive, best done on a calm day with good light to really appreciate the details on the seabed. Definitely one of our favourite shallow wrecks for its story.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.316578, -4.193969
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Rame Head

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 CORONATION INSHORE

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 CORONATION INSHORE

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 typical depth range for diving the Coronation Inshore site?
The Coronation Inshore dive site is primarily found at a shallow depth of 5 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive, suitable for various experience levels. Being an inshore section of the wreck, it remains relatively shallow.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the Coronation Inshore dive site?
Divers exploring the Coronation Inshore site can expect to encounter significant historical artifacts from the 1691 wreck. These include 64 cannon, cannon balls, and large bronze pulley wheels, all distinctly marked with the Royal Navy's broad arrow. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not detailed in the available data.
How challenging is diving the Coronation Inshore site, especially considering kelp growth and currents?
Diving the Coronation Inshore site is rated as an intermediate difficulty. While the site is a protected wreck, specific details regarding typical kelp growth or current conditions for diving are not available in the provided data. Divers should always check local conditions before their dive.
What is the best time of year to dive the Coronation Inshore site to experience optimal conditions and avoid dense kelp?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Coronation Inshore site for optimal conditions or to avoid dense kelp is not provided in the current data. Divers interested in seasonal conditions for the Cornwall & Devon region may find general guidance on our When to Dive page.
What specific permissions or certifications are required to dive the protected Coronation Inshore wreck site?
The Coronation Inshore is designated as a Protected wreck. While this status typically implies specific permissions or regulations for diving, the exact requirements or certifications needed are not detailed in the provided information. Divers should always verify local regulations for protected sites before planning their dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Coronation Inshore dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Coronation Inshore dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their visit to this Cornwall & Devon wreck. The site's shallow depth of 5m can sometimes influence visibility.