COURIER - Cornwall & Devon

The *Courier* isn't a deep dive, not even close, but that’s precisely why we love it. This isn't about grand coralscapes or big pelagics; it's about history right under the surface, a tangible link to a different time. Sunk back in March 1819 after striking the Grunes du Port, her cargo of coffee from Rio long since dispersed, she now sits shallow. You’re looking at a site that becomes a total loss at 1m. We’d suggest hitting this on a calm day, definitely at high tide, otherwise, you might be snorkelling rather than diving. The visibility, like much of the UK, can be a bit changeable, but when it clears, the *Courier* reveals herself in fragmented pieces. You'll trace the remnants of her hull, often encrusted with dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones. Crabs scuttle from under what might have been her timbers. It's a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into every crevice, imagining the events that led to her demise. Our favourite part? Picturing the crew, the cargo, and the journey that ended here, centuries ago. This is a brilliant spot for newer divers looking to experience their first wreck in benign conditions, or for photographers keen on macro life against an historical backdrop.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.168167, -2.155500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey Coast

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 COURIER

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 COURIER

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