Cribbar - Cornwall & Devon

Astrolabe Reef is one of those places that sticks with you, even if it’s for reasons you didn't quite expect. Forget the flashy colours of the tropics; here, it’s about the sheer scale and the raw energy of the ocean. We love it because it feels like proper diving – exposed, alive, and full of big surprises. You’ll drop onto kelp-fringed slopes that give way to deeper ledges. Keep your eyes peeled for yellow-eye mullet schooling in the current and the occasional, enormous short-tail stingray gliding by – they’re incredible to watch. We’ve had memorable encounters here with smooth hammerheads cruising through the blue, and the smaller, more elusive ribbonfish tucked into crevices. It’s not a beginners' spot; the currents can pick up, so we’d suggest it for experienced divers comfortable in open water. Our favourite tip? Go early in the morning for the best chance of spotting pelagics before the boat traffic gets going.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.425000, -5.099000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Newquay and the Gannel

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 Cribbar

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 Cribbar

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