CRISTINA - Cornwall & Devon

We’ve spent some quality time on the Cristina, and it really is a standout for wreck diving in this part of the UK. This steamship, once the Kiora and Cadiz II, went down in 1918, and time has given it a beautiful, eerie character. Lying at 35 metres, she’s a dive for those comfortable with deeper water and decent bottom time management. Drop down onto the Cristina and you’re immediately struck by her size – 85.9 metres feels substantial when you’re finning along her deck. The twin boilers are still prominent, often swarming with pollack that seem to shimmer in the shafting light. We love nosing around the engine room, where the triple expansion engine still hints at her working life. It's a dark and silty penetration, but very rewarding. Look out for the nudibranchs that cling to the metalwork, their colours a stark contrast to the rust. On a good visibility day, when the sun penetrates the gloom, you can feel the history of the place. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide, the currents here can be a bit of a nuisance otherwise, making it harder to appreciate the wreck's scale. This isn't a dive for spotting big pelagics, but for wreck enthusiasts who enjoy exploring a well-preserved piece of maritime history, the Cristina delivers a genuinely immersive experience. The feeling of swimming through the ship's past is what makes this wreck truly special.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.403034, -5.225700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Kelsey 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 CRISTINA

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 CRISTINA

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 Cristina shipwreck dive site in North Cornwall?
The Cristina shipwreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, has a maximum depth of 35 meters. This makes it an exciting site for divers looking to explore deeper wrecks.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Cristina wreck?
The Cristina is a fascinating steam ship vessel, measuring 85.9m x 12.2m, offering divers a chance to explore its impressive structure. Key wreck features include its two boilers, triple expansion engine, single shaft, and other machinery. This historic wreck provides a unique glimpse into maritime history.
How challenging is diving the Cristina shipwreck, and is it suitable for advanced divers?
Diving the Cristina shipwreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While it presents challenges, its "Dangerous wreck" classification suggests it's suitable for experienced divers who are comfortable with such conditions. Advanced divers with appropriate training and experience will find this wreck dive a rewarding experience.
When is the best time to dive the Cristina wreck to experience optimal conditions and minimal currents?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time to dive the Cristina wreck for optimal conditions or minimal currents. For general guidance on planning your dives and understanding seasonal variations, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource. Always check local conditions and forecasts before planning your trip to Cornwall & Devon.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive the Cristina shipwreck due to its depth?
Given the Cristina shipwreck's maximum depth of 35 meters and its intermediate difficulty, divers typically need certifications that qualify them for deeper dives. This usually means an advanced certification or equivalent experience is recommended to safely explore this challenging wreck. Always ensure your certification level matches the dive profile.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Cristina dive site in North Cornwall?
The available data for the Cristina dive site does not provide specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning a trip to Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on site conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial for a safe and enjoyable wreck dive.