CROMDALE - Cornwall & Devon

The Cromdale isn't deep, only 9m, but don't let that fool you. This sailing vessel, built in 1891, met its end in a dense fog in 1913, and what remains is a fantastic, sprawling wreck dive. We love that you can spend a whole dive just picking apart the different sections. You'll find ribs sticking up like skeletal fingers, massive hull plates, and plenty of smaller, unidentifiable pieces scattered across the seabed. Vis here can vary dramatically, but on a good day, when the sun penetrates the green, you can really appreciate the scale. We’d suggest going at slack tide to avoid fighting the current. Look closely amongst the plates; the Cromdale is home to a surprising number of critters. We often spot velvet swimming crabs clambering over the metal, dogfish resting in sandy patches, and colourful jewel anemones clinging to every available surface. It’s a site that really makes you feel connected to history, a proper old wreck you can explore without feeling rushed. It suits divers who appreciate history and enjoy a good rummage, rather than those chasing big pelagics.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.963104, -5.184358
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Lizard Point

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 CROMDALE

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 CROMDALE

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