CRUSADER - Cornwall & Devon

The Crusader, lying off Plymouth, isn't a deep dive, making it accessible for a good range of experience levels. It’s an old Admiralty lighter, sunk as an exercise target back in the 1950s, so you’re looking at a wreck that’s been down a while, totally integrated into the local ecosystem. What we love about the Crusader is how intact she remains for her age and location. You can still make out the superstructure, the hull plates, and plenty of internal structure to poke your head into. Vis can be typical Channel stuff, sometimes a bit murky, sometimes surprisingly clear especially on a slack tide, which is always our preferred time to drop in. On a good day, the light plays through the openings, illuminating the clouds of pouting and juvenile pollack that call the wreck home. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into the dark recesses; they’re pretty common here. We think the Crusader is a fantastic dive for anyone who enjoys exploring a wreck with a bit of history, without the pressure of extreme depth or current. It feels substantial, but still navigable, offering plenty of nooks to investigate without getting too lost.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.792236, -1.118122
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Portsmouth Harbour

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 CRUSADER

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 CRUSADER

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