D1 - Cornwall & Devon

Ah, D1. This is one of those spots in Cornwall and Devon that just *delivers*. We’ve spent a fair few hours down here, and it always feels like uncovering a secret, even if it’s on the map. The geology itself is interesting – we’re talking about a patchwork of rocky reefs, gullies, and small walls, perfect for slow exploration. Drop in on a slack tide, ideally, and drift along. You'll want to take your time here, peering into every crack and crevice. Our favourite thing about D1 is the sheer variety of life tucked into those rocks. Forget the flashier tropical stuff; here it's all about the subtle beauty. We’ve had incredible encounters with thornback skates settled on sandy patches, practically invisible until you’re right on top of them. Keep an eye out for conger eels, too; they love the darker holes. And the smaller stuff, the butterly blennies peeking out, the european fan-worms waving gently, that's what truly makes this site. We often find ourselves just watching a patch of crumb-of-bread sponge for a few minutes, seeing what’s living inside. It’s a great site for macro photographers and patient naturalists alike, offering a genuine taste of temperate diving at its best.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.332780, -3.499471

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham 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 D1

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 D1

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