DILIGENT - Cornwall & Devon

Dive the Diligent, and you're dropping into a proper piece of history. This 1888 steamship, resting at 41 metres, is exactly what we look for in a deep wreck. We love the scale of it, the way the bows rise out of the seabed, still so recognisably a ship even after over a century on the bottom. You’ll find two massive boilers standing proud, often obscured slightly by the murk and giving it a real atmospheric feel. The visibility here can swing wildly, but when it’s good, the site offers so much to explore. Expect to see conger eels tucked into every crevice, their heads poking out from the collapsed holds. Our favourite is exploring around the triple expansion engine; it’s a brilliant scramble over the machinery, with schools of pouting darting through the superstructure. This isn't a site for beginners. We'd suggest waiting for a calm day with minimal current, and make sure your deep diving skills are sharp. The Diligent is a serious dive for those who appreciate a substantial wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.816200, -4.763750
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Marine Protected Area: Bristol Channel Approaches / Dynesfeydd Môr Hafren

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 DILIGENT

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 DILIGENT

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