DISPATCH (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Dispatch, or what we believe to be the Dispatch, sits shallow, a mere 2m under the surface, making it one of our favourite shore dives for those days when you just want to get wet without the faff. You’re not getting deep here, but the historical context gives this wreck real character. Sunk back in 1809, it’s a skeleton now, ribs poking up from the seabed, draped in kelp and always humming with life. We love exploring the scattered timbers, imagining the sailing vessel’s last moments. Look closely and you’ll find crabs scuttling into crevices, colourful anemones clinging to the wood, and shoals of juvenile fish flitting between the shadows. It’s perfect for new divers getting comfortable with wreck penetration – even if it’s just sticking your head into a gap – or underwater photographers keen to capture light rays filtering through the kelp. Head out on a calm day, ideally around slack tide, and the visibility can be surprisingly good, letting you really appreciate the age of this place.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.003180, -5.101934
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Coverack Cove & Dolor 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 DISPATCH (POSSIBLY)

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 DISPATCH (POSSIBLY)

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