DUTTON - Cornwall & Devon

Dutton isn't about depth; it's about history you can touch, quite literally. This East Indiaman, wrecked in 1796, lies so shallow it’s often visible from the surface at low tide, tucked right under Plymouth Citadel. We love how accessible it is, offering a fascinating peek into maritime history without needing a full dive kit. You'll find the remains of the hull scattered across the rocks, timbers dark with age and encrusted with barnacles. We particularly enjoy poking around the larger sections of planking, imagining the chaos of that stormy January night when she broke from her anchors with 500 souls aboard. It’s not a site for big pelagics, but look closely and you’ll spot blennies darting between crevices and anemones swaying on the older timbers. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny day when the water is clearer, allowing sunlight to penetrate right to the seabed, illuminating the wreck’s ghostly form. It’s perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, or even just a low-tide paddle with a mask and snorkel.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.363075, -4.137806
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Western King

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 DUTTON

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 DUTTON

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