ELDON PARK - Cornwall & Devon

Eldon Park isn’t about grand coralscapes. It’s a proper wreck dive, a historical snapshot resting in the shallows of Plymouth Sound. This 124-meter steamship, torpedoed in 1940, offers a vast playground, though it’s also designated a dangerous wreck, so respect its age and instability. We love poking around the bow and stern, where the structure is still quite defined. Look for lobsters tucked into every crevice, and the way the light filters through the broken plates creates these beautiful, shifting patterns. Our favourite part is exploring the engine room area; it’s a chaotic jumble of metal, but that’s where you’ll often find some surprisingly large pollack darting between the beams. Visibility can swing dramatically, so pick a calm day with a neap tide for the best chance of a clear view. It’s only 4 meters deep, making it a brilliant spot for extended bottom times and for newer wreck divers to get a real feel for a substantial wreck without the added pressure of depth. It’s a genuinely atmospheric dive, feeling every bit its eighty-plus years under the waves.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.533400, -4.199483
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Gower

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 ELDON PARK

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 ELDON PARK

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at Eldon Park?
The typical depth for diving at Eldon Park is 4 meters. This shallow depth allows for extended bottom times and excellent light penetration, perfect for exploring the wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Eldon Park?
At Eldon Park, divers will primarily explore the fascinating features of a steam ship wreck, sunk on February 7, 1940. This substantial vessel, measuring 124.1m x 16.2m, still showcases its four boilers and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks commonly become artificial reefs, attracting diverse local marine life over time.
How challenging is diving at Eldon Park, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Eldon Park is rated as intermediate difficulty. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for beginners and is best suited for divers with some prior experience and appropriate training for wreck environments.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Eldon Park for optimal conditions?
The available data does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions at Eldon Park. For the most favorable conditions, we recommend consulting local dive centers or referring to our comprehensive when to dive guide for the Cornwall & Devon area.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Eldon Park?
As an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, Eldon Park typically requires divers to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Given its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," specialized wreck diving certifications and experience are highly recommended for safe exploration.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Eldon Park dive site?
The available data does not provide specific details on the typical currents or water conditions at the Eldon Park dive site. As with any dive, it is crucial to consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on conditions before planning your dive.