ELEANOR - Cornwall & Devon

The *Eleanor* in Cornwall is one of those wrecks that just oozes history, even if she’s broken up now. She ran aground in 1922, a steamship carrying coal, and the remnants are scattered across the seabed at a very forgiving maximum depth of 12 metres. We love diving her on a calm day, when the light penetrates right down, illuminating the twisted metal and the two massive boilers that are still a focal point. You can poke around the debris field, imagining the force of the waves that tore her apart. What truly makes the *Eleanor* special for us is how marine life has absolutely taken over. You’ll find wrasse darting between the plates, conger eels tucked into any dark crevice, and plumose anemones waving gently from every surface. It’s a site that really rewards slow exploration; take your time to peer under ledges and into cracks. For photographers, the way the light filters through the kelp and across the encrusted wreck can be stunning, especially late morning. Just watch for surge if the tide is turning; it can get a bit sporty. It’s a perfect site for newer wreck divers or anyone who appreciates the beauty of an artificial reef teeming with life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.250572, -5.414342
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: St Gothian Sands

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 ELEANOR

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 ELEANOR

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 is the maximum depth of the SS Eleanor wreck for divers?
The SS Eleanor wreck offers a maximum depth of 1 meter for divers. This makes it an exceptionally shallow wreck, providing unique diving opportunities for those exploring its structure.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to find on the SS Eleanor wreck?
Divers exploring the SS Eleanor wreck can expect to encounter significant historical artifacts from its past as a steam ship. Key features include its two boilers, triple expansion engine, and single shaft, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century maritime engineering. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not provided in the current data.
How difficult is the SS Eleanor wreck dive, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The SS Eleanor wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty and is noted as a "Dangerous wreck." Due to these classifications, it is not suitable for all experience levels and is best undertaken by divers with appropriate training and experience in wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to dive the SS Eleanor for optimal conditions and visibility?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the SS Eleanor dive site is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are necessary or recommended to dive the SS Eleanor wreck?
Given the SS Eleanor is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," specific wreck diving certifications or advanced open water training are highly recommended. Divers should possess the skills and experience appropriate for challenging wreck environments.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the SS Eleanor dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details on typical current or visibility conditions at the SS Eleanor dive site. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information before planning their dive.