ELENA R - Cornwall & Devon

The Elena R is a proper dive, one that earns its ‘standout’ tier. This isn't some quaint little fishing boat; we're talking about a serious steamship, 112 metres of history resting at 29 metres. Dropping down, you really get a sense of its scale. We love exploring the bow, where the anchor chains spill out onto the seabed, and the twin boilers are always a striking sight, looming dark and cylindrical amidst the gloom. The triple expansion engine is a complex jumble of iron, now home to plump conger eels and squat lobsters tucked into every crevice. Visibility can be a bit hit-and-miss here, as with many UK wrecks, but on a good day, the structure comes into sharp relief, and the light filtering down catches the jewel anemones that carpet parts of the deck. This is a dive for those who appreciate the weight of history and the silent, slow reclamation by the sea. Expect strong currents at times; slack water is your friend here, making the penetration into the deeper holds a much calmer affair. It’s a rewarding wreck, full of character, and certainly one of our favourites in the area when the conditions play ball.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.503483, -2.344833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 ELENA R

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 ELENA R

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