ELFORD - Cornwall & Devon

The Elford is a proper wreck dive, sitting upright and mostly intact at 17 metres. We really rate it for its sheer scale; 77 metres long, she's a big old steamship from 1915, sunk by a mine in 1917. You can really get a sense of her original form, with those two huge boilers still standing proud, creating a perfect shelter for conger eels. We've often seen them poking their heads out, looking grumpy. This isn't a tricky dive, so it’s great for anyone comfortable with a bit of overhead, though entry and exit on a bouncy day can be a bit of a workout. The stern is particularly photogenic, often draped in dead man's fingers, and we love finding the prop shaft, which gives you a real feel for the engineering of the era. On a clear day, the light through the remaining deck structures is fantastic, illuminating the schools of pouting that mill around the holds. Visibility can be hit or miss, so pick your weather window; slack water is key here, otherwise, the current can be a nuisance.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.634018, -0.978883
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 ELFORD

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 ELFORD

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 typical depth range for diving at Elford?
The Elford dive site has a typical depth of 17m. This makes it accessible for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Elford?
Divers at the Elford site can explore the remains of a steam ship vessel, which was sunk on May 18, 1917. This impressive wreck measures 77.7m x 11.6m and features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species.
How challenging is the Elford dive site for beginner and experienced divers?
The Elford dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, making it suitable for divers with some experience. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that proper training and caution are essential for safe exploration. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills for wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to dive Elford for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Elford for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Elford?
Given that Elford is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," it is highly recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialized wreck diving certification. This ensures divers have the skills and experience to safely navigate the site.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at the Elford dive site?
The provided data does not detail the typical currents or specific underwater conditions at the Elford dive site. However, its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" suggests that divers should be prepared for potentially challenging conditions and exercise caution. Always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning your dive.