ESCURIAL - Cornwall & Devon

Okay, the Escurial. We’ve spent some chilly hours on this one, and honestly, it’s a brilliant dive for its sheer accessibility and the history you can literally touch. This iron steamship, resting in just a metre of water, is basically a natural history exhibit at low tide. We’re talking about a wreck so shallow, you can often see parts of it breaking the surface, even at high tide if the swell isn’t too big. What we really love here is the way the metal has become a canvas for life. You’ll find dense clumps of mussels, thick mats of barnacles, and a surprising number of small crabs scuttling amongst the plates. We’ve seen quite a few blennies here, darting into crevices, and the occasional dogfish tucked away in the shadows if you look closely. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, perfect for snorkelers or freedivers, and even just a really interesting shore dive for those days when you don't want to gear up for depth. Plus, the feeling of touching a piece of maritime history, knowing it sank back in 1895 after a collision, is pretty cool. Keep an eye out for the distinct lines of the hull and framework; they’re still remarkably clear despite the passage of time and tide.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.263905, -5.301854
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Godrevy Head to St Agnes

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 ESCURIAL

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 ESCURIAL

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