EXCELSIOR - Cornwall & Devon

The Excelsior is less a wreck dive and more a history lesson in a puddle, but we love it for its sheer accessibility and surprising character. Sitting in just eight metres, this carrier vessel was carrying who-knows-what when she sank. Our favourite part has to be the way the light filters through the shallow water, illuminating the kelp-draped remains. It’s not about big fish here, more about the atmosphere and the small stuff that calls it home: blennies darting between plates of metal, little anemones clinging to every surface, and always a few inquisitive crabs scuttling past. We'd suggest going on a calm day, close to slack tide, for the best visibility. You can take your time poking around, imagining the Excelsior’s last moments. It's a great spot for newer divers getting comfortable with wreck penetration, or for anyone who appreciates a bit of maritime archaeology without the depth.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.801040, -1.029833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Langstone Harbour

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 EXCELSIOR

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 EXCELSIOR

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