FALLODON - Cornwall & Devon

The *Fallodon* is a proper piece of maritime history down here off Cornwall, and for us, it’s one of the best deeper wrecks around. She’s a big steamship, sunk back in 1917, and you can really feel that century of history as you descend onto her huge structure. We love the sheer scale of her, stretched out at 35 metres, with those two enormous boilers still very much present and demanding exploration. The visibility can be a bit hit or miss in the English Channel, but when it’s good, the light plays beautifully off the rusted steel, picking out details of the triple expansion engine. Expect to see plenty of pollack hanging in the superstructure, conger eels tucked into every dark crevice, and plumose anemones carpeting the shadier sections. Our pick for an insider tip? Try to hit it on a slack tide just before high water for the calmest conditions and best chance of decent viz. It’s a dive for those comfortable with depth and currents, rewarding you with a genuinely atmospheric wreck experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.438183, -1.219567
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Bonchurch Landslips

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 FALLODON

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 FALLODON

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 are the typical depths for diving at the Farallón dive site?
The FALLODON dive site offers diving at a depth of 35 meters. This depth is characteristic of the wreck, providing an exciting experience for divers exploring this historic vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Farallón?
The FALLODON dive site is primarily a wreck dive, featuring the remains of a 103.3m x 14.6m steam ship vessel that sank in 1917. While the data doesn't specify marine life, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various marine life over time. Divers can explore the structure of this historic vessel, including its two boilers and triple expansion engine.
Is the Farallón dive site considered difficult, and what level of experience is recommended?
The FALLODON dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also noted as a dangerous wreck, suggesting that divers should possess a good level of experience and appropriate training for wreck diving to ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration of the site.
When is the best time of year to dive at Farallón for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data for the FALLODON dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or visibility. Divers interested in planning their trip should consult local dive operators for current conditions and seasonal recommendations for diving in Cornwall & Devon.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Farallón site?
Given that the FALLODON dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty and classified as a dangerous wreck, divers should ideally hold advanced open water certification and specialized wreck diving certifications. While specific requirements aren't listed, these certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and knowledge for safely exploring such a site.
What are the typical current strengths and water conditions at the Farallón dive site?
The available data for the FALLODON dive site does not provide specific details regarding typical current strengths or water conditions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on currents and other environmental factors, it is always best to consult with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.