FLEUR DE LYS - Cornwall & Devon

Fleur de Lys is a quirky little wreck, barely a wreck really, but we love it for its sheer accessibility and the fun of finding it. It's an ex-ship's lifeboat, just 7.3 metres long, and it sank back in 2002. What makes it special, and why we rate it a standout, is that it sits right on a drying line. That's right, it's often visible at low tide, meaning you can snorkel or even just wade to it on a calm day. It's not about deep diving here, or even diving at all for most of the year. This is a site for the curious, for snorkelers, and those who appreciate a bit of local maritime history. The structure itself is breaking down now, but you can still make out the general shape of the lifeboat, often with a few curious blennies darting in and out of the crevices. Look for small crabs scuttling across the growth that’s started to encrust the hull. It’s a great spot for underwater photography practice, especially for macro shots, given the shallow depth and usually decent light. Our tip? Check the tide times and aim for a calm day, just after high tide starts to drop, for the best clarity. You’ll be surprised what you can find in just a metre of water.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.416668, -3.133333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Penarth Coast

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 FLEUR DE LYS

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 FLEUR DE LYS

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