FORELAND - Cornwall & Devon

The Foreland, near Polzeath, isn't a deep dive, barely two metres at high tide, but it’s a site we find ourselves drawn back to, especially on a calm day. This isn't about giant pelagics or technicolour reefs. It’s about history, proximity, and seeing what the sea reclaims. The wreck of the collier vessel, an old steamer, sits broken up across the sandy bottom. You can trace its outline, the plates and frames forming little canyons and overhangs. It’s a shallow playground for pollock and wrasse, darting between the rusty metalwork. Look closely and you’ll spot crab claws waving from beneath a crumpled beam, or a sneaky flatfish perfectly camouflaged against the sand. We like to drift over it with the gentle swell, letting the sun filter through the water, highlighting the barnacle-encrusted metal. It’s an easy shore dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon, or when the boat trips are off due to weather. Definitely one for the macro enthusiasts and wreck history buffs who appreciate the subtle beauty of a working ship reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.506783, -2.491333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 FORELAND

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 FORELAND

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