FORESTER (& PONTOON)
Protected Area
Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - FORESTER (& PONTOON) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Forester, with its nearby pontoon remains, is one of our favourite shallow wrecks in the UK. We know, it’s only 16 metres, but it packs a punch. Sunk in 1930 after parting its moorings in a storm, this collier lies broken but still very much a wreck, not just a pile of plates. You’ll find the triple expansion engine surprisingly intact, an industrial heart now swathed in plumose anemones. Swim through the holds, where shafts of light penetrate and illuminate the schools of bib that dart between the frames. It’s a wonderful contrast, this relic of industry softened by decades of marine growth. We love exploring the pontoon nearby too; it’s a jumble of twisted metal, home to some seriously chunky spider crabs and lobsters tucked into every crevice. Visibility here can be variable, so aim for a calm day after a period of settled weather – it makes all the difference when you’re poking around the darker corners. This site is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of history combined with some fantastic invertebrate spotting, and it’s a brilliant training ground for newer wreck divers too.
Typical FORESTER (& PONTOON) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to FORESTER (& PONTOON)
Dive shops near FORESTER (& PONTOON)
Dive Beyond Limited
Old Harbour Dive Centre
Divers Down
Dorset Diving Services
Mayim Mermaid Academy
Dive academy
Reviews for FORESTER (& PONTOON)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for FORESTER (& PONTOON)
FORESTER (& PONTOON) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for FORESTER (& PONTOON), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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