FORESTER (& PONTOON) - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.572850, -2.416583
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

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 FORESTER (& PONTOON)

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 FORESTER (& PONTOON)

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