G-ARLS - Cornwall & Devon

Diving a plane wreck always feels a bit different, doesn't it? The G-ARLS, a Piper Aztec that ditched off the Cornish coast in '75, is one of those dives we just love. It’s sitting upright in about 22 metres, and remarkably intact for an aircraft that just dropped out of the sky. You’ll find the cockpit section still largely together, and it’s a genuinely eerie feeling to peer into the gauges. Our favourite part is swimming around the wings; they’re often draped in dead man’s fingers, swaying gently with the surge. Look closely and you’ll spot gobies hiding in the crevices, and sometimes a sneaky conger eel peeking from beneath the fuselage. Visibility here can be hit or miss, typical for the UK, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering through, the sight of that plane on the seabed is pretty special. It’s a manageable dive for most experienced open water divers, though we’d always suggest checking conditions; currents can pick up. Definitely one for the wreck log, especially if you’re collecting aircraft.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.600037, -1.012570
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Marine Protected Area: Bembridge Down

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 G-ARLS

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 G-ARLS

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