GABRIELLE - Cornwall & Devon

The Gabrielle, resting in a mere two metres of water, might sound like a simple dunk, but it’s far more engaging than its shallow depth suggests. We love this wreck, a sailing vessel from 1902, for its surprisingly intact character. Descending onto the site, you immediately get a sense of the vessel's form, the timbers still holding their shape against the gentle sway of the current. It’s not about penetration here; it's about the texture of the wreck itself. Our favourite aspect is the way the light plays through the kelp forest that now calls the Gabrielle home. Sunlight dapples through the fronds, illuminating the rusty ironwork and the sturdy wooden ribs. We’ve spent many a dive here, just tracing the outline of what remains, spotting crabs scuttling amongst the growth and small schools of pollack darting in and out of the deeper crevices. It's a fantastic spot for a long, relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys the quiet intimacy of a well-preserved, shallow wreck. The lack of depth means extended bottom times, letting you truly soak in the atmosphere.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.002888, -2.174278
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Les Minquiers

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 GABRIELLE

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 GABRIELLE

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