GALICIA - Cornwall & Devon

Now this is a proper wreck, one of our favourites in the area. The Galicia went down in 1917, and for a ship of its size, 121 metres long, it’s remarkably intact at just 15 metres. You’re not just looking at scattered debris here. We love dropping down onto the huge boilers, they’re still upright and make a fantastic landmark. The bow section is particularly good, often shrouded in schooling bib and pollack, a real spectacle when the light catches them. You’ll want to allow plenty of time to explore the holds, which are surprisingly open. We’ve had some great dives poking around in there, finding conger eels peering out from cracks and plenty of crabs scuttling about. Conditions can be a bit challenging, this is the UK after all, so aim for slack water and a good tide for the best visibility. When it’s clear, you can really appreciate the scale of the Galicia, a genuine piece of history on the seabed. It’s a site for divers who appreciate big, explorable wrecks and aren't afraid of a bit of green water.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.555100, -3.439300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Dawlish Warren

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 GALICIA

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 GALICIA

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