GALLIA - Cornwall & Devon

The Gallia, a substantial steamship resting at 60 metres, is a serious dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. This isn't a quick dip; it's a deep, dark exploration that really rewards proper planning. We love how intact she feels despite her age, sunk by a U-boat in 1917. Dropping down, you feel the cold embrace of the Atlantic, and then she emerges, a hulking shadow taking shape. The sheer scale of the Gallia is what really grabs you. Her 91-metre length means there's always more to see, even on multiple dives. We’d suggest focusing on the bow or stern on your first visit, maybe a careful penetration into one of the cargo holds if you’re properly trained and equipped. Look out for the resident conger eels, some of the biggest we’ve ever seen, peering out of every dark recess. Jewel anemones speckle the metalwork with bursts of colour, and we’ve often seen dogfish resting on the deck plates. This is a dive for technical divers who appreciate historical context and the profound silence of the deep. It’s challenging, yes, but immensely satisfying.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.133957, -2.217991
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: West of Wight-Barfleur

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 GALLIA

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 GALLIA

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