GANNET - Cornwall & Devon

We love a good wreck, especially one that’s had a bit of time to settle, and the Gannet is a prime example of what Cornwall’s seabed does best. This steamship, which went ashore in a dense fog back in 1882, now feels like a natural part of the underwater landscape. It's not a deep dive, making it accessible for a broader range of experience levels, which is a big plus in our book. What you'll find here is a robust wreck that’s been thoroughly colonised. Expect to see sections of the hull, plates, and machinery, all draped in kelp and soft corals. Ling often lurk in the darker recesses, and sometimes you’ll spot a dogfish tucked into a gap. Visibility here can be a bit of a gamble, but on a good day, it’s a genuinely atmospheric dive, feeling like you've stepped back in time. Our favourite part? The way the light filters through the kelp on the shallower sections of the wreck, creating an eerie, green glow. It’s perfect for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of man-made structures by the ocean.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.767258, 0.101757
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 GANNET

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 GANNET

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