GAP - Cornwall & Devon

The wreck of the steamship GAP, sunk in 1928, sits in a shallow 5 metres off the Cornwall and Devon coast. What’s left of her 85.5-metre length is well-broken, scattered across a rocky seabed, but there's still plenty to explore. We’ve found her twisted metal plates and some machinery, now heavily encrusted and providing shelter for crabs and wrasse. It’s a great spot for an easy dive, especially on a calm day, and a good reminder of the coast's maritime history. If you're into poking around historical remains without the deep dive fuss, this one’s for you.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.038116, -5.067266
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: The Manacles

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 GAP

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 GAP

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth at The Gap dive site?
The maximum depth at The Gap dive site is 5 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive, ideal for those looking for less demanding depth profiles.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see when diving at The Gap?
The provided data for The Gap dive site does not specify particular marine life. However, as a wreck dive in Cornwall & Devon, it typically attracts various local species that colonize artificial reefs. For general information on marine life in the region, you can explore our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at The Gap, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at The Gap is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 5 meters might seem appealing, the "Dangerous wreck" classification suggests potential hazards. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners and is better suited for divers with some experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at The Gap for optimal conditions?
The provided data for The Gap does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. General guidance for diving in Cornwall & Devon typically suggests warmer months for better visibility and calmer seas. For more general information on when to dive, please visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at The Gap?
The data for The Gap does not explicitly state specific certification requirements. However, given its intermediate difficulty and classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should ideally hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Experience with wreck diving or a wreck diving specialty is highly recommended for this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at The Gap dive site?
The provided data for The Gap does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. As a wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, conditions can vary significantly based on weather and tides. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning a dive at this site.