GIRNIGOE - Cornwall & Devon

The Girnigoe is a deep dive, proper advanced territory, sinking to 58 metres. We’re talking about the remains of a steamship, 42.7 metres long, that went down in 1908. It’s a good one for technical divers looking for a proper challenge off the Portland coast. Dropping down, the visibility here can be… moody. When it’s good though, you start to pick out the silhouette of the old coaster, surprisingly intact for its age and depth. The stern is often our favourite part, with the machinery aft still quite recognisable – a testament to its solid build. We’ve seen conger eels that look like they’ve been residents since the sinking, along with good-sized lobsters tucked into every crevice. Exploring the well deck requires solid buoyancy and a good torch; the old cargo holds are dark, but often reveal schools of pout sheltering from any passing current. This isn't a dive for casual sightseeing; it’s a commitment, a test of skill, and a journey into a piece of maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.174526, -2.326944
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

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 GIRNIGOE

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 GIRNIGOE

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