GIRNIGOE

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

West of Wight-Barfleur

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - GIRNIGOE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 58m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.