GLENARM HEAD (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Glenarm Head*, or what we believe to be her, is a proper wreck dive, sitting deep off Brighton. You’re looking at 46 metres, so this is one for the technical crowd, or at least those comfortable with extended bottom times. She was torpedoed in 1918, a casualty of the U-boat war, and that history really seeps into the dive. What we love about this wreck is her sheer scale. At over 100 metres long, you could spend a dozen dives here and still find new nooks. We usually drop onto the bow, which is impressively intact, and then work our way aft. Keep an eye on the ambient light-it fades quickly down here, but the silhouettes of the structure against the green water are something else. The wreck itself is heavily encrusted, with plumose anemones waving like miniature feather dusters in the slight current. Conger eels are always lurking in the deeper holds, and we've had some memorable encounters with large ling slipping through the broken deck plating. It's a sombre, beautiful dive, a real piece of maritime history that demands respect and proper planning.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.643654, -0.190431
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Marine Protected Area: Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs

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 GLENARM HEAD (POSSIBLY)

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 GLENARM HEAD (POSSIBLY)

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 are the typical diving depths around Glenarm Head?
The typical diving depth at the Glenarm Head wreck site is 46 meters. This depth makes it suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience in deeper dives.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving near Glenarm Head?
When diving at Glenarm Head, divers can expect to explore the remains of a large steam ship vessel, measuring 109.7m x 14m, which was torpedoed and sunk in 1918. As a non-dangerous wreck, it offers an intriguing underwater feature. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species.
How difficult is diving at Glenarm Head, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Glenarm Head is classified as intermediate difficulty. With a depth of 46 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers. This site requires divers to have experience with deeper dives and potentially advanced certifications.
What is the best time of year or tidal conditions to dive at Glenarm Head for optimal experience?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or optimal tidal conditions for diving at Glenarm Head. For current conditions and seasonal recommendations, it is always best to consult local dive operators or resources like DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving around Glenarm Head?
Given the intermediate difficulty and a depth of 46 meters, divers typically require certifications beyond entry-level, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver or Deep Diver specialty. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for managing deeper dives safely at sites like Glenarm Head.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like for diving at Glenarm Head?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual currents or water conditions for diving at Glenarm Head. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning their dive.