GODOLPHIN - Cornwall & Devon

Alright, let's talk about the *Godolphin*. Out there off Black Head, this isn’t your typical sun-drenched, coral-encrusted dive. This is proper Cornish wreck diving. We love it because it’s a genuine piece of history, swallowed by the sea back in 1888. She was a steamship, 71.6 metres long, built for hauling cargo, and now she’s a scattered but substantial wreck on the seabed. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the green water. It's moody, atmospheric. You’ll find sections of plating, beams, and machinery spread across the sand, each piece telling a bit of her story. It’s not one big intact vessel, but a field of wreckage that feels like an archaeological dig. Our favourite spots are where the frames stand proudest, creating little alcoves. That’s where you'll spot conger eels, thick as a thigh, peering out, and often some decent lobsters too. The smaller crabs and nudibranchs are everywhere if you take the time to look amongst the anemones that coat the ironwork. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet drama of a historical wreck, where the marine life feels like an added bonus to the exploration. Visibility can vary, so pick a calm day with a neap tide for the best experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.004770, -5.101034
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Coverack Cove & Dolor Point

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 GODOLPHIN

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 GODOLPHIN

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