GORIZIA - Cornwall & Devon

The Gorizia is a deep dive, a proper expedition, and for us, it’s one of the best reasons to get your twinset wet in the UK. She was a Great Lakes steamship, sunk by a German U-boat in 1917, and now she lies upright in 47 metres of water off the Lizard. We love the feeling of descending into the green, knowing this grand old lady is waiting. The bow, with its anchor chains still draped, is often our first stop. You’ll spot conger eels in every nook and cranny, and if you’re lucky, a curious anglerfish might be lurking in the superstructure. Swim along the deck and you can make out winches and cargo hatches, all encrusted with white plumose anemones that pulse gently in the current. Our favourite part is the engine room, often penetrable if you're experienced and careful, where the machinery is still remarkably intact. It’s dark in there, but your torch beam picks out the details, giving you a real sense of her working life. This is a dive for experienced deep divers, those comfortable with limited visibility and strong currents, but the rewards are immense.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.429900, -2.791017
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
47m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start 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 GORIZIA

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 GORIZIA

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 depths for recreational dives in the Gorizia area, including any notable wrecks or reefs?
The notable wreck in this area is the Gorizia, a steam ship vessel sunk in 1917. This fascinating wreck lies at a depth of 47m, offering a deep dive experience for those exploring its historical remains.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving near Gorizia?
When diving near the Gorizia, divers can primarily expect to explore the impressive underwater features of this 75.9m x 13.1m steam ship wreck. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks commonly become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites around Gorizia, and are there options suitable for beginner divers?
The Gorizia dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. Due to its depth of 47m and classification, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers who are still developing their skills.
What is the best time of year to go diving in the Gorizia region for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters in the Cornwall & Devon region for the Gorizia wreck. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required for the various dive sites accessible from Gorizia?
Given that the Gorizia wreck is an intermediate difficulty dive site at a depth of 47m, divers would typically require advanced certifications such as a Deep Diver specialty or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience to safely explore such depths and conditions.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, experienced at dive sites near Gorizia?
The provided data for the Gorizia dive site does not include specific details regarding typical water conditions such as currents or visibility. Divers should always check local conditions with dive operators before planning their dive.