GREATHAM - Cornwall & Devon

The Greatham, just off Bolt Head, is one of our absolute favourite wrecks in this corner of the UK. We love the way she sits upright, two massive boilers still dominating the midships, even after all these years since she went down in 1918. Dropping onto the deck, you’re often greeted by schools of pollock, weaving through the superstructure, a silver flash in the green light. The bow is a real highlight, still very intact, and it feels like stepping back in time when you peer into the hold spaces. It's a deep dive, down to 40m, so definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with the chillier water and sometimes brisk currents. Visibility can range from glorious 15m to a more typical 5m, but even on the murkier days, the sheer scale of the Greatham makes her an impressive dive. Look closely around the plates for nudibranchs, and the occasional lobster peeking out from under a bulkhead. A slack water dive is always best here; try to hit it just before the turn for the most relaxed exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.305134, -3.507267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham 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 GREATHAM

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 GREATHAM

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