GRELEEN - Cornwall & Devon

The Greleen, oh, she’s a proper dive. Not one for a Sunday splash, mind you, with her deck at 38 metres. This old steamer, built by Harland & Wolff in 1894, went down in 1917, and time has been kind to her, in a diver’s sense. We love how she’s broken but still holds her shape, a sprawling iron skeleton across the seabed. You drop onto the debris field first, then the main sections start to resolve out of the gloom. The two huge boilers are our favourite, often swarming with pollack that seem to shimmer as you approach. Keep an eye out for conger eels in the deeper recesses; some of them are the size of small tree trunks. Penetration isn't really the point here, but there's plenty to poke your head into, like the old engine room, if you're comfortable with the depth and the often-murky Cornish visibility. We'd suggest aiming for a calm day with a neap tide, as the currents can really rip through here, making a pleasant dive quite the workout. It’s a site for experienced wreck hounds who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a challenge.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.460900, -3.230783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Lyme Bay and Torbay

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 GRELEEN

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 GRELEEN

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 is the maximum depth of the GRELEEN wreck dive and how deep is the top of the wreck?
The maximum depth of the GRELEEN wreck dive is 38m. The provided data does not specify the depth of the top of the wreck, but divers can expect to explore this historic steamship vessel at its deepest point.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the GRELEEN?
Divers exploring the GRELEEN wreck can expect to see the remains of a significant steamship vessel, including its two boilers, triple expansion engine, and single shaft. This impressive wreck, measuring 95.4m by 11.6m, offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. Information regarding specific marine life at the site is not available in the provided data, but you can learn more about general marine life.
How challenging is the GRELEEN dive site, and is it suitable for advanced open water divers?
The GRELEEN dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive. Given its depth of 38m and "Dangerous wreck" classification, it is generally suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or higher, who have experience with deeper wreck diving. Always ensure you are properly trained and equipped for such conditions.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the GRELEEN wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons to dive the GRELEEN wreck for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on diving in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the GRELEEN wreck?
Given the GRELEEN wreck's maximum depth of 38m and its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, divers would typically require at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Additional specialized training, such as a Deep Diver or Wreck Diver specialty, is highly recommended for safely exploring this historic site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the GRELEEN dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on the typical current conditions or visibility at the GRELEEN dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck in Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date site conditions.