GRETA C - Cornwall & Devon

The *Greta C* is a proper deep dive, a carrier vessel that went down in 1974. She sits upright at 53 metres, and while that depth means advanced trimix certifications are a must, the reward is a remarkably intact wreck. We love how her superstructure is still largely in place, offering some fantastic penetration for suitably trained divers. Entering the bridge feels like stepping back in time, the darkness broken only by your torch beam illuminating control panels and the ghostly outlines of equipment. Down on the main deck, the holds are open, revealing the cavernous spaces where cargo once sat. Look closely for conger eels – we’ve seen some absolute monsters lurking in the shadows, their heads poking out from pipes and crevices. The plating is draped in dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones, creating a surprisingly vibrant artificial reef. For us, the *Greta C* really shines on those rare days when visibility stretches to 15 metres or more; then you can truly appreciate her scale as you descend through the blue. It’s a serious dive, no doubt, but one that offers a real sense of exploration and a proper challenge.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.351200, -2.987850
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

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 GRETA C

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 GRETA C

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 typical depth range for scuba diving at Greta's Reef?
The dive site known as GRETA C, a fascinating wreck located off Cornwall & Devon, has a typical depth of 53m. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for experienced divers with appropriate certifications, rather than a reef.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Greta's Reef?
Divers exploring the GRETA C can expect to encounter a substantial wreck, a carrier vessel measuring 51.8m x 7.3m, rather than a reef. Sunk on September 7, 1974, this non-dangerous wreck provides an artificial reef structure that commonly attracts a variety of local marine species.
How difficult is the Greta's Reef dive site, and is it suitable for Open Water divers?
The GRETA C dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty, and it is a wreck, not a reef. With a depth of 53m, it is not suitable for Open Water divers, who are typically certified for depths up to 18m. This dive requires advanced certifications and experience with deep diving.
What are the best months or seasons to dive Greta's Reef for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions at the GRETA C wreck site is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive Greta's Reef?
Given the GRETA C's depth of 53m and intermediate difficulty, advanced scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for this wreck dive. Divers should possess certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver Specialty, and potentially Wreck Diver Specialty to safely explore this site.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions at Greta's Reef?
The provided data for the GRETA C dive site does not include specific details on usual current and visibility conditions for this wreck. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information before their dive.