GUERNSEY COAST - Cornwall & Devon

The Guernsey Coast sits deep off the Cornish coast, a proper dive for experienced hands. We love this wreck because it’s a time capsule, settled upright on the seabed. Dropping down, you’ll start to pick out the distinct lines of her hull, then the superstructure, often draped in fishing nets, so watch your trim. This isn't a wreck you’ll swim through much, but exploring the deck and her machinery aft is the real draw. Conger eels are always lurking in the darker recesses, and schools of bib and pollack shimmer around the mast structure. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, perfect for those who appreciate the history embedded in steel, rather than chasing quick thrills. Be prepared for cold water, even in summer, and always check the tides – that deep, a strong current can really ruin your day.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.121800, -1.647700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Marine Protected Area: Wight-Barfleur Reef

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 GUERNSEY COAST

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 GUERNSEY COAST

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 diving depths around the Guernsey Coast, including for wrecks and reefs?
For the specific wreck known as GUERNSEY COAST, divers can expect a depth of 58 meters. This site is a carrier vessel that sank in 1964. While this data focuses on a particular wreck, it gives an indication of the deeper diving opportunities available in the area.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when exploring the Guernsey Coast?
When exploring the GUERNSEY COAST dive site, divers will encounter the impressive remains of a carrier vessel. This non-dangerous wreck, measuring 63.8m x 10.1m, offers a fascinating underwater feature to explore. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is scuba diving around the Guernsey Coast, and are there suitable sites for beginners?
Diving the specific GUERNSEY COAST wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than beginners. While this particular site is not for novices, other areas within Cornwall & Devon may offer more accessible options.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving off the Guernsey Coast for optimal conditions and marine life?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions and marine life specifically for the GUERNSEY COAST site is not available in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive resource. We recommend checking local dive centers for up-to-date conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are generally required to dive the various sites along the Guernsey Coast?
Given the GUERNSEY COAST wreck's depth of 58 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers would typically require advanced certifications. This often includes qualifications like Advanced Open Water Diver and potentially Deep Diver specialties. Always verify specific certification requirements with local dive operators before planning your dive.
What are the typical tidal currents, water temperatures, and visibility conditions like for diving around the Guernsey Coast?
Details regarding typical tidal currents, water temperatures, and visibility conditions for diving around the GUERNSEY COAST are not specified in the provided data. These conditions can vary significantly, even within a small area. We advise consulting local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for the most current and accurate information before your dive.