GUILDING STAR - Cornwall & Devon

The Guilding Star. What a quirky little dive, sitting in only three metres of water just off Mevagissey. We’ve done this one more times than we can count, often just as a cheeky second dive when we’ve had enough of the chop out on the deeper wrecks. You feel the cool, silty bottom first, then your mask settles on the distorted hull plates, twisted like abstract art. It’s an old steamer, sunk back in 1920, and the years have really done a number on her. You’re not getting much structure here, it’s all spread out, but that’s exactly why we love it. It’s a fantastic rummage dive, perfect for a long, slow potter. Look closely and you’ll find conger eels tucked into every crevice, their heads peeking out, watching you pass. The lobsters are massive here, truly some of the biggest we’ve seen in Cornwall, clambering over the broken bits of machinery. And the spider crabs. Honestly, sometimes it feels like they’re having a convention on the deck plates. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility, though even then, expect a proper Cornwall green. It’s not about crystal clear here, it’s about the hunt, the discovery of life in the chaos.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.723167, -2.159833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 GUILDING STAR

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 GUILDING STAR

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