GULL ROCK

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Lundy

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - GULL ROCK offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 30m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Gull Rock isn't your average wreck dive; it's a dive into maritime history, a tangible connection to a lost era. We're talking about the scatter of a Genoese carrack, likely from the 15th or 16th century. You’re not going to see an intact hull here, but that’s part of its charm. Instead, what you’ll find spread across the seabed are incredible artefacts: two hefty wrought iron breech blocks, a full wrought iron gun, and a collection of stone shot. These aren't just things, they're echoes of a time when these waters were very different, and they're why we rate Gull Rock so highly. The depth here sits at around 30m, so it’s one for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles. We love finning slowly over the site, taking our time to really pick out the details on the ironwork, imagining the ship that once carried it. What really makes it for us is the way the local marine life has embraced these historical remnants. You’ll often spot feathery jewel anemones clinging to the iron, and inquisitive wrasse darting in and out of the deeper crevices formed by the scattered pieces. It’s a quiet dive, often just you and the history, and a welcome contrast to some of the busier contemporary wrecks. Our tip? Go on a calm day with good visibility; it really helps to appreciate the subtle contours of the debris field.