HANOVER - Cornwall & Devon

The Hanover isn't about deep diving; it’s about history you can touch, right in the shallows of Falmouth Bay. We’re talking three metres, maximum. This isn’t some intact hull, it’s a scattering of what remains of a packet boat that went down in 1763, seeking shelter from a storm. You’ll find old timbers, bits of copper sheathing, and ballast stones spread across the seabed. It’s incredibly atmospheric, like an archaeological dig you’re swimming over. We love coming here on a calm day, especially with a low tide, when the light really penetrates and picks out the details. Look closely, and you’ll see the cracks and crevices in the old wood have become homes for tiny crabs and blennies. There are often wrasse nosing around the stones, and if you’re lucky, a curious dogfish might make an appearance. It’s a completely different kind of wreck dive, perfect for those who appreciate the story as much as the spectacle. We’d suggest going slow, taking your time to scour the seabed, imagining the ship’s final moments. Bring a torch, even in the shallows, to really illuminate the textures of the encrusted timbers.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.335150, -5.181417
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Cligga Head

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 HANOVER

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 HANOVER

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