HEIDRUN - Cornwall & Devon

The Heidrun is one of those wrecks that just delivers. Not too deep at 30 metres, so you get decent bottom time, and usually, the visibility holds pretty well here. We love dropping down onto her, seeing the stern section first, then finning along the intact deck towards the boilers. They’re a classic sight, standing proud and covered in plumose anemones – pure white in the torch beam, swaying gently in the subtle surge. It’s an older steamship, built in 1871, carrying anthracite when she went down in 1918. That age means the structure is well-colonised. Expect to find conger eels tucked into every dark crevice and schools of pollock circling above the main hull. Our favourite part is exploring the holds; they’re quite open and you can safely penetrate a little way, feeling the weight of history around you. For divers who appreciate characterful older wrecks and aren't afraid of a bit of chill, the Heidrun is a fantastic dive, offering a real sense of exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.024834, -5.327333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: Baulk Head to Mullion

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 HEIDRUN

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 HEIDRUN

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 maximum depth of the Heidrun dive site?
The Heidrun dive site reaches a maximum depth of 30 meters. This depth makes it suitable for divers with appropriate deep diving training and experience.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Heidrun?
Divers exploring the Heidrun wreck can expect to see features of a steam ship vessel, including its two boilers and a compound expansion engine. This impressive 65.8m x 9.5m wreck, built in 1871, offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks commonly attract a variety of local species.
How challenging is diving the Heidrun wreck, and what is its difficulty level?
Diving the Heidrun wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should possess experience beyond basic open water certification to safely and enjoyably explore this site.
What are the best times or conditions to dive the Heidrun wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best times or conditions to dive the Heidrun wreck. For general guidance on optimal diving conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area, it's recommended to consult local dive operators or visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Heidrun?
Given the Heidrun's maximum depth of 30 meters and intermediate difficulty, a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck exploration.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Heidrun dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Heidrun dive site. For up-to-date details on these factors, it is always best to check with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.