HERON I - Cornwall & Devon

Heron I. Not the big, dramatic, photo-op wreck many divers chase, but she’s got a quiet dignity at 41m. This isn't a dive for the casual Sunday splash. She was a small sloop, caught fire in '95 and burned right to the waterline, eventually settling upright on a sandy seabed. You’ll find her mostly intact, just stripped bare, a stark silhouette against the deeper blue. We love Heron I for its atmosphere. It's a proper deep dive, best done on a calm day with decent visibility. Drop down and you’ll see the low profile of the hull emerging, barnacled and draped in sea squirts. Conger eels often peek from crevices, and the occasional pollock patrols the perimeter. Look closely; her small size makes for intimate exploration, and we’ve found some surprisingly vibrant jewel anemones clinging to the burnt timber. Our favourite spot is the stern, where you can still make out the rudder and propeller, now completely encrusted. She's a thoughtful dive, a little piece of maritime history that feels very personal down there.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.269684, -4.064050
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Marine Protected Area: Wembury Point

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 HERON I

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 HERON I

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