HIGHLAND CORRIE - Cornwall & Devon

The Highland Corrie holds a special place in our hearts, a proper dive for those who love a bit of history and don't mind a deeper wreck. She was a big ship, 126 metres long, and lies broken but still impressive at 36 metres. We usually drop onto the stern first, where the propshaft tunnel is often still open, an invitation to a dark swim-through if you're comfortable with overhead environments. What we really love about the Corrie is the sheer scale and the way the marine life has completely reclaimed her. Think huge conger eels peering from every dark hole, their heads like grizzled old men, and schools of pollack hanging motionless above the collapsed holds. Visibility can vary, as it always does in these waters, but when it's good, seeing the full length of her boilers, encrusted in jewel anemones, is a sight. The structure here is seriously broken in places, so buoyancy control is key, but for experienced divers, it's a fascinating look at a piece of wartime history, now a thriving artificial reef. Our favourite time to dive her is on a neap tide, right on slack water, to minimise the current.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.535600, -0.638850
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 HIGHLAND CORRIE

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 HIGHLAND CORRIE

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 typical depth range for diving in a Highland Corrie?
The Highland Corrie wreck is situated at a depth of 36 meters. This makes it suitable for divers comfortable with deeper dives and proper deep diving training.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see in a Highland Corrie?
The primary underwater feature at Highland Corrie is the impressive wreck of a steam ship vessel, measuring 126.2m x 17.1m. Divers can explore its structure, including four boilers and a triple expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs attracting various species; you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving in a Highland Corrie, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving the Highland Corrie is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also noted as a dangerous wreck, requiring divers to possess appropriate experience and training for such environments. Divers should be comfortable with deeper wreck diving techniques and prepared for potential hazards.
What is the best time of year to dive in a Highland Corrie for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the Highland Corrie wreck. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for a Highland Corrie?
Given the intermediate difficulty, 36-meter depth, and classification as a dangerous wreck, divers should hold certifications appropriate for deep wreck diving. Advanced Open Water Diver and Wreck Diver specialties are highly recommended to safely explore the Highland Corrie. Proper equipment and training are crucial for this site.
What are the typical water conditions, visibility, and currents like in a Highland Corrie?
The provided data does not include specific details on typical water conditions, visibility, or currents for the Highland Corrie dive site. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts with dive operators in Cornwall & Devon before planning their dive.