HIMALAYA - Cornwall & Devon

The Himalaya wreck, just off the coast of Cornwall, is one of those sites we always come back to. She was originally a P&O paddler, built way back in 1853, though converted to screw propulsion before she even launched. That kind of history adds a real flavour to the dive. At only 11 metres, it's a perfect second dive or for those newer to wreck exploration. The wreck itself is well broken up, scattered across the seabed, but that's precisely what makes her interesting. We love tracing the distinct lines of her hull plates, finding where the ribs stick up like skeletal fingers, and imagining her former glory. There’s something evocative about seeing the bones of such an old ship. Visibility can be a bit changeable here, but on a good day, the light filtering through the green water makes the metal gleam. Look closely among the wreckage, and you'll spot plenty of dab and plaice flattened against the sand, along with inquisitive wrasse darting between the plates. We've even seen the occasional conger eel peeking out from under a larger section of plating. It’s a site that rewards a slow, methodical search, rather than a quick swim-through. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny morning, just after high tide, when the water has had a chance to settle and the light penetrates best.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.578750, -2.443067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

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 HIMALAYA

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 HIMALAYA

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