HOEGH OSAKA - Cornwall & Devon

Okay, so a grounded ship isn't a *sunken* one, technically, but the Hoegh Osaka is a proper beast of a dive, and one we genuinely love. It's a car carrier that ran aground in 2015, and while it was salvaged, the hull was extensively damaged in the process and scuttled in shallower waters to become an artificial reef. Maxing out at 7m, this is a relatively shallow dive, perfect for extended bottom times and really exploring the vast, mangled remains. You’ll drop onto a huge, sprawling metal sculpture. Twisted steel plates and crumpled bulkheads create fantastic swim-throughs, if you’re careful and properly trained for overhead environments. We’ve seen conger eels lurking in shadowed corners and massive schools of juvenile pollack swarming around the structure. Light penetrates almost everywhere, highlighting the vibrant jewel anemones that carpet parts of the wreck. It’s a site that changes with the light and the seasons; always something new to spot. Our tip? Go on a calm day with good visibility. You’ll thank us.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.780666, -1.248333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Solent Maritime

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 HOEGH OSAKA

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 HOEGH OSAKA

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