HOLKAR - Cornwall & Devon

The Holkar is, without doubt, one of our favourite deep wrecks in the UK. Lying at 53 metres, this smack vessel went down in February 1918, sunk by gunfire from a German submarine. You can still imagine the chaos of that day as you drop onto her deck. The wreck itself is largely intact, a real testament to her construction, with her bow pointing proudly towards the surface and her stern settling into the seabed. We love exploring the holds, which are now home to massive conger eels peering out from every crevice. Visibility here can be surprisingly good on the right day, allowing the light to filter down and illuminate the vibrant plumose anemones that coat every surface. It’s a site that really rewards careful exploration. Our advice? Go on a slack tide, pack your twinset, and take your time to soak in the history and the sheer amount of life that now thrives on this wartime casualty.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.683870, -5.030227
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Marine Protected Area: Pentire Peninsula

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 HOLKAR

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 HOLKAR

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