HONGISTO - Cornwall & Devon

The *Hongisto* is a favourite among local divers for good reason. She’s a dangerous wreck, yes, but that just adds to her charm. We love diving her on a calm day, when the visibility opens up to a decent 5-6 metres. You’ll find her broken up, scattered across the seabed in about 9 metres of water, so it’s a perfect site for extended bottom times and really picking through the debris. The stern section is the most intact, with a distinct propeller shaft that stands out. We always spend a good while here, peering into the nooks and crannies. What makes *Hongisto* special is how nature has reclaimed her. She’s absolutely carpeted in plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the surge. You’ll spot crab after crab scuttling between plates of rusted metal, and the occasional dogfish tucked away under a larger piece of wreckage. It’s a proper treasure hunt, sifting through the remains, imagining the ship in her prime. This site suits divers who enjoy a relaxed dive, keen on exploring history and observing the smaller, resilient creatures of the Cornish coast.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.407887, -3.152033
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Penarth Coast

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 HONGISTO

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 HONGISTO

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