ICELANDER - Cornwall & Devon

We love the Iceman. Not just for the cheeky name, but for how much life a relatively small wreck can pack in. This little fishing vessel went down in 1981, and in the decades since, it’s become a fantastic artificial reef. At around 30 metres, it's a dive that suits those comfortable with a bit of depth, perhaps looking for something more than reef exploration. The wreck itself is intact enough to give you a real sense of its former life. You can glide over the deck, peer into the wheelhouse, and imagine the crew hauling in nets. What makes it special, though, is the sheer density of critters. You'll find blennies poking their heads out of every crevice, spider crabs scuttling across the plates, and often, a hefty conger eel eyeing you from a dark corner. The metal framework provides shelter for wrasse and pollock, and we've had some great encounters with cuttlefish here, especially in late spring. Our top tip: bring a good torch; the nooks and crannies are where the magic happens.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.647270, 0.026769
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 ICELANDER

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 ICELANDER

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