ILSTON - Cornwall & Devon

The Ilston, resting four miles southeast of The Lizard, is one of those Cornish wrecks that genuinely delivers. She’s a decent size, 91 metres long, and lies surprisingly intact for a ship sunk by a U-boat torpedo in 1917. We find her bridge section particularly interesting; you can often push right into the wheelhouse if the visibility is playing ball. What we really appreciate about the Ilston is the sheer volume of fish. Shoals of bib and pollack hang thick around the superstructure, and if you take your time, you’ll spot conger eels tucked into every dark crevice. We’ve even seen plenty of dogfish lurking in the sand nearby. Given her depth, hitting 45 metres, this is definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and the often-moody conditions off Cornwall. Go on a slack tide, otherwise, it’s a proper workout.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.953533, -5.163817
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Marine Protected Area: Lizard Point

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 ILSTON

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 ILSTON

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical maximum depth for scuba diving at Ilston?
The typical maximum depth for scuba diving at Ilston is 45 meters. This makes it a dive suitable for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and potential technical diving considerations. Divers should ensure they are appropriately trained and equipped for such depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see at Ilston?
Divers visiting Ilston can expect to explore a fascinating underwater attraction- the wreck of a steam ship vessel. This impressive wreck, measuring 91.4m x 13.4m, was sunk by a German submarine in 1917 and offers a unique historical dive experience. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time, making it a potential spot for marine life observation.
How would you rate the difficulty of diving at Ilston for beginner and advanced divers?
The difficulty of diving at Ilston is rated as intermediate. This suggests it is not recommended for beginner divers, but offers a rewarding challenge for those with some experience in deeper wreck diving. Advanced divers will find it an engaging site to explore, given its depth and historical significance.
What is the best time of year to dive at Ilston for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at Ilston. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, we recommend checking a comprehensive when-to-dive guide or consulting local dive operators for current conditions. Always prioritize safety and local expertise when planning your dive.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at Ilston?
Given the maximum depth of 45 meters and an intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess appropriate certifications for deep diving and experience with wreck diving. It is advisable to have advanced open water certification or higher, along with experience in similar conditions, before attempting to dive Ilston. Always dive within your training and comfort limits.
What are the usual water currents and visibility conditions like at the Ilston dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual water currents or visibility conditions at the Ilston dive site. As an intermediate wreck dive at 45 meters, divers should always be prepared for potential currents and varying visibility, which are common in deeper, open water environments. It's always best to consult local dive centers for up-to-date information on site conditions before planning your dive.