IMPRENABLE - Cornwall & Devon

Alright, the *Imprénable*. Now, this isn't your vibrant coral reef dive, let's be clear about that. But if you’re into proper British wreck diving, a bit of history, and some genuinely good macro stuff, it’s a brilliant shallow dive. We rate it highly for a second dive or when the weather's a bit frisky and you need shelter. She was a French frigate, captured by the British in 1796, and ended up here, broken up in Bigbury Bay. The remains are scattered, but it’s still very much a wreck, not just a pile of timbers. You’ll weave through ribs and timbers, some still proudly upright, others collapsed into a jumble, creating fantastic hidey-holes. The depth is a constant 10m, so you get plenty of bottom time to really poke around. Our favourite thing about the *Imprénable* is the life that’s made a home here. It’s absolutely smothered in plumose anemones, especially in autumn, their white frills swaying in the gentle surge. Look closer amongst the wood and you’ll find nudibranchs, often sea lemons, scuttling about. We've seen cuttlefish here too, hovering just off the wreck, changing colours as you approach. It’s perfect for divers who enjoy taking their time, photographers, and anyone who appreciates a bit of history beneath the waves. Just keep an eye on the tides; slack water makes for a far more enjoyable rummage.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.659927, -1.626489
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Les Ecrehous

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 IMPRENABLE

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 IMPRENABLE

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