IOLANTHE - Cornwall & Devon

The Iolanthe sits upright at 41 metres, a proper deep dive that’s worth the effort. We love the scale of this wreck; it’s a big steamship, over 99 metres long, and the bow section, in particular, makes for a dramatic entry. Dropping down, you’ll start to pick out the superstructure, usually draped in fishing nets, with the ship’s ribs creating dark alcoves. What we really enjoy here are the signs of its age – the hull plates are peeling away in places, giving you glimpses into the inner workings, and the sheer volume of life that’s colonised it. Conger eels are always lurking in the darker corners, their heads poking out from the collapsed sections, and you’ll often find large bib and pollack schooling around the stern. It's a fantastic historical dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. A strong torch is essential to cut through the gloom and really appreciate the details. Dive it on a slack tide for the best chance to explore the expansive deck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.461113, -2.134444
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 IOLANTHE

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 IOLANTHE

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