ISBJORN - Cornwall & Devon

The Isbjorn is one of those wrecks that just *feels* right. Lying at 52 metres, it’s a deep dive and often a dark one, so you'll want to be comfortable with your skills and your torchwork. We’ve always found the visibility here to be variable, sometimes a glorious 15 metres, other times a murky five, so be prepared for a proper exploration rather than a scenic fly-by. What we love about the Isbjorn is how intact it still is, considering it’s been down since 1944. The triple-expansion engine is a real highlight, a powerful reminder of its working life, and you can still make out the large cylinders. The bow and stern sections offer some fantastic swim-throughs, now draped in dead man's fingers and home to plump lobsters tucked into every crevice. Our favourite detail is the way conger eels have made the internal structures their own, their heads poking out from unexpected pipes and doorways. It's a deep dive, yes, but for experienced wreck enthusiasts, the Isbjorn rewards every metre of descent with a tangible sense of history and some seriously impressive residents.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.378582, -3.066567
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start 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 ISBJORN

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 ISBJORN

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 maximum depth of the SS Isbjorn dive site and the depth to the top of the wreck?
The maximum depth of the SS Isbjorn dive site is 52 meters. While the exact depth to the top of the wreck is not specified in the available data, divers can expect it to be shallower than the maximum depth. This depth positions it as a significant deep dive.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the SS Isbjorn wreck?
Divers exploring the SS Isbjorn can expect to encounter the remains of a 51.8m x 8.2m steam ship, built in 1907. Notable wreck features include its triple expansion engine, with cylinder sizes of 12, 20, and 32 inches. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems; you can learn more about common species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the SS Isbjorn wreck, and what makes it a technical deep dive?
Diving the SS Isbjorn is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Its maximum depth of 52 meters places it firmly in the realm of deep diving, which typically requires specialized training beyond basic recreational limits. This depth often necessitates advanced planning, gas management, and decompression procedures, making it a technical deep dive for many divers.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the SS Isbjorn wreck?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed for the SS Isbjorn, its maximum depth of 52 meters strongly suggests the need for at least an advanced deep diver certification. Given the depth, technical diving certifications, such as those for extended range or trimix, would be highly recommended for safe exploration. Always ensure your training and equipment are appropriate for such depths.
What are the optimal seasons or conditions for diving the SS Isbjorn wreck in Lyme Bay?
The provided data does not specify optimal seasons or conditions for diving the SS Isbjorn wreck in Cornwall & Devon. Generally, diving in the United Kingdom is often best during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn for improved visibility and calmer seas. For more general guidance on planning your dives, consult our when to dive section.
Are there any notable currents or specific environmental conditions divers should be aware of when planning a dive to the SS Isbjorn?
The available data for the SS Isbjorn does not include specific details about notable currents or environmental conditions. As with any deep wreck dive in Cornwall & Devon, divers should always consult local dive operators and up-to-date marine forecasts for current conditions, tides, and visibility before planning their dive.