James Egan Layne - Cornwall & Devon

The James Egan Layne is a proper wreck dive, one we always enjoy heading back to when conditions allow. At 20m, it’s accessible for most intermediate divers and gives you a good half-hour bottom time on a single tank. The wreck is pretty broken up, but that’s part of its charm. You can swim through a few sections and explore the holds, which are often packed with bib and pouting. We love spotting the resident conger eels tucked into the darker corners – sometimes you’ll see a hefty one peeking out, almost camouflaged against the rust. What really makes the Layne special is the way nature has reclaimed it. Anemones, dead man's fingers, and colourful sponges coat almost every surface, turning the twisted metal into a vibrant, living reef. Visibility here can be a bit hit or miss; aim for neap tides and a calm spell for the best experience. On a good day, with sun streaming through the green water, the atmosphere inside the holds is genuinely cool, almost cathedral-like. It’s a rewarding dive, offering a tangible connection to history and a thriving artificial reef all in one.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.339900, -4.274200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Whitsand and Looe Bay

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 James Egan Layne

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 James Egan Layne

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