JESMOND - Cornwall & Devon

The Jesmond. Oh, she's a beauty, and a proper piece of history right there in Lyme Bay. We've always had a soft spot for wrecks that feel more like artificial reefs, and the Jesmond absolutely delivers on that front. This brigantine went down in 1884, and time, tide, and the local marine life have truly made her their own. At just 11 metres, she’s an ideal second dive or a fantastic spot for newer wreck divers to get a feel for things without worrying about deco. What we love about the Jesmond is the way the wreck itself has become completely encrusted. We’re talking dense blankets of jewel anemones, particularly vibrant oranges and purples, so thick they almost look like living carpets. Lobsters peek out from every conceivable crevice, their antennae waving lazily, and you’ll often find dogfish resting amongst the scattered timbers. It's not a wreck you penetrate, but rather one you swim over and around, enjoying the colourful explosion of life that has colonised every surface. The visibility can vary, but even on a slightly murkier day, the sheer density of growth on the Jesmond makes her a compelling dive. Our tip? Go at slack tide to really appreciate the anemones fully unfurled.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.414555, -2.593000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 JESMOND

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 JESMOND

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