JOHN
Protected Area
The Manacles
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - JOHN offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The JOHN lies shallow, just two metres deep, making it accessible for a leisurely snorkel or a very relaxed dive. This isn't a massive wreck, rather a scattered footprint of a sailing vessel that met its end on the Manacles in 1855. You’ll find ribs and timbers spread across the seabed, a reminder of its voyage from Plymouth to Quebec with general cargo and emigrants. Despite the age, we’ve found decent lobsters tucked into the nooks, and shoals of pollack often drift lazily above the planks. It’s an easy, historical dip, best on a calm day when the sun can cut through the water, illuminating the bones of the old ship.
Typical JOHN Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to JOHN
Dive shops near JOHN
Porthkerris Divers
DiveUK
Seaways Diving
Karleyth Diving Ltd.
Viewpoint Diving Centre
Wavecrest Scuba
Reviews for JOHN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for JOHN
JOHN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for JOHN, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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