JOHN GRAFTON - Cornwall & Devon

The John Grafton is a proper little time capsule, sitting shallow enough that you can really stretch out your bottom time and soak it all in. We love it because it’s so approachable, even for divers newer to wreck diving. You’ll find the remains of a steamship, sunk way back in 1852 after an unfortunate run-in with the Pignonet. What’s left is a spread of ribs and plating, now completely taken over by the Channel's tenacious critters. Expect to see plenty of pollack darting through the structure, crabs scuttling over the plates, and often, some surprisingly large conger eels tucked into the more sheltered spots. The way the light plays through the kelp, illuminating bits of rusted metal, is always a treat. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate exploration, tracing the lines of the old hull and imagining its last moments. Our tip? Go on a calm day with good sun; the visibility can really make the colours pop, and it’s just a more pleasant dive all around.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.164833, -2.144389
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey Coast

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 JOHN GRAFTON

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 JOHN GRAFTON

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