KAI (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Okay, so Kai, the old steamship. This one is deep, proper deep, at 55m. It’s a serious dive, not one for the casual weekend splash. But for those who are trained and equipped for it, Kai offers a rewarding sense of history, a real connection to the wartime past off the Cornish coast. We love the way the wreck has settled, largely intact, offering glimpses into its operational life. You’ll find the two boilers standing proud, a real focal point, and the triple expansion engine still largely recognisable. It's not a wreck overflowing with soft corals, this is the UK after all, but the steelwork itself provides plenty of nooks and crannies for resident wrasse and squat lobsters. We’ve had some truly tranquil dives here, with visibility occasionally opening up to a good 15-20 metres, which at this depth feels like a gift. Our advice? Go on a slack tide, obviously, and keep an eye on the thermoclines, they can shift quickly. The sheer depth means careful planning is essential, but if you’re into technical wreck diving, Kai is a standout.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.663265, -5.085650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Trevose Head

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 KAI (POSSIBLY)

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 KAI (POSSIBLY)

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