KENDAL CASTLE - Cornwall & Devon

The Kendal Castle is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving. Lying at 43 metres, she’s a deep dive and often comes with a bit of current, but get it right and you’re in for a treat. Built in 1910, this steamship went down in 1918 and now sits upright, her structure largely intact. We love exploring the bow, where the anchor chains spill over the side like giant necklaces, and the holds are still cavernous, inviting you to peek inside if conditions allow. Our favourite part has to be the engine room, with its triple expansion engine and three huge boilers still standing proud. You can swim around them, imagining the heat and clang of the machinery. Visibility here can range from 5 to 15 metres, so pick a day with a settled forecast. Even in murkier conditions, the sheer scale of the ship is impressive, looming out of the green. Look out for the resident conger eels, some absolutely massive, peering from every nook and cranny. We’ve also seen plenty of dogfish nestled in the sand around the wreck and schools of whiting darting through the superstructure. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind the depth. It’s a proper expedition, not a casual dip.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.379215, -3.422150
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
43m

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham Point

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 KENDAL CASTLE

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 KENDAL CASTLE

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