KERLOCH - Cornwall & Devon

The Kerloch is a fantastic little wreck, especially if you’re into poking around something that still feels like a boat rather than just a pile of rubble. She went down in 2010 after her skipper dozed off and nudged her onto Crow Rock. We think that relatively recent sinking means she’s still very much intact, sitting upright in about 13 metres of water. It’s a great depth for longer bottom times and really soaking it all in. You'll spend your dive exploring the wheelhouse, which is still largely there, and peering into what's left of the engine room. The wooden hull has started to break down, but the ribs give it a wonderfully skeletal feel, creating loads of nooks for small crabs and blennies. We've seen dogfish tucked away in the sand around her, and schools of pollack often hang above the mast. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss, as with most sites in the area, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the wreck. It's an ideal spot for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to capture that classic ghost ship vibe.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.612100, -5.053650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m

Marine Protected Area: Castlemartin 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 KERLOCH

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 KERLOCH

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth range at the Kerloch dive site?
The Kerloch dive site offers a typical diving depth of 13 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for many certified divers looking to explore the waters of Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Kerloch?
At the Kerloch dive site, divers can explore the remains of a 17.2m long fishing vessel, built of wood in 1959 and sunk in 2010. As a non-dangerous wreck, it provides an interesting artificial reef structure. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become vibrant habitats for various marine species.
How difficult is diving at Kerloch, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at Kerloch is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is well-suited for divers who have some experience beyond their initial certification. While not ideal for absolute beginners, it offers a rewarding experience for those comfortable with basic wreck diving principles.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Kerloch for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year or season for optimal conditions and visibility at the Kerloch dive site is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might find our When to Dive resource helpful.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Kerloch?
Given the Kerloch dive site's intermediate difficulty and 13m depth, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for the depth. However, for a more comfortable and comprehensive experience exploring a wreck, an Advanced Open Water Diver or a Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly recommended.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Kerloch dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information about the typical currents or water conditions at the Kerloch dive site. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning their dive in the United Kingdom.