KURLAND - Cornwall & Devon

KURLAND. Say it with a bit of a growl. This isn't some pristine, sun-drenched reef, and that’s precisely why we love it. This old steamship, sunk back in 1917, lies upright at 29 metres, and what a journey she’s been on. You drop down onto the main deck, often feeling the gentle push of the current, and immediately the atmosphere shifts. There’s a palpable sense of history here, even if the visibility sometimes makes you work for it. We especially enjoy exploring the stern, where the massive propeller still sits, an anchor for the dozens of dogfish you’ll often find napping in the sand around it. Swim through the superstructure, carefully, of course, and you’ll find sections that feel like navigating a forgotten industrial ghost town, each metal plate and twisted beam now a home for plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying like delicate underwater flowers. Our favourite tip? Head down on a slack tide, if you can time it. The quiet allows you to really absorb the scale of the Kurland and appreciate the surprising pops of colour from the jewel anemones clinging to the darker recesses. It’s a proper dive, a bit of an adventure, and well worth the effort for any diver who appreciates a good wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.580116, -1.055017
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Marine Protected Area: Bonchurch Landslips

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 KURLAND

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 KURLAND

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 maximum depth of the SS Kurland dive site?
The SS Kurland dive site reaches a maximum depth of 29 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate training and experience. You can find more details about this fascinating wreck in Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the SS Kurland?
Divers exploring the SS Kurland can expect to encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, originally built in 1888. Key features include its single boiler and triple expansion engine, which powered its single shaft. The wreck measures 86.6 meters by 11.6 meters, offering a substantial structure to explore.
How challenging is diving the SS Kurland wreck, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving the SS Kurland is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess solid experience and advanced wreck diving skills. Proper training and equipment are essential for a safe and enjoyable exploration of this historic site.
What is the best time of year to dive the SS Kurland for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the SS Kurland for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions before planning your dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the SS Kurland?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, the SS Kurland is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive and a "Dangerous wreck." Therefore, divers should possess advanced certifications, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver and ideally a Wreck Diver specialty, to safely navigate and explore this site. Always dive within your training and experience limits.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the SS Kurland dive site?
The provided data for the SS Kurland dive site does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning a trip to this site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these environmental factors. Always be prepared for varying conditions when diving wrecks.