KYARRA - Cornwall & Devon

The Kyarra. Now there's a wreck with some serious history, and it’s a site we genuinely love. She's a big old steamship, torpedoed in 1918, sitting upright in about 26 metres of water off Anvil Point. What makes her special is just how much of her remains. We've explored her multiple times, and each dive reveals something new. You drop down onto the bow, often met by inquisitive pollack, and the sheer scale of the ship immediately hits you. We particularly enjoy finning along her deck, seeing the huge winches and cargo holds, now home to dogfish and conger eels. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in the UK, but when it’s good, you can make out the entire structure, which is impressive. Our favourite part? Definitely the engine room. You can sometimes poke your head in there and see the giant engines, a real journey back in time. This is a dive for experienced wreck lovers, comfortable with penetration and the occasional stronger current. It’s not a drift dive, but you'll certainly feel the pull around the superstructure.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.582150, -1.943650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Marine Protected Area: Studland Cliffs

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 KYARRA

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 KYARRA

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 Kyarra dive site and what is the average depth of the wreck?
The maximum depth of the Kyarra dive site is 26 meters. The provided data does not specify an average depth for the wreck, but divers can expect to explore this impressive steam ship vessel down to its deepest point.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Kyarra?
Divers exploring the Kyarra wreck can expect to see significant features of this 126.8m long steam ship vessel. Notable wreck features include its four boilers and two triple expansion engines, which are part of its twin shaft propulsion system. The wreck was built in 1903 and sunk on May 26, 1918.
How challenging is diving the Kyarra wreck, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving the Kyarra wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and intermediate difficulty, it is not suitable for all experience levels and is best undertaken by divers with appropriate training and experience in wreck diving.
What are the best tidal conditions and time of year to dive the Kyarra for optimal visibility and minimal current?
The provided data for the Kyarra dive site does not include specific information regarding the best tidal conditions or time of year for optimal visibility and minimal current. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Kyarra?
Given the Kyarra is classified as an intermediate difficulty and a "Dangerous wreck," it is recommended that divers hold advanced certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or a specialty in Wreck Diving. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely explore such a site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving the Kyarra?
The available data for the Kyarra dive site does not specify typical current conditions or visibility. Divers should always check local dive reports and consult with dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information before planning their dive.