L H CARL - Cornwall & Devon

There’s a reason we keep coming back to the L H Carl. This isn't a quick scenic dive, it’s a commitment, sitting at 50 metres, but the rewards are substantial. Dropping onto her deck, the sheer scale hits you; 85 metres of steamship, still very much a ship despite being on the seabed since 1917. We love navigating the cavernous holds, imagining the cargo she once carried. The twin boilers are a real highlight, impressive cylinders now draped in dead man's fingers and anemones, creating a tapestry of colour in your torch beam. Look closely for the resident conger eels, thick as your arm, peering from every nook and cranny. The intact bow, especially, offers a powerful sense of history. Visibility here can be hit or miss, typical for the English Channel, so picking a day with slack tide and settled weather makes all the difference. It’s a dive for those comfortable with depth, seeking a proper penetration wreck experience, not just a casual look.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.399265, -2.774717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 L H CARL

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 L H CARL

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 for diving at the Carl's Hill dive site in Bonaire?
The provided data is for the L H CARL dive site in United Kingdom, not Carl's Hill in Bonaire. For the L H CARL wreck, the maximum depth for diving is 50 meters. You can find more details about this historic wreck at L H CARL.
What marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Carl's Hill?
The provided data pertains to the L H CARL dive site in United Kingdom, not Carl's Hill. The description for L H CARL focuses on its history as a steamship wreck, built in 1898 and sunk in 1917. Specific information regarding marine life or coral formations at L H CARL is not available in the provided context.
How difficult is the Carl's Hill dive site for recreational divers, especially regarding experience levels?
The provided data is for the L H CARL dive site in United Kingdom, not Carl's Hill. Diving at the L H CARL wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond basic open water certification. For more information on this wreck dive, visit the L H CARL dive site page.
What is the best time of year to dive Carl's Hill for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data pertains to the L H CARL dive site in United Kingdom, not Carl's Hill. The available context does not include information on the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings at the L H CARL wreck. For general guidance on dive planning, you might explore when to dive resources.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Carl's Hill?
The provided data pertains to the L H CARL dive site in United Kingdom, not Carl's Hill. The available context does not specify recommended or required scuba diving certifications for the L H CARL wreck. Given its depth of 50m and intermediate difficulty, advanced certifications like PADI Advanced Open Water or Deep Diver would typically be recommended.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Carl's Hill dive site?
The provided data pertains to the L H CARL dive site in United Kingdom, not Carl's Hill. The available context does not include information on typical current conditions or visibility at the L H CARL wreck. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning a dive.