LA JOSEPHINE - Cornwall & Devon

La Josephine isn't a deep dive, which immediately sets it apart in these parts. We love how accessible it is, sitting right under the cliffs near Devil's Hole. You won't find a grand, intact vessel here; she broke up quickly after going down in 1851. Instead, it’s a scattering of ribs and timbers, smoothed by time and current, spread across the seabed. This isn’t about penetrating a wreck; it’s about slow exploration, tracing the outlines of history. We’ve spent hours just sifting through the debris, spotting old ceramic shards and iron fastenings. The real stars are the critters that have made a home among the remains: wrasse darting between the timbers, squat lobsters tucked into crevices, and colourful jewel anemones coating every surface. It feels like an archaeological dig combined with a treasure hunt for macro life. Our tip? Go at slack tide; the currents here can be a bit frisky, and you'll want to take your time piecing together the story of this old girl. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate history and don't mind getting up close and personal with the seabed.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.255000, -2.170000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Jersey 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 LA JOSEPHINE

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 LA JOSEPHINE

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