LA SALLE - Cornwall & Devon

The *La Salle* is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. Sitting in a generous 11 metres, she’s a big old cargo vessel, 147 metres long, which means there’s plenty to explore without ever feeling rushed. What we love about her is how she’s broken up. It's not one intact ship, but a series of distinct sections, each with its own character. We’re talking massive twisted girders, plates peeled back like tin cans, and huge cargo holds that are now home to some impressive resident fish. You’ll spend your dive weaving through these metal canyons. Shoals of bib are always present, shimmering in the available light, and we’ve often found dogfish tucked away in the more sheltered corners. Our favourite spot is usually around the engine room section, where the machinery offers some fantastic swim-throughs and overhangs for crabs and lobsters to hide. It's a great wreck for newer wreck divers looking to get some penetration experience in relatively benign conditions, but also for experienced divers who appreciate a sprawling site they can really get lost in.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.486800, -2.655550
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 SALLE

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 SALLE

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 La Salle wreck dive site?
The maximum depth of the La Salle wreck dive site is 11 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow wreck dive, accessible to a range of certified divers looking to explore the historic Cornwall & Devon waters.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the La Salle wreck?
Divers exploring the La Salle wreck can expect to encounter the substantial remains of a motor vessel, measuring 146.9m by 18.3m. While specific marine life is not detailed in our data, wrecks typically attract various local species, making it an interesting site for underwater photography and exploration. For more on general marine life, visit our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving the La Salle wreck, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The La Salle wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to this rating, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers, who should seek out easier sites to gain experience. Divers should possess appropriate training and comfort with wreck diving techniques.
When is the best time of year to dive the La Salle wreck for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the La Salle wreck is not provided in our current data. We recommend checking local dive operators for up-to-date seasonal conditions or consulting our general when to dive guide for the Cornwall & Devon region.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive the La Salle wreck?
While no specific certification is explicitly stated, given the La Salle wreck's intermediate difficulty rating, divers should ideally hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Experience with wreck diving or a specialized wreck diving certification would also be highly beneficial for safely exploring this site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the La Salle dive site?
Our current data does not provide specific details on the typical current and visibility conditions at the La Salle dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive centers or recent dive reports for the most accurate and up-to-date information on these factors before their dive in Cornwall & Devon.