LADY DALHOUSIE - Cornwall & Devon

The Lady Dalhousie, resting at just 7 metres, is a proper treat for any diver who loves a bit of history you can touch. We’ve always had a soft spot for shallow wrecks, and this schooner, sunk back in 1881, doesn’t disappoint. You’re not getting deep here, but what you do get is remarkable visibility on a good day, allowing you to trace the vessel’s substantial 86.9-metre length. It’s an impressive wreck, even after all these years. We love slowly finning over the ribs, imagining the decks above us when she was new. You’ll spot plenty of dab and flounder camouflaged against the sand, and we’ve often seen pollack darting through the remaining structures. The light penetration at this depth is fantastic, painting the rusted metal in shifting greens and blues. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm morning, just after high tide, when the water tends to be clearest. It’s a site that really makes you feel connected to the past, and it’s perfect for those who want a long, relaxed dive exploring a piece of maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.055065, -5.051983
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: The Manacles

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 LADY DALHOUSIE

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 LADY DALHOUSIE

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