LAKE OWENS - Cornwall & Devon

Lake Owens isn't your typical pretty dive, but for wreck enthusiasts, it’s a properly atmospheric experience. This steamship, torpedoed in 1918, lies in just 10 metres, which is fantastic for bottom time. We love that the shallow depth means ambient light filters through, giving the whole site a wonderfully eerie glow, especially on a sunny day. What you'll find here is a substantial wreck, broken but still retaining its imposing bulk. You can pick out engine room sections and cargo holds, now home to a surprising array of life. Conger eels are a common sight, tucked into crevices, and we’ve often seen spider crabs scuttling across the plates. The real charm comes from exploring the nooks and crannies, imagining the ship's final moments. It’s a great site for photographers keen on dramatic silhouettes and history buffs who appreciate a tangible link to the past. Go on a slack tide for the easiest exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.549713, -5.038277
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Trevose Head

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 LAKE OWENS

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 LAKE OWENS

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