LEANDER - Cornwall & Devon

The Leander, an old brigantine that went down on the Manacles back in 1839, is an absolute cracker of a shallow wreck. We love it for its sheer accessibility and the way it’s completely intertwined with the seabed. You're not going deep here, only 5m at most, so it’s perfect for a relaxed dive or even a snorkel on a calm day. What you'll find is a scattered but distinct debris field, bits of timber and structure, all beautifully encrusted. It’s a site that really makes you feel the history. The timbers are home to nudibranchs in every colour, little spider crabs scuttling amongst the growth, and conger eels peeking out from under the larger plates. Keep an eye out for the metallic flash of pollack darting through the clearer sections. We’d suggest going at slack tide for the best visibility, which can be surprisingly good on a sunny day. It’s a brilliant site for newer divers looking to explore their first proper wreck without the pressure of depth, or for photographers wanting to capture the intricate macro life on the wreckage.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.046432, -5.051040
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 LEANDER

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 LEANDER

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