LEANDER
Protected Area
The Manacles
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LEANDER offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical LEANDER Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to LEANDER
Dive shops near LEANDER
Porthkerris Divers
DiveUK
Seaways Diving
Karleyth Diving Ltd.
Viewpoint Diving Centre
Wavecrest Scuba
Reviews for LEANDER
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LEANDER
LEANDER Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for LEANDER, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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