LIBERTA - Cornwall & Devon

Liberta, sitting in the shallows off Bolt Head, is one of our favourite shallow wrecks in the UK. We know, a three-metre wreck doesn’t sound like much, but for a sunny day, when you just want to potter about and not worry about deco, this is perfect. She ran aground in a fog back in 1926, and time has certainly done its work. You won't find a pristine wreck outline here; instead, it's a huge field of scattered plates, ribs, and machinery, all beautifully encrusted. It’s less about penetration and more about exploring the nooks and crannies the wreck creates. You’ll find loads of pollack darting through the metalwork, blennies peering out from under plates, and sometimes a big conger eel lurking in the deeper crevices if you're lucky. We always recommend going at slack water on a high tide – the visibility is usually at its best then, and the light penetration really brings out the colours of the kelp and anemones growing all over the wreckage. It’s a brilliant site for newer divers or those who love a long, relaxed dive with plenty to observe.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.209206, -3.785893
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary

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 LIBERTA

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 LIBERTA

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 are the typical depths for diving the LIBERTA wreck?
The LIBERTA wreck is typically dived at a shallow depth of 3 meters. This makes it accessible for many divers to explore the distributed remains of this historic steamship.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter at the LIBERTA dive site?
Divers exploring the LIBERTA can expect to encounter the distributed remains of a steam ship vessel, which ran aground in 1926. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species. You can learn more about general marine life in the region via our wildlife database.
Is the LIBERTA wreck considered a difficult dive, and what skill level is recommended?
The LIBERTA wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond basic open water certification to comfortably navigate and appreciate the site.
When is the best time of year or day to dive the LIBERTA wreck for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions at the LIBERTA wreck is not provided in our current data. We recommend checking local dive operators or when-to-dive resources for current conditions and seasonal recommendations in Cornwall & Devon.
What scuba diving certifications are needed or recommended to dive the LIBERTA wreck?
Given that the LIBERTA wreck is rated as an intermediate dive, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is typically recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills for wreck exploration and navigating potentially varied conditions.
What are the typical water conditions, including currents and visibility, at the LIBERTA dive site?
Our current data does not specify the typical water conditions, including currents and visibility, for the LIBERTA dive site. Divers should consult with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information before planning their dive.