LOE BAR WRECK - Cornwall & Devon

Diving Loe Bar isn’t about dramatic drop-offs or pristine corals. It’s about history, plain and simple, and sometimes, those dives are our favourite. This isn’t some intact ship waiting to be penetrated. What you’ll find here, scattered across the seabed at a gentle 10 metres, are the evocative remains of a 17th-century East Indiaman. We’re talking hefty iron guns, an anchor lying proud, and other large, unidentifiable iron objects that whisper tales of 1684. The wreck itself feels ancient, a true relic. Imagine what this ship carried: spices, indigo, even jewellery from India, bound for London before she met her end. While the visibility can be typical Cornish, shifting with the tides, those iron structures provide fantastic shelter for local life. Look for shoals of bib darting through the cannon carriages, sea slugs making their slow way across the encrusted metal, and small crabs scuttling amongst the scattered timbers. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the narrative beneath the waves, for anyone who finds beauty in the past. We’d suggest a calm day, early in the morning, to really soak up the atmosphere before any chop kicks in.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.063440, -5.290669
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Penrose

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 LOE BAR WRECK

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 LOE BAR WRECK

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 is the typical depth range for diving the Lo Bar Wreck site, and are there shallower sections suitable for less experienced divers?
The Lo Bar Wreck site has a typical depth of 10m. While this depth is generally considered shallow, the overall difficulty for this wreck is rated as intermediate. Therefore, while the depth itself is accessible, divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and conditions.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the Lo Bar Wreck?
Divers exploring the Lo Bar Wreck can expect to encounter fascinating historical artifacts from this 500-ton English East Indiaman. Visible remains include several iron guns, a large anchor, and another substantial, unidentified iron object. This seventeenth-century armed cargo vessel, which sank in 1684, offers a unique glimpse into maritime history.
How challenging is diving the Lo Bar Wreck, particularly regarding entry and exit conditions?
Diving the Lo Bar Wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. Divers should possess the necessary skills and experience for wreck diving to safely explore this historic site. We recommend consulting local dive operators for specific details on entry and exit conditions, as these can vary.
What are the optimal sea conditions and time of year to dive the Lo Bar Wreck for the best experience and safety?
Information regarding the optimal sea conditions and specific time of year for diving the Lo Bar Wreck is not available in our current database. For the best experience and safety, we recommend checking with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon or consulting a when-to-dive guide for the region.
What diving certifications or special permits are required to dive the protected Lo Bar Wreck site?
As a Protected wreck, the Lo Bar Wreck may require special permits or adherence to specific guidelines for diving. Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should also hold appropriate certifications for wreck diving. Always confirm any required permits or certifications with the relevant authorities or local dive operators before planning your dive.
What are the typical current strengths and underwater visibility conditions at the Lo Bar Wreck?
Details regarding the typical current strengths and underwater visibility conditions at the Lo Bar Wreck are not specified in our current data. We advise divers to consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on site conditions before planning their dive.