LOFOTEN - Cornwall & Devon

Okay, so the *Lofoten*. This isn't your shallow-water jaunt, not by a long shot. At 60 metres, this First World War steamship demands respect and proper planning. We've always been drawn to wrecks with a bit of history, and being torpedoed by UB-59 in 1918 certainly gives her that. What we love about the *Lofoten* is how she lies; she's upright, quite intact, with a real sense of her original form still visible in the gloom. Dropping down, the bow is often our favourite starting point, though visibility here can be… *variable*, let’s say 10 to 15 metres on a good day, but sometimes you’re practically on top of her before she materialises. You’ll find schools of cod sheltering in the deeper holds, and conger eels are pretty much guaranteed residents. We’ve seen huge ones, thick as a diver's thigh, peering out from collapsed sections. The hull is heavily encrusted, of course, with dead man’s fingers and anemones, adding colour to the deep blue. This is a dive for experienced wreck heads, definitely. You’ll want to be comfortable with depths, strong currents, and low light conditions. The reward is a genuinely atmospheric dive on a proper piece of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.158940, -3.492865
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 LOFOTEN

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 LOFOTEN

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 marine life and underwater landscapes can I expect to see when diving in Lofoten?
The primary underwater landscape you'll explore at Lofoten is the impressive wreck of a steam ship vessel, measuring 56.4m x 9.1m. Sunk in 1918, this former Norwegian vessel provides a fascinating artificial reef structure. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks commonly attract a variety of species, making it a potential habitat for diverse marine life.
What are the typical depths for scuba diving in Lofoten, including wreck dives?
The typical depth for scuba diving at the Lofoten site, which is a dedicated wreck dive, is 60m. This deep dive explores the remains of a steam ship vessel that was torpedoed in 1918. Divers should be prepared for a significant depth when planning their visit to this historic site in Cornwall & Devon.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Lofoten for good visibility and marine life?
Unfortunately, the provided data for the Lofoten dive site does not specify the best time of year for good visibility or marine life encounters. For general information on optimal diving conditions in the Cornwall & Devon region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide. This will help you plan your trip to the Lofoten wreck.
What level of diving certification is required for diving in Lofoten, and do I need dry suit experience?
Given the Lofoten dive site is classified as "intermediate" difficulty and reaches a depth of 60m, advanced diving certifications, such as PADI Deep Diver or equivalent, would typically be required. While dry suit experience isn't explicitly stated in the site data, it is highly recommended for deep, cold-water diving in the United Kingdom to enhance comfort and safety. Always ensure you have the appropriate equipment and training for such challenging conditions.
How challenging are the dive sites in Lofoten, and what are the typical water conditions and currents?
The Lofoten dive site is classified as having an "intermediate" difficulty, indicating it presents a moderate challenge for divers. This is primarily due to its depth of 60m, exploring the wreck of a steam ship vessel. Specific details regarding typical water conditions and currents are not provided in the available data for this site in Cornwall & Devon.
Is Lofoten suitable for beginner divers, or is it primarily for experienced cold-water divers?
Given its classification as an "intermediate" difficulty dive site and a depth of 60m, Lofoten is not suitable for beginner divers. This challenging wreck dive, exploring a steam ship vessel, requires advanced skills and experience. It is primarily recommended for experienced divers comfortable with deep, potentially cold-water conditions in the United Kingdom.