LOFOTEN (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Lofoten wreck, off the Cornish coast, is one of those sites we always talk about over a post-dive pint. It’s a steamship, sunk in 1918, and lying at a depth that means it's strictly for the experienced technical diver. We love that challenge, the sense of pushing limits to explore history. Dropping down, the visibility in this part of the Channel can be hit-or-miss, but when it’s good, the wreck appears out of the gloom like a ghost. The stern is our favourite section; the prop is often visible, still attached, heavily encrusted with dead man's fingers. You'll find conger eels lurking in the deeper recesses of the hull, and schools of pollock often swirl around the mast. It's a proper adventure, a deep dive into a piece of wartime history, suited for those with solid deco procedures and an appreciation for cold water wreck diving. If you’re pushing the boundaries of your depth rating, this is a seriously rewarding dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.220783, -3.259233
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
59m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 (PROBABLY)

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 (PROBABLY)

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 dive depths in Lofoten, and are there options for both shallow and deeper dives?
The Lofoten (Probably) wreck offers a typical dive depth of 59m, making it a deep dive experience. This specific site is primarily suited for deeper dives, focusing on exploring the steam ship vessel. For information on other dive sites in the area with varying depths, you can explore Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and underwater scenery can I expect to see when diving in Lofoten?
When diving the Lofoten (Probably), you can expect to explore the impressive underwater scenery of a 56.4m x 9.2m steam ship vessel, which sank on February 3, 1918. The site is classified as a non-dangerous wreck, offering a fascinating historical exploration. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, you can learn more about general marine species in the region via our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving in Lofoten, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving the Lofoten (Probably) wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 59m, this site is best suited for divers with experience in deeper dives and wreck penetration, rather than beginners. Advanced certifications and experience with deep diving are highly recommended to safely enjoy this historical steam ship.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Lofoten for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data for the Lofoten (Probably) dive site does not include specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Lofoten, especially if I want to use a dry suit?
Given the intermediate difficulty and 59m depth of the Lofoten (Probably) wreck, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver are strongly recommended. While specific dry suit certification is not explicitly stated in the site data, it is generally advisable for diving in colder waters like those found in the United Kingdom. For more information on equipment, visit our equipment page.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions like when diving in Lofoten?
The provided data for the Lofoten (Probably) dive site does not include specific details on typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on these environmental factors before planning their dive.