LONDONIER - Cornwall & Devon

The *Londonier* isn't your average Cornish rust bucket. We love this wreck for its sheer scale and the way it lies, mostly intact, on a sandy seabed at 36 metres. Dropping down, the bow emerges first, a stark silhouette against the green water, often with schools of pollack shimmering around it. It’s a proper steamship, 85 metres long, and you can spend a whole dive exploring its holds, peering into the engine room, and tracing the outline of the deck. The visibility here can swing wildly, but on a good day, the light penetrates enough to illuminate the thick encrusting life. Dead man's fingers cover almost every surface, and we’ve often seen conger eels poking their heads from pipes and crevices. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting on the sand nearby. The *Londonier* is a site for experienced divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and potential currents; it’s a real journey back in time, and our favourite way to round off a dive here is to slowly ascend over the stern, watching the profile shrink beneath us.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.476463, -1.384605
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Compton Chine to Steephill Cove

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 LONDONIER

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 LONDONIER

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 maximum depth of the Londonier dive site?
The Londonier dive site has a maximum depth of 36 meters. This makes it an exciting dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Londonier?
Divers exploring the Londonier can expect to encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, originally built in 1911 and sunk on March 13, 1918. Key features include its impressive dimensions of 85m x 12.2m, and the presence of one boiler and a triple expansion engine of 175NHP. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks like this often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various species.
How challenging is the Londonier wreck dive, particularly concerning currents and overall difficulty?
The Londonier wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, and it is also noted as a Dangerous wreck. While specific current conditions are not detailed, divers should be prepared for potential challenges commensurate with an intermediate rating and the nature of a dangerous wreck. Always consult local dive operators for real-time conditions.
When is the best time to dive the Londonier wreck to experience optimal slack water conditions?
The provided data for the Londonier does not specify the best time to dive for optimal slack water conditions. For current-specific information and ideal diving windows, it is always recommended to consult local dive centers or guides in Cornwall & Devon.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the Londonier wreck given its depth?
Given the maximum depth of 36 meters for the Londonier wreck, divers would typically require at least an Advanced Open Water certification or a Deep Diver specialty. This ensures you have the necessary training and experience to safely manage dives to this depth and navigate an intermediate difficulty wreck. Always confirm specific requirements with your dive operator.
What are the typical underwater visibility and current conditions at the Londonier dive site?
The provided data for the Londonier dive site does not include specific details on typical underwater visibility or current conditions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding these factors, it is best to contact local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon.