LONGSAND - Cornwall & Devon

Longsand is a strange beast of a dive, and one we genuinely love for its oddity. Forget dramatic drop-offs or pristine reefs, this is a shallow, historical site that tells a story. We’re talking about the remains of a grounded barge, later salvaged and cut up, leaving behind a scatter of metal plates, ribs, and general wreckage at a uniform four metres. You really get a sense of the sheer force of the sea and human intervention here. What you’ll find is a surprisingly busy ecosystem on and around these industrial remnants. It’s less about grand structures and more about the nooks and crannies. Look for blennies peeking out from rusted holes, crabs scuttling under plates, and small shoals of pollack weaving through the exposed beams. We’ve had some cracking dives here on a sunny day with good visibility, when the light penetrates right down, making the metal gleam and highlighting the green and brown algae coating everything. It’s a site best enjoyed on a calm day, and keep an eye on the tide; a low tide can make entry and exit a bit easier. This is a perfect site for newer divers or those who prefer a relaxed bimble, but it’s also fantastic for photographers who enjoy macro work and capturing the interaction between industry and nature. It’s not a deep, blue plunge, but it’s an honest, interesting piece of history brought to life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.625000, -2.431667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and The Fleet

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 LONGSAND

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 LONGSAND

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