NETLEY ABBEY (POSSIBLY)

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

West of Wight-Barfleur

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - NETLEY ABBEY (POSSIBLY) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 60m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Netley Abbey wreck, or what we believe to be the Netley Abbey, sits deep off the Cornish coast, a serious dive for those with the training to reach her. Dropping to 60 metres, this isn't one for a quick jaunt; it demands respect and careful planning. You’re descending into serious currents here, often, so pick your slack wisely – we’ve found the best window is usually just after high water. What makes this wreck special is her intactness for a vessel of her age. Built in 1898, she went down less than a year later, carrying her secrets to the seabed. We love the way the light filters through the deeper water, revealing her structure slowly as you approach. Her two boilers still stand proud, a good landmark for orientation. The compound expansion engine is a fantastic focal point, a real piece of industrial history encrusted with life. Look closely around the machinery for conger eels, they’ve made a cosy home in the pipework, and you’ll often spot a dogfish or two patrolling the deck. The holds are mostly empty, but the sheer scale of the ship at 79 metres long means there’s plenty to explore externally. This is a dive for technical enthusiasts and wreck aficionados who appreciate the quiet history of the deep.