NIBBLER III - Cornwall & Devon

The Nibbler III is one of those wrecks that just makes you smile. Forget the stats saying it's only 1 metre deep – we’re talking about a proper, identifiable fishing vessel, not just a pile of rubble. It ran aground way back in '89, heading from Gillingham to Poole, and now it sits proudly, half-submerged, right near the shore. We love that you can see parts of it from the surface, especially at low tide. Entry is usually a simple shore stroll, so it’s fantastic for those days when you want a relaxed dip without the boat faff. As you approach, the clear outline of the Nibbler III emerges. We’ve spent many an hour poking around the hull, watching crabs scuttle into crevices, and sea snails grazing on the algae-covered metal. The wreck has become an artificial reef, a bustling mini-ecosystem. You'll spot schools of small fry darting in and out of the broken sections, and we often see gobies peeking from under bits of rusted plate. It’s perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and even new divers wanting to get comfortable with a real wreck without the pressure of depth. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny morning when the light penetrates the shallow water, illuminating the wreck in a warm glow.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.673347, -1.931092
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Studland Bay

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 NIBBLER III

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 NIBBLER III

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