NICOLAOU VIRGINIA - Cornwall & Devon

The Nicolaou Virginia, or what’s left of her anyway, is a proper chunk of history resting in Whitsand Bay. We love a wreck with a story, and this old steamer, sunk in '46, has seen a bit. She's broken up now, mostly scattered across the seabed at 20 metres, but that’s precisely what makes her so interesting to explore. It’s less about penetration here and more about picking through the debris field. You’ll find huge plates of steel, ribs of the hull, and the enormous boilers that powered her – still very much recognisable. The way the light filters down, even on a cloudy day, gives it a moody, atmospheric feel. We’ve had some cracking dives here, navigating between the broken sections. Look closely, and you’ll spot plumose anemones carpeting the metalwork and dogfish often resting in the sandy patches nearby. It’s a site that rewards patient exploration, perfect for those who enjoy piecing together a wreck's past rather than just swimming through corridors. Our tip: go on a calm day; visibility can be a bit changeable, but when it’s good, it’s a brilliant dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.605442, -5.026082
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: Castlemartin Coast

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 NICOLAOU VIRGINIA

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 NICOLAOU VIRGINIA

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 Nicolaou Virginia dive site?
The Nicolaou Virginia dive site reaches a maximum depth of 20 meters. This depth classifies it as an intermediate dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Nicolaou Virginia?
The Nicolaou Virginia is a significant steam ship wreck, measuring 129.5m x 16.8m, which sank on March 27, 1946. Divers can explore its impressive structure, including four boilers and triple expansion engines. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species; you can learn more about common species on our wildlife database.
Is the Nicolaou Virginia wreck dive suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered challenging?
The Nicolaou Virginia wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive and is noted as a Dangerous wreck. Therefore, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess adequate experience and training for such conditions.
What are the optimal conditions and times of year to dive the Nicolaou Virginia wreck, considering tides and other factors?
The provided data does not specify optimal conditions, times of year, or tidal factors for diving the Nicolaou Virginia wreck. We recommend consulting local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on the best diving conditions and to learn more about when to dive specific regions.
What level of scuba diving certification is required to dive the Nicolaou Virginia?
Given the Nicolaou Virginia is an intermediate difficulty dive, divers should possess a certification level that qualifies them for such conditions. This typically means an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, ensuring they have the necessary skills and experience for wreck diving at 20 meters.
How strong are the currents at the Nicolaou Virginia dive site, and what are the typical visibility conditions?
The available data does not specify the strength of currents or typical visibility conditions at the Nicolaou Virginia dive site. For current and visibility information, it's best to check with local dive centers or guides in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.