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