NORTHFIELD (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Northfield, a steamship that went down in 1918, is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving. We love that it’s still very much a ship, not just a pile of plates. You drop onto the stern, which is surprisingly intact, and then follow the hull forward. The two huge boilers are a real highlight, sitting upright and completely encrusted with plumose anemones – they really glow under a torch. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a rummage. We've seen conger eels snaking through the collapsed midships and lobsters tucked into every crevice. Visibility here can be a bit variable, typical for the Channel, so pick your day. Slack water is key for a relaxed dive, otherwise, you'll be working against a decent push. The depth of 23m means it’s accessible to most PADI Advanced Open Water divers, but we'd suggest bringing a bit of wreck experience for the best enjoyment.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.977432, -4.613300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
23m

Marine Protected Area: Welcombe

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 NORTHFIELD (POSSIBLY)

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 NORTHFIELD (POSSIBLY)

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