NORTHVILLE (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Northville* is a serious wreck dive, not one for the faint of heart or those without proper experience. Lying deep at 40 metres, she’s a big steamship, over 90 metres long, that went down in 1918. We love the challenge here, the way the history settles around you as you descend into the often gloomy Cornish waters. You’ll spot her two huge boilers first, hulking metal cylinders encrusted with dead man’s fingers and anemones. The triple-expansion engine is still largely intact, a magnificent piece of engineering now home to conger eels and squat lobsters. Our favourite part is pushing into the deeper sections, where the light fades even further and you really feel the scale of the vessel. The deck plating has collapsed in places, creating swim-throughs that demand good buoyancy and a cool head. Visibility here can be tricky, often 10-15 metres, but that just adds to the atmospheric dive. It suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate a dive with real weight and a story to tell.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.407530, -3.410150
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham Point

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 NORTHVILLE (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 NORTHVILLE (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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Northville dive site?
The Northville dive site is a deep dive, with a typical depth of 40m. Divers should be prepared for a single depth point rather than a range, as it's a specific wreck. This depth makes it suitable for divers with appropriate deep diving certifications.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Northville?
The primary underwater feature at Northville is a substantial steam ship wreck, measuring 92.7m x 13.4m. This vessel, sunk on February 17, 1918, offers an intriguing exploration of its two boilers and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often attract a variety of local species which can be explored further in our wildlife database.
What is the recommended certification level or experience required to dive Northville?
Diving at Northville is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 40m and the nature of a wreck dive, divers should possess appropriate certifications such as Advanced Open Water or Deep Diver specialties. Prior experience with wreck diving is also highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable exploration of this historic vessel.
When is the best time of year to dive Northville for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the Northville dive site. For general information on diving seasons in the Cornwall & Devon region, it's advisable to consult local dive operators or our when to dive guide.
Are there any significant currents or challenging water conditions divers should be aware of at Northville?
The provided data does not detail specific currents or challenging water conditions for the Northville dive site, though it is classified as a "Dangerous wreck". Divers should always consult local dive centers for up-to-date information on site conditions before planning their dive. Being prepared for varying conditions is crucial when exploring deep wrecks.
What is the average visibility like at the Northville dive site?
The average visibility at the Northville dive site is not specified in the available data. Visibility can vary significantly based on weather, tides, and local conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area. It is always best to check with local dive operators for current visibility reports before your dive.