NORTHWARD - Cornwall & Devon

We love a good wreck with a story, and the Northward delivers. Sunk back in 1969 after an explosion, this yacht sits upright on the seabed at 51 metres, surprisingly intact for its age. It’s a deep dive, no doubt, but the reward is a quiet, almost eerie encounter with a vessel frozen in time. You can glide along the deck, peeking into the wheelhouse, and imagine its final moments. The visibility here can be classic UK – sometimes a bit murky, sometimes surprisingly clear, especially on a settled day. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into the sand nearby, and conger eels peering from every dark recess of the hull. We’ve even spotted a few lobsters making themselves at home amongst the plates. Our favourite part is dropping down to the stern, where the prop is still visible, encrusted now with anemones, a vibrant contrast against the dark metal. It’s a dive for those comfortable with depth and who appreciate the history embedded in steel, rather than just colourful corals. Go on a slack tide for the best experience; even a gentle current can feel strong down there.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.400590, -2.617959
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 NORTHWARD

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 NORTHWARD

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