ONEGA - Cornwall & Devon

The Onega, a steamship that went down in 1918, lies at a depth of 46 metres off the coast of Cornwall. This is a deep wreck, best suited for experienced divers comfortable with technical profiles. She’s a big girl, 122 metres long, and while the structure is well broken up, the sheer scale of the debris field is impressive. We usually find conger eels tucked into the collapsed sections and plenty of jewel anemones adding colour to the metalwork. It’s a proper dive, one where you feel the history of the place.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.442684, -5.337617
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Marine Protected Area: Kelsey Head

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 ONEGA

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 ONEGA

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 are the typical diving depths and maximum depths for recreational divers in Lake Onega?
The provided data describes the ONEGA wreck located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not Lake Onega. For the ONEGA wreck, the typical diving depth is 46 meters. This depth is suitable for experienced recreational divers with appropriate training.
What kind of marine life or underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Lake Onega, especially around the petroglyphs?
The data provided pertains to the ONEGA wreck, a steam ship vessel, and does not contain information about Lake Onega or its petroglyphs. Divers exploring the ONEGA wreck can expect to see the remains of a 122.2m x 12.1m vessel, built in 1880, which includes three boilers and a triple expansion engine. The data does not specify marine life around this particular site.
How challenging is diving in Lake Onega, considering water temperature and visibility?
The provided data refers to the ONEGA wreck in the United Kingdom, not Lake Onega. Diving the ONEGA wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Information regarding specific water temperatures and visibility for this site is not available in the provided context.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Lake Onega for optimal conditions?
The provided data describes the ONEGA wreck in Cornwall & Devon, not Lake Onega. The context does not specify the best time of year for diving the ONEGA wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving in Lake Onega, particularly for deeper or colder dives?
The provided data is for the ONEGA wreck, not Lake Onega. With a depth of 46 meters, diving the ONEGA wreck typically requires advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, along with specialized training for deep diving. Specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated in the provided data for this site.
What are the typical water currents and overall diving conditions like in Lake Onega?
The provided data refers to the ONEGA wreck in the United Kingdom, not Lake Onega. The overall diving conditions for the ONEGA wreck are classified as intermediate difficulty. However, information regarding typical water currents for this specific site is not available in the provided context.