ORCHIS - Cornwall & Devon

The Orchis is a proper wreck dive, a steamship that went down in 1935, sitting upright at 41m. We love how intact she is, especially for a vessel of her age and size. You can still make out the single boiler and the triple expansion engine, machinery aft as the data says, and for us, that’s where the real character lies. It feels like stepping back in time, seeing the skeleton of her working life. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in these waters, but when it’s good, the natural light filtering down creates some incredible atmosphere around the bow. Watch for conger eels tucked into the deeper recesses and often large schools of pollack hanging above the deck. Our favourite spot is exploring the stern where the machinery is most prominent. It’s an advanced dive, for sure, given the depth and potential currents, but a fantastic reward for technical divers or experienced wreck enthusiasts.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.279450, -4.577112
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Marine Protected Area: Gribbin Head - Polperro

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 ORCHIS

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 ORCHIS

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