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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths and underwater topography at Orchid Island dive sites?
At the ORCHIS dive site, a steam ship wreck, the typical diving depth is 41 meters. This site features the remains of a 45.7m x 7.9m vessel built in 1918, providing a unique underwater topography for exploration. Divers can explore the structure of this non-dangerous wreck, which includes a boiler and triple expansion engine.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater features can divers expect to encounter at Orchid Island?
At the ORCHIS wreck site, divers can expect to encounter the unique underwater features of a 45.7m x 7.9m steam ship, including its boiler and triple expansion engine. The vessel, built in 1918 and sunk in 1935, offers a historical exploration experience. The provided data does not specify particular marine life at this site.
How challenging is diving at Orchid Island, and is it suitable for divers with only Open Water certification?
Diving at the ORCHIS wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 41 meters, it is generally not suitable for divers with only Open Water certification, which typically has shallower depth limits. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience for such depths.
What is the best time of year to dive at Orchid Island for optimal weather and sea conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal weather and sea conditions at the ORCHIS dive site is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving at Orchid Island due to its conditions?
Given the ORCHIS wreck's depth of 41 meters and intermediate difficulty, certifications beyond Open Water, such as Advanced Open Water or deep diving specialties, are highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for such conditions.
What are the typical current strengths and visibility conditions divers should expect when diving around Orchid Island?
The provided data does not include information on typical current strengths or visibility conditions for the ORCHIS dive site. Divers should always check local conditions and consult with dive operators before planning a dive in Cornwall & Devon.