OREGON - Cornwall & Devon

The OREGON, resting at 31m off Bolt Tail, is a proper slice of maritime history, and one of our favourite deeper wrecks in this corner of the UK. Sunk way back in 1890 after a rough night, she’s still remarkably intact for her age and exposure to the currents. We love dropping onto her bow, often finding it bristling with jewel anemones, a vibrant contrast to the dark, rust-stained timbers. Penetrating the hold is a real highlight here. Inside, it’s dark, almost silent, save for the faint creaks of the wreck settling. Look out for conger eels peering from every conceivable nook and cranny. The stern offers a different feel; more broken, but still identifiable as the business end of a sailing vessel. We’d suggest heading down on a slack tide, if you can, to really savour the detail – the currents here can be robust, making it a dive better suited to those comfortable in deeper water and with a bit of a push. Even on murkier days, the sheer scale and character of the OREGON shine through.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.245483, -3.939450
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

Marine Protected Area: Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone

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 OREGON

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 OREGON

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 depths for scuba diving in Oregon?
The OREGON wreck offers diving at a depth of 31 meters. This depth makes it an interesting site for divers looking to explore a historical wreck in Cornwall & Devon.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see in Oregon?
Divers exploring the OREGON can expect to encounter the remains of a 36.6m x 6.1m sailing vessel. Sunk on December 18, 1890, this historical wreck serves as the primary underwater feature. No specific marine life is detailed in the provided data for this site.
What is the difficulty level for scuba diving in Oregon, and is it suitable for beginners?
Scuba diving at the OREGON wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to this rating and its depth of 31 meters, it is generally not recommended for beginners and is better suited for divers with more experience.
What is the best time of year to scuba dive in Oregon for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to scuba dive the OREGON for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there specific scuba diving certifications required to dive in Oregon, beyond basic open water?
While the data doesn't explicitly state specific certification requirements beyond basic open water, the OREGON wreck is an intermediate dive at a depth of 31 meters. Divers should ensure they are appropriately certified and experienced for such depths and conditions. Advanced certifications like Deep Diver or Wreck Diver may be beneficial.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions for scuba diving in Oregon?
The provided data for the OREGON wreck does not include information on typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions. Divers planning a trip to Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions before diving this site.