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